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UK Certifies Protector As First of Its Kind Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 08 May 2025 – The UK’s Military Aviation Authority has issued a Military Type Certificate to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 uncrewed aircraft, also designated the MQ-9B, certifying that it has passed a rigorous airworthiness assessment and verifying it’s safe to operate without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas. This April 29 decision was a first-of-its-kind milestone for a large, unmanned aircraft system. It’s a huge accomplishment for the UK and a technological watershed in the history of unmanned aircraft systems. GA-ASI is the first manufacturer of large, unmanned aircraft to receive an MTC based on rigorous compliance with STANAG 4671, the NATO standard for unmanned aircraft system airworthiness.

Obtaining the MTC has been a goal of GA-ASI since the inception of the MQ-9B in January 2014. The company took its proven UAS platform, the MQ-9A, and added performance enhancing features while ensuring that the design was capable of meeting NATO’s STANAG 4671 Edition 2 airworthiness requirements. To meet those rigorous requirements, the aircraft incorporates numerous enhancements not found on other large UAS. These include lightning protection, fire protection, anti-icing systems and a fatigue-and-damage-tolerant building block design approach. All flight critical software was designed in compliance with the rigor of Do-178/254. Mission software is rigidly separated from flight critical software. These features not only address the aircraft’s airworthiness but also enhance its reliability and operational flexibility to levels unmatched by other UAS.

“Earning an MTC for MQ-9B was a herculean effort and a seminal achievement for our company,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We invested over $500 million as part of an 11-year effort to develop an unmanned aircraft that meets NATO’s rigorous airworthiness standards. This included three flight test aircraft, full component and system-level environmental testing to Do-160 and Mil-Standards (system level environmental testing at Elgin and Pax River), full scale static test airframe test to ultimate ground and flight loads, bird strike, hail protection and full-scale fatigue testing to three lifetimes (3x 40,000 notional aircraft flight hours = 120,000 hours total). Our engineers developed over 140,000 pages of detailed technical data verifying that the MQ-9B met those demanding requirements. I congratulate our team for this outstanding accomplishment, and I know our customers need this type certification, which will open civil airspace for their flight operations.”

The Royal Air Force continues to take delivery of new Protector aircraft at their home in the North of England at RAF Waddington. The UK has 10 aircraft of the 16 it has ordered.

“Achieving the award of a first in class Military Type Certificate has required years of dedication and perseverance and is a testament to the hard work of all involved. It is a privilege to be the first to be awarded an MTC for the Protector Air System,” said Gp. Capt. Neil Venables, Type Airworthiness Authority and holder of the Protector Type Certificate.

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced medium altitude, long endurance UAS. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the Protector operated by the RAF.

In addition to the UK, GA-ASI has MQ-9B orders from Belgium, Canada, Poland, Japan Coast Guard, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com

Posted in Aviation, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on UK Certifies Protector As First of Its Kind Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Roke Redefines Electromagnetic Attack with a New Portable SOSA-Aligned, Modular EW System

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

EM-Vis Deceive is the dismounted Electromagnetic Attack platform that ushers in a new frontier for electronic warfare. Modular, open-standards based, and mission configurable, it delivers operational advantage at the edge

The system is light enough for a single soldier to carry, and has been designed so that even an unskilled operator can deliver battlefield impact

Launched at AOC Europe 2025, EM-Vis Deceive is STICS/SOSA aligned

Romsey, UK, Wednesday, May 7, 2025?- Roke has launched EM-Vis Deceive, a new portable electronic warfare system that brings electromagnetic attack (EA) capabilities directly to troops on the ground. The lightweight system, something a soldier can carry like a backpack, helps military forces detect, track, and disrupt enemy communications, drones, or other electronic signals.

EM-Vis Deceive is the first fully integrated person-borne system of its kind to be designed and built to modular open standards – providing a flexible, upgradable and tailorable solution for different missions. EM-Vis Deceive is also STICS aligned. STICS is a suite of open standards and specifications enabling modularity and interoperability in C5ISR and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.

The system can disrupt a wide range of enemy targets – from drones, to missiles and communication systems – and can be operated by skilled light, medium or heavy EW specialists or by general troops with minimal training.

It marks a major step as electronic warfare moves closer to the frontline, responding to the growing need for faster, more flexible responses to threats on the modern battlefield.

Roke, a UK company that stands at the forefront of defence and security, delivering cutting-edge intelligence and engineering solutions that protect nations, troops, borders, and businesses, launched EM-Vis Deceive today at AOC Europe 2025 in Rome.

Paul MacGregor, Roke Managing Director, said: “EM-Vis Deceive marks a major turning point in electronic warfare. For decades, most EA systems on the battlefield were custom-built, one-offs, made to counter specific threats. These were expensive, slow to upgrade and hard to integrate with other technology. And with weaponry, and the battlefield in general, evolving so quickly, these clunky systems were leaving troops at a severe disadvantage.

“Let’s take drones as an example, Ukraine has had to defend itself from 18,000 drone attacks in the last year alone according to UK intelligence. An army squad could be using an electronic warfare system to jam enemy drones – but what happens if a new enemy drone model appears that uses different frequencies? A new custom build would have to be designed, tested and deployed – it could take months or even years.

EM-Vis Deceive changes all of that, it can be quickly upgraded, software updates can be pushed faster and it can easily communicate with other systems.”

Experts in electromagnetic warfare

Roke has been at the forefront of Cyber and Electromagnetic Activity (CEMA) technology for more than 40 years. This experience has been integrated with technology gained from small form factor radio system development to produce a highly agile system in a modest package, with a range of integrated support functionality. Key attributes of EM-Vis Deceive include:

Modular by design – easily configured to meet the full spectrum of EW missions through swap in/swap out Software Defined Radios (SDR).?

Open standards driven – uses OpenCPI generated Applications and open APIs to develop new techniques or port existing IP onto the system?

Scalable and multifunctional – initial release will be person-borne based on demand for increased survivability in peer threat environment, but scalable and stackable to support high mobility and platform mounted deployment?

At AOC Europe 2025, themed “EMO in Transition – Learning from the Ukrainian/Russian War”, Roke will:?

Launch and demonstrate its new targeted attack EW capability, giving attendees a first-hand look at this game-changing technology.?

Exhibit a suite of EW and EMSO solutions, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in electronic warfare innovation.?

Engage with partners and defence leaders, sharing insights on collaborative approaches to developing resilient and agile EMO strategies.?

Visit Roke at Stand B06 to meet the team, explore the new EW product’s capabilities, and learn how Roke is helping reshape the electromagnetic battlespace.?

For further information, please contact:?info@roke.co.uk

Posted in EW, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Roke Redefines Electromagnetic Attack with a New Portable SOSA-Aligned, Modular EW System

Leading Australian Defense & LE Contractor Aquaterro Launches Their New E-Commerce Store, Broad Arrow Tactical

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

May 8th, 2025

Aquaterro, a respected name in Australia’s defense and law enforcement industry, has officially launched Broad Arrow Tactical – an e-commerce platform delivering premium tactical gear, outdoor equipment, and apparel to both civilian and professional users.

Leveraging three decades of experience in defense and law enforcement innovation, Aquaterro bridges the gap between military-grade reliability and consumer accessibility. The online store features a curated selection of field-tested products, from the world’s best brands, including rugged backpacks, multi-tools, high-performance clothing, and advanced personal protective equipment.

“Our goal is to make high-quality, mission-ready gear available to Australians who value durability, performance, and design,” said Graeme Bulte, CEO and founder of Aquaterro. “Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, first responder, or someone who appreciates gear built to the highest standards, Broad Arrow Tactical delivers.”

Broad Arrow Tactical will also support Australian manufacturing by prioritising locally made products and partnering with veteran-owned businesses.

With the launch of this online store, Aquaterro expands its footprint beyond defense and government contracts, embracing innovation and entrepreneurship in the consumer market.

To explore the range or learn more, visit: broadarrowtactical.com.au

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International | Comments Off on Leading Australian Defense & LE Contractor Aquaterro Launches Their New E-Commerce Store, Broad Arrow Tactical

UF PRO Announces Striker Challenge 2025

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (06.05.2025)

UF PRO announces the return of its Striker Challenge for 2025, unveiling a refined and more demanding format built on the foundation of the past two successful editions.

This year’s event will place even greater emphasis on physical endurance and mental resilience, drawing direct inspiration from the rigours of real-world military selection courses. While previous editions focused primarily on tactical movement and navigation, the 2025 Striker Challenge is designed to push participants further through long-distance running, challenging obstacles, and sustained physical effort under stress.

The UF PRO Striker Challenge 2025 will take place on 27 September 2025 in Pokljuka, Slovenia, located within the alpine terrain of Triglav National Park. The rugged natural environment will serve as the perfect proving ground, combining approximately 20 kilometres of mountainous trails with over 15 military-inspired obstacles. Weighted carries, cold-water crossings, and a series of physical and mental endurance tests will challenge each participant’s stamina, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.

In line with true military selection experiences, some obstacles and course details will remain undisclosed until race day, requiring participants to demonstrate not only strength but also adaptability and mental toughness to succeed.

Every registered participant will receive an exclusive UF PRO Striker Challenge 2025 goodie bag. In recognition of outstanding performance, the top three finishers will be awarded UF PRO gear vouchers valued at up to €1,500, redeemable at the official UF PRO store.

The event is open to active and veteran military personnel, law enforcement officers, first responders, fitness and adventure athletes, and tactical and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether aiming to test operational readiness or push personal boundaries, the UF PRO Striker Challenge is designed for those who seek to prove themselves.

Early bird registration opens on 6 May 2025 and runsthrough 1 June 2025, offering a special entry price of €70. Standard registration thereafter will be €90, with a fixed discounted rate of €70 available throughout for military, law enforcement, and first responders.

For full event details and registration, visit: ufpro.com/events-and-shows/events/striker-challenge-2025

The UF PRO Striker Challenge 2025 embodies UF PRO’s commitment to building products—and experiences—that meet the operational demands of professionals working in high-stress environments.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release | Comments Off on UF PRO Announces Striker Challenge 2025

SFC Energy Presents the Next Generation of Portable Tactical Fuel Cell Systems at Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in the United States

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

• Presentation of the next generation of the portable, field-proven JENNY series at Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in the USA

• Higher performance, better connectivity and increased user-friendliness

• Further development addresses increased demands of defence and public security forces

Brunnthal/Munich, Germany, 6 May 2025 – SFC Energy AG (“SFC”, F3C:DE, ISIN: DE0007568578), a leading provider of fuel cells for stationary, portable and mobile hybrid power solutions, presents its concept study for the further development of the field-proven and portable and tactical power generation solutions of the JENNY series (JENNY 600S and JENNY 1200), based on the proven direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology, at the Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in Tampa, Florida/USA.

The development of the next generation of the JENNY series is focused on three key areas: increasing the rated power, improving connectivity with peripheral devices, and enhancing user-friendliness. With a rated power of up to 100 watts or 2,400 watt-hours, the new systems are expected to be twice as powerful as the current generation. The basic principle of integrating a direct methanol fuel cell and a battery in a compact housing remains, enabling the system to be stored in a backpack. The power supply can be used to supply various loads, even in parallel, in remote field applications and to recharge batteries without any additional chargers.

In addition, the further development of portable power supply solutions addresses the current needs of global user groups, particularly those in the defence and public safety sectors. The next generation will feature significantly expanded connectivity and additional interfaces to enable effortless connection to tactical smartphones and other portable systems. A specially developed app enables various parameters, such as battery charge status and current rated power, to be accessed and managed quickly and easily. This will considerably expand the range of applications and handling options, as well as improve user-friendliness.

The new generation will feature the key characteristics of the previous JENNY 600S and JENNY 1200 systems, which are highly valued by emergency services. These systems are characterised by their reliability, robustness and economical methanol fuel consumption.

This reduces the logistical effort required to supply fuel to emergency services.

Additionally, the systems are virtually silent, emission-free and signature-free. These features improve camouflage and make detection by enemy forces considerably more difficult. Furthermore, the solutions are designed to be lightweight, enabling a high degree of mobility for emergency services.

In recent years, the requirements for equipment carried by emergency services, such as special forces, military personnel and border guards, have changed significantly. The growing reliance on technical devices for communication, reconnaissance and navigation is increasing the demand for electrical power in the field. Battery-powered drones, satellite-based systems, location and identification sensors, and communication systems, for example, must be able to operate reliably in the field and be supplied with electrical power accordingly. SFC’s new generation of portable power solutions in the JENNY series responds to these increased requirements and developments from user groups in the defence and public safety sectors.

Manufacturing of the next generation of the JENNY series will take place at facilities in Germany and India, and in the process of setting up production in the United States. Florian Taschke, CTO of SFC Energy AG:

“SFC has more than 20 years of experience in developing and manufacturing fuel cell systems. With the JENNY series of power supply solutions, we have hardened the technology for extreme requirements to such an extent that it has set standards for defense and public security organisations.”

Christian Böhm, Senior Vice President of SFC Energy AG:

“Emergency services around the world rely on our power solutions in extreme environmental conditions. We also meet the high standards of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). We are now introducing the next generation of our portable and tactical fuel cells to extend the success story with higher performance, better connectivity and increased user-friendliness.”

Further information on SFC Energy’s Clean Energy and Clean Power Management solutions can be found at sfc.com.

Posted in International, Power, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on SFC Energy Presents the Next Generation of Portable Tactical Fuel Cell Systems at Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in the United States

Adventure Tactical Announces IR Sensor Upgrade for Its VIP Light and Trilobyte Beacon Products at SOF Week 2025

Monday, May 5th, 2025

Adventure Tactical, the defence arm of Adventure Lights Inc, is a premier manufacturer of durable safety and signalling beacons for use where positive visual ID is vital, in the most extreme of environments. Adventure Tactical has announced an upgrade to their IR sensor for the next generation of VIP light™ and Trilobyte® beacon products which significantly increases the range of detection and early warning for their users. This announcement coincides with SOF Week 2025, where you can find out more about this and their wide range of complementary products, by visiting their booth (Level 3, Booth #255) at the Tampa Convention Centre, from the 6th-8th May 2025.

Adventure Tactical has been designing and manufacturing highly durable, easy to use and often bespoke safety lights and signalling beacons for the US military, NATO, global security forces and extreme adventurers for over 30 years. Renowned for their excellent quality and robust multi-use designs, and packed with innovative technologies such as Mockingbird®, AutoSync™ and self-healing mesh networks for S.M.A.R.T. Beacons®, they are the provider of choice for special forces, regular combat troops and homeland security teams, globally. Adventure Tactical has strategic partnerships in place with Galvion and Robotics Centre. With customer needs and end user requirements at the heart of their ethos, Adventure Tactical identified a need for users to have increased protection from a wider array of Laser Range Finder and IR detection devices that have become far more prevalent, when facing an asymmetric threat.

Adventure Tactical has been leading the way in integrating Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and early warning detection systems into their light and beacon products for over 15 years. Their products have been proven operationally with US, European, Scandinavian and Middle East customers and are in use with 24 NATO countries. The IR sensor upgrade announced today, combined with other technologies, ensures that the next generation of VIP light™ and Trilobyte® beacon products offer the widest possible range of early warning and detection capabilities. This upgrade helps to protect those operating in the most extreme of environments by increasing their survivability, enhancing command and control and delivering real-time situational awareness.

Tim Ford, Founder and President of Adventure Tactical said: “Our mission is to deliver an extreme product for extreme situations and central to our ethos is to meet our customers’ unique demands.

This IR sensor upgrade is a perfect example of that ethos in action. Front line troops identified an emerging risk when facing an asymmetric enemy threat that we have responded to by delivering an increased range of detection capability to enhance the users early warning and ability to respond.

This enhancement, combined with all our existing innovative technologies and design quality, ensures we offer a cost-effective but superior product compared to alternatives. We are very excited to announce this significant upgrade to our long-standing VIP light™ and Trilobyte® beacon products at SOF Week, and we will be incorporating this enhanced capability into our other products as soon as possible.” Tim added, “Our products are designed and manufactured in Canada, Europe and the US. Therefore, we are able to offer export license and tariff free access to our full range of products.”

Posted in International, Lights, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on Adventure Tactical Announces IR Sensor Upgrade for Its VIP Light and Trilobyte Beacon Products at SOF Week 2025

Mehler Protection to Showcase Advanced Ballistic Solutions at IDET 2025

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

FULDA, GERMANY (30.04.2025)

Mehler Protection, a leading provider of advancedballistic protection systems, is set to participate in IDET 2025, the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair, scheduled from May 28 to 30 in Brno, Czech Republic. As one of Central Europe’s premier defence and security exhibitions, IDET offers a platform for industry leaders to present cutting-edge solutions to military and law enforcement professionals.

At Booth 110, Mehler Protection will showcase a selection of its personal ballistic protection systems—offering tailored solutions for a variety of operational needs. Centre stage will be the newly launched HYVE vest, a modular protective waistcoat designed for law enforcement and security personnel. The HYVE combines low weight, high flexibility, and full systems capability. With a quick-release mechanism and anadjustable, ergonomic fit, it delivers comfort and reliability for both urban and tactical deployments.

Also on display will be the M.U.S.T. System—Modular Universal Scalable Technology—designed to support military special operations. This system allows users to adapt their ballistic protection in real time by combining different components, such as base vests, collars, groin and shoulder protectors, and various ballistic packages. It delivers scalable protection up to VPAM 9, ensuring mission-ready flexibility in dynamic threat environments.

Visitors can also explore a selection of Mehler Protection’s riot control gear, plate carriers, hard and softballistic plates, helmets, and ballistic shields—each built to meet or exceed strict international standards and tested for operational durability.

For more information, visit: mehler-systems.com/event/idet-2025

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Mehler Protection to Showcase Advanced Ballistic Solutions at IDET 2025

Spectra Group Launches New Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) Capability at SOF Week

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

Spectra Group, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has developed in partnership with BATS Wireless antennas a new capability enhancement for Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Comtech) Troposcatter 10-Watt Compact Over-the-Horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminals (COMET) called Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM). Since 2024, Spectra Group has global distribution rights for Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (less the USA, Canada and Mexico which Comtech retains). They have been working in partnership with Comtech and BATS Wireless antennas throughout 2024 to develop the TOTM concept, for which, as the systems integrator Spectra Group has full distribution rights. Spectra Group are launching this new TOTM capability at SOF Week and will be showcasing this and their other strategic communication capabilities in Booth #1805.

The use of the troposphere for communications is not new, but in the past, it was constrained by large dishes and significant power that was not suitable for modern manoeuvre warfare. Comtech’s COMET system revolutionised this capability making it small, lightweight and portable. The COMET system is ideal for providing a secure big data network for deployed headquarters from divisional down to company level or below because it is small, lightweight and due to its low power and directional nature it is also extremely difficult to detect and deny. Critically, it is also satellite independent, can work in a GPS/GNSS denied environment and is proven in the polar regions making it ideal for use during global peer-on-peer conflict and when multi-domain integration is required. However, in the past it did need to be static.

Comtech and Spectra Group recognised the need for increased manoeuvre and large network data on the move, and so, working together with BATS wireless proved the concept of TOTM. Subsequently, Spectra Group working in partnership with BATS Wireless has produced a fully integrated TOTM solution that combines Comtech’s COMET troposcatter with BATS Electronically Steered Antennas (ESAs) into a single fully integrated terminal to deliver an industry first capability. Extensive sea trials successfully tested and validated TOTM scenarios by simulating island hopping in the Florida Keys, Florida Panhandle and off the coast of California. The tests involved ship to shore and ship to ship scenarios proving the concept of TOTM by demonstrating systems tracking and communicating with other nodes while on the move using GPS, but also showcasing the potential for advanced mobile connectivity in challenging environments without reliance on GPS.

TOTM enhances the utility and operational effectiveness of COMET in a littoral manoeuvre context, especially in contested, GPS or satellite denied environments. Its mobility and capacity delivers band- widths of up to 210 Mbps and ranges in excess of 100 Km to support a wide range of mobile applications such as Ship to Ship or Ship to Shore communications, Beyond Line of Sight strategic communications or Wide Area Networks, secure data links for autonomous sensors, control of remote vessels, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and any other application that requires big data delivered to the front line. The TOTM solution can also be utilized with land vehicles for efficient “at the pause” applications, enabling users to quickly establish Troposcatter communications without having to set up and align antennas, allowing rapid data transmission from positions of opportunity.

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “We pride ourselves at Spectra Group on being able to work in partnership with industry leaders to push the boundaries of what can be achieved using the latest technology to meet the demands of regular and specialist forces in the ever-evolving battlespace.

Our trials have successfully proved the Troposcatter on the Move capability which is a significant enhancement to the existing Troposcatter COMETs utility, especially in the littoral manoeuvre space, and superbly complements the Troposcatter Family of Systems and our award-winning SlingShotTM radio and new GENSS platform which also enables BLOS and COTM for troops deployed in austere locations globally.”

About Spectra Group (UK) Ltd:

Spectra has a proven record of accomplishment – with over 15 years of experience in delivering solutions for governments around the globe; elite militaries; and private enterprises of all sizes. As a dynamic, agile, security accredited organisation, Spectra can leverage this experience to deliver Cyber Advisory and secure Hosted and Managed Solutions on time, to spec and on budget, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. Spectra’s gold-level partnerships with third-party vendors ensure best value and leading-edge technology is used. On 23 November 2017,

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd announced that it had been listed as a Top 100 Government SME Supplier for 2015-2016 by the UK Crown Commercial Services. Spectra Group (US) Inc. was established in 2018 to directly support the US market.

Spectra Group were awarded the 5-year contact to be the UK distributor of Troposcatter COMET for US company Comtech Systems Inc. in October 2023. Comtech is a leading global provider of next-generation 911 emergency systems and critical wireless and satellite communication technologies. Spectra’s CEO, Simon Davies, was awarded 2017 Businessman of the Year by Battlespace magazine.

Spectra was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Innovation) in 2019 for SlingShot. Founded in 2002, the Company is based in Hereford, UK and holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.

www.spectra-group.co.uk

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on Spectra Group Launches New Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) Capability at SOF Week