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Adept Armor Launches the Nova Titanium Combat Helmet: A True Metal Ballistic Helmet at Composite-Helmet Weight

July 7th, 2026

The titanium evolution of the NovaSteel™ platform delivers rated 9mm protection at 920 grams all-in, low backface deformation, edge-to-edge coverage, and an indefinite shelf life at roughly a quarter the price of premium polyethylene helmets.

Denison, TX. (July 2026) – Adept Armor, pioneers in next-gen protective solutions, today announce the launch of the Nova Titanium™ Combat Helmet, a high-cut ballistic helmet drawn from a single continuous shell of the company’s proprietary 260LC™ toughened titanium. At 920 grams (2.0 lbs.) all-in in size L/XL (shell, pads, retention, and standard hardware included), Nova Titanium delivers the protection and durability of a metal helmet at a weight previously reserved for premium composite helmets, and within an ounce of a non-ballistic bump helmet.

The launch marks a deliberate challenge to the premium polyethylene (PE) helmet category, which has defined lightweight ballistic head protection for the better part of a decade. Adept’s argument is direct: a formed titanium shell can match the weight of the lightest elite PE helmets while beating them on backface deformation, damage tolerance, environmental durability, and service life at a fraction of the price. Nova Titanium is the titanium evolution of Adept’s established NovaSteel™ metal-helmet line and is fully compatible with the entire NovaSteel accessory ecosystem.

The core achievement is weight. A metal ballistic helmet has historically meant a heavy one. 260LC, Adept’s proprietary titanium armor alloy, was engineered to combine two properties that normally pull against each other, helmet-scale formability and ballistic toughness, allowing a continuous combat-profile shell to be drawn from solid titanium with no resin matrix holding the ballistic structure together.

At 920 grams all-in (L/XL), Nova Titanium sits at or below the published complete-system weights of the lightest premium PE helmets, including the Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic SL (1.01–1.05 kg), Ops-Core FAST SF (1.06 kg), MTEK FLUX Ballistic (1.0 kg), and Galvion Caiman Ballistic (1.13–1.23 kg), and within roughly 30 grams (one ounce) of the non-ballistic Ops-Core FAST Bump XL. In short: near-bump-helmet weight, with real rated 9mm protection, at the weight of helmets costing three to four times as much. The helmet ships in M and L/XL in a high-cut profile sized to clear modern hearing protection.

Nova Titanium is rated to stop 9mm FMJ at 400 m/s, or 1,312 ft/s, with low backface deformation. NIJ 0106.01, the only NIJ standard written specifically for ballistic helmets, contains no “Level IIIA”; helmets marketed as “NIJ IIIA” generally borrow terminology from body armor standards or material-level test conventions. In practice, most premium PE helmets publish their actual 9mm data at 364–365 m/s (1,195 ft/s) under modified military protocols, sometimes with relaxed deformation allowances of up to 29mm. Nova Titanium’s 400 m/s rating is roughly 10 percent higher in velocity and about 21 percent higher in projectile energy than that published test point, with BFD usually in the single digits.

Because the shell is solid metal, not a resin stack, Nova Titanium offers continuous protective coverage to the rim; no unprotected edge band, no composite-style weak zone where the ballistic material can fold over upon impact. Titanium does not delaminate: a strike may leave a visible mark, but it does not create an invisible laminate failure plane, so damage can be seen and evaluated in the field, and multi-hit durability holds up.

That same metal construction gives the shell an indefinite service life. Where premium composite helmets carry a five-year clock, resin ages, laminates can hide post-impact damage, and shells generally aren’t certified past five years, titanium does not rust, delaminate, or degrade under ordinary UV, solvents, sweat, rain, seawater, or temperature swings. Pads and soft goods are replaceable wear items; the shell endures for decades. For procurement buyers, that reframes the helmet as a total-cost-of-ownership decision rather than a recurring replacement line item.

Nova Titanium is built around the complete NovaSteel accessory ecosystem, so every module carries across the line: the Combat Circlet (NVG shroud and rails mounted through existing retention holes; no new holes drilled), the Ballistic Mandible and Gen 2 flip mandible and face shield sets, the helmet tail for nape protection, NVG shroud and rails, and a forthcoming blast liner. Accessories bought for a NovaSteel helmet transfer directly to Nova Titanium.

Where premium PE ballistic helmets typically retail for $1,400 to $2,100, Nova Titanium is $390, roughly a quarter to a fifth of premium PE pricing. Adept’s position is that the high cost of lightweight ballistic head protection has been a primary barrier keeping helmets off the heads of the officers and operators most likely to need them.

“For years, buyers have been handed a false choice,” said Jake Ganor, Founder of Adept Armor. “Either a light helmet that’s expensive, soft-shelled, and expires in five years, or a tough metal helmet that’s heavier than the most modern composite options. Nova Titanium refuses that trade: A true metal helmet, drawn from one continuous titanium shell, that weighs what the best composite helmets weigh, deforms less under a hit, covers edge to edge, and doesn’t carry a best-before date. This is by far the lightest metal helmet we’ve ever built, at a price that finally puts hard-shell head protection within the reach of the people.”

Nova Titanium arrives as law enforcement head protection is being rethought. The DEA-FBI Ballistic Helmet Protocol of 2024 reframed the police helmet as a complete system built around pistol-caliber threats, exposing the real barriers to wider adoption: weight, price, backface deformation, and service life. Nova Titanium is engineered to address all four at once and to serve military, tactical, and prepared-civilian users for whom the same trade-offs apply.

The Nova Titanium Combat Helmet is now available worldwide to commercial, law enforcement, military, and tactical buyers at http://www.ade.pt and through Adept Armor’s sales channels. An independent ballistic resistance test report is available on request.

Nova Titanium Combat Helmet Specifications:

Weight: 920 g (2.0 lbs.) all in, size L/XL

Shell Material: 260LC proprietary toughened titanium armor alloy

Ballistic Rating: 9mm FMJ at 400 m/s (1,312 ft/s), low backface deformation

Cut: High-cut, headset-compatible, accessory-ready

Coverage: Full edge-to-edge metal protection to the rim

Size: M and L/XL

Color: Black, Green, Raw Titanium

Service Life: Indefinite titanium shell service life; pads and soft goods replaceable

Compatibility: Full NovaSteel accessory ecosystem: Combat Circlet, ballistic mandible, Gen 2 flip mandible and face shield sets, helmet tail, NVG shroud, rails, and blast liner. Future titanium accessories forthcoming.

Price: $390/helmet

For more information on Adept Armor, visit its websiteor follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

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INKAS Announces Major North American Manufacturing Expansion Across Canada and the United States

July 7th, 2026

New facilities in Canada, North Carolina, and Florida are expected to more than double INKAS®’ armored vehicle, defense, and special-purpose production footprint by July 31, 2026

Toronto, Canada, June 30th, 2026 – INKAS®, a Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer and systems integrator, announces a major expansion of its North American manufacturing footprint, with three additiona production facilities across Canada and the United States expected to be in full operation by July 31, 2026.

The three newly leased facilities are comprised of a mix of manufacturing and production space, with approximately 42,000 square feet at an additional Toronto facility in Canada, 200,000 square feet at an armored vehicle production facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, and 31,000 square feet for a first-time facility in Florida at Fort Pierce.

Together, these facilities are expected to more than double INKAS’® production space across North America, strengthening the company’s ability to support growing demand from government, defense, law enforcement, commercial security, and specialized vehicle customers.

The expanded footprint provides INKAS® with greater production flexibility, additional manufacturing capacity, and a stronger operational platform to support both current and future programs across its armored vehicle, tactical platform, drone / UAV, and special purpose vehicle portfolios. The Charlotte facility is specially equipped for armored vehicle production and has access to an experienced workforce with direct expertise in armored vehicle manufacturing, helping accelerate operational scaling without the need to build those capabilities from the ground up.

“This expansion marks an important milestone in the continued growth of INKAS® as a North American manufacturer,” said David Khazanski, CEO of INKAS®. “By adding significant production space across Canada and the United States, we are strengthening our ability to support customers with reliable, scalable, and mission-ready security and defense solutions. This investment reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for advanced protected mobility, unmanned systems, and specialized platforms.”

The new facilities form part of INKAS®’ broader strategy to increase production capacity, improve operational resilience, and support a growing portfolio of armored, tactical, unmanned, and special-purpose solutions. With operations expanding across Toronto, Charlotte, and Fort Pierce, INKAS® is positioned to better serve domestic and international customers while supporting more efficient production, faster program execution, and future growth across key markets.

“Beyond expanding our production footprint, this investment is about creating skilled jobs, supporting local economies, and building long-term manufacturing capability in North America,” said Margarita Simkin, Chairwoman of INKAS®. “As these facilities come online, they will create opportunities for engineers, technicians, production specialists, and support teams across Canada and the United States. We believe that investing in people and manufacturing infrastructure is essential to building a stronger, more resilient security and defense industry.”

For nearly three decades, INKAS® has specialized in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of armored vehicles and advanced security solutions. The company’s portfolio includes discreet armored SUVs and sedans, tactical vehicles, armored personnel carriers, drones / UAVs, cash-in-transit vehicles, and custom-built special-purpose platforms for clients around the world.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Made In USA!, Manufacturing, Press Release | Comments Off on INKAS Announces Major North American Manufacturing Expansion Across Canada and the United States

Galvion Cortex EVO Update

July 7th, 2026

Fourteen years ago, Galvion was awarded its first helmet contract with NATO. Since then they have worked to improve the fit and function of their helmets as well as integrate communications and computing capabilities. The result is the second release in the Cortex ecosystem, EVO.

A year ago we showed you Galvion’s Cortex system, promising that eventually, it would move beyond an appliqué to become fully integrated into the helmet. With EVO, Galvion has delivered on that promise.

Right up front it’s important to acknowledge that Galvion made it very clear to us, Cortex EVO isn’t a helmet, it’s a platform.

EVO offers full integration of enablers and is lightweight with a small form factor. Ultimately it could be described as “slick.” You don’t encounter a helmet covered in cables. Starting with a ballistic core and building outward, Cortex EVO integrates embedded power/data pathways and features an outer lightweight composite shell.

During the development of Cortex EVO, Galvion started with what most of us would consider the inside out. Essentially, Galvion embedded the capabilities developed for Cortex within the helmet. They refined their electro-optical / communications platform and then sandwiched it between the ballistic inner and outer composite shell. This approach was based on operator feedback who were satisfied with each of the individual capabilities provided by modern headborne systems but were dissatisfied with the integration of them into a single platform.

Technically, they have taken Cortex to the next level. Not only is EVO the nexus of information for the operator but it also serves as a node in a larger network, connecting the eyes and ears to the system but also offerering onboard processing. Likewise it can share computational demands with the operator’s End User Device with the connection accomplished through a single cable lead.

As part of a “get your head out of your TAK” effort, Galvion has also rolled out AlertCentr, which interfaces with Tactical Awareness Kit and features configurable visual and audio cues so operators can react to alerts.

One interesting feature that the full headborne hemlet integration of EVO has afforded is that the computational module incorporates thermal signature management. The platform is also programmable and upgradable as additional capabilities are developed with plug and play capabilities for new enablers as they roll out.

The Galvion team also showed me how the same technology can be applied to a standard helmet, like their Caiman. This EVO HALO configuration has all the same technology and capabilities delivered in a system that can be added to an existing helmet with minimal retrofitting. This slick and lightweight. And while a little heavier than the fully embedded system, it offers a great upgrade path for existing Users

Another important feature for EVO is that it is fully manufacturable at this point and can be maintained at the unit with minimal training. This is not a science project and is ready for unconstrained trials. In fact, Galvion representatives told me that they want to see the platform out there in full operational use.

www.galvion.com

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US Army INSCOM Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

July 7th, 2026

FORT BELVOIR, Va. – On Friday, June 5, 2026, Maj. Gen. Rhett R. Cox took command of U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), relieving Maj. Gen. Timothy D. Brown.

The ceremony, presided over by Lt. Gen. Michelle A. Schmidt, U.S. Army deputy chief of staff, G-2, brought together senior Army leaders and previous INSCOM commanding generals. Brown served as INSCOM’s commanding general from Dec. 10, 2023, to June 5, 2026. He retired from the U.S. Army after more than 35 years of service.

“Brown led operations that ensured that INSCOM delivered intelligence to drive decision advantage,” Schmidt said. “He optimized the force, strengthened the workforce, and delivered intelligence that protected the force and enabled targeting. You made INSCOM a more agile and responsive command.”

Brown led INSCOM’s 18,000 personnel across 40 countries and 180 locations and orchestrated a historical organizational transformation by consolidating 17 major subordinate commands into 15, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and agility across the global enterprise.

During his tenure, INSCOM and its units stationed around the globe made advancements in critical intelligence capabilities, such as the retirement of legacy aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (AISR) aircraft while transitioning to modern air frames, such as the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) and the Army Theater-Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Airborne (ATHENA) airframes, that allow the service to see and sense farther than any prior AISR asset.

Brown provided foundational intelligence support for National Defense Strategy priorities and major operations, including rapid surge support during crises such as Operation EPIC FURY where INSCOM enabled critical communications and multi-discipline intelligence support in contested environments. Among his other notable accomplishments, he strengthened global partnerships, enhanced intelligence production and information sharing, and developed and executed data literacy and AI training for over 10,000 Soldiers and civilians, upskilling the workforce to meet future intelligence challenges.

His vision for INSCOM has been to fight and win in contested spaces with his focus on the Soldier outside the wire and in harm’s way.

“Leadership is not about the person at the top. It’s our 18-year-olds that are guarding freedom’s frontier,” said Brown. “They are a national treasure. It’s the reason we serve at INSCOM – to give them intelligence before making contact with the enemy. Intelligence drives our strategy to fight and win, and those Soldiers are the key to defending the nation. They are the best of us, and they inspire me every day.”

Cox, INSCOM’s incoming commander, comes to INSCOM from his previous assignment as Schmidt’s senior military advisor. Before that assignment, he served at one of INSCOM’s major subordinate commands (MSC) as commanding general of U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command at Fort Meade, Maryland for three years.

“Rhett has operational, tactical, and strategic levels of service,” said Schmidt. “He understands operational challenges and INSCOM’s critical role to make sure the Army wins anytime, anywhere.”

In his final farewell to the command, Brown warmly welcomed Cox to the INSCOM team.

“The army built a weapon system in the form of Rhett Cox. There is probably no better prepared MI corps leader having the right job at right time performing the right way,” said Brown. “He’s my friend. My battle buddy. This is the moment to transition to up gun INSCOM and that’s with Rhett Cox.”

A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, Cox commissioned into the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps in 1993. Cox has served within INSCOM in other positions, such as the commander of the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB), deputy all-source collection element chief, 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th MIB Theater (MIB-T), and INSCOM deputy commander. His other previous assignments include deputy chief for counterintelligence integration in the Strategic Competition Group at the Defense Intelligence Agency, director of the Joint Intelligence Training Center at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and the G-2 for NATO Allied Land Command in Turkey.

“I’m extremely honored to be the 21st commanding general of INSCOM,” said Cox. “All of us at INSCOM should never forget our duty to deliver intelligence. It’s been awesome to see this team rally around its commands to support them during recent conflicts, rapid technical change and strategic competition. We will do our best to ensure our enemies cannot operate uncontested in our area of responsibility. INSCOM has your back, and we will ensure you have what you need to meet your adversaries.”

By Erin Rohn

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Red Cat’s Teal Drones Advances to Gauntlet II of Drone Dominance Program

July 6th, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, July 02, 2026 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc.?(Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced that Teal Drones Inc. has advanced to Gauntlet II of the Drone Dominance Program. According to the program’s Phase 2 participant list, Teal is among 19 companies invited to participate in Gauntlet II at Fort Carson, Colorado, in August 2026, following the Phase 2 Qualifier.

The Phase 2 Qualifier was held at Camp Grayling, Michigan, where 49 companies were invited to compete and approximately 79 unique drones were tested across Long Range Strike and Tactical Assault in Close Quarters mission areas. Teal’s advancement reflects Red Cat’s continued focus on delivering trusted, mission-ready drone and robotic solutions that support the warfighter with critical situational awareness and operational advantage.

“Advancing to Gauntlet II is an honor and a meaningful validation of the work our Teal team is doing to deliver trusted, mission-ready systems for the warfighter,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “The Drone Dominance Program is focused on rapidly identifying proven drone technologies that can provide a decisive advantage on the modern battlefield, and we are proud to continue competing in support of that mission.”

Posted in Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

BAE Systems Delivers first Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles to Army National Guard and Other US Military Units

July 6th, 2026

BAE Systems has completed the delivery of 19 Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles (CATV) to the U.S. military, including the Vermont National Guard (VTNG) Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS).

This marks the first time the VTNG AMWS has received CATVs, representing a significant milestone in the service’s and state’s military modernization efforts.

The CATV is a rugged, ready-made platform designed to tackle the toughest winter conditions with exceptional mobility and versatility. These vehicles will enhance the VTNG’s ability to operate in extreme cold, while also supporting training missions. In addition, military personnel will also receive hands-on training for vehicle operation and maintenance to ensure seamless integration.

This latest delivery also includes vehicles for the Arctic Region Test Center (ARTC) in Alaska and the 11th Airborne Division. The CATV program has seen significant growth since its inception, with BAE Systems continuing to build and deliver toward the Army’s goal of producing 487 vehicles.

“As we continue to deliver on our commitment to the U.S. military, we’re looking forward to seeing the impact of our CATVs in the field,” said Dean Medland, Combat Mission Systems’ vice president of sustainment and international. “The CATV’s unique capabilities will be a game-changer for the Vermont National Guard, Arctic Region Test Center and the 11th Airborne Division, enabling them to operate more effectively in challenging cold-weather environments.”

This delivery of 19 vehicles brings the total number of CATVs delivered to date to 58, and Hagglunds continues working to deliver the additional 97 vehicles currently on order.

Work on the CATVs takes place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Fort Wainwright, the ARTC and the VTNG.

Posted in Arctic, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Sneak Peek – from US Armor Forge × INFITAC FML19 Thermal Hood for the EOTech XPS & EXPS

July 6th, 2026

Meet the US Armor Forge × INFITAC FML19 Thermal Hood for the EOTech XPS & EXPS platform.

Engineered from DMLS titanium and aerospace-grade aluminum, the system is designed to maximize capability without sacrificing the compact footprint professionals rely on.

Features:

• Integrated USB-C rechargeable, MIL-rated battery pod

• 50+ hours of continuous runtime

• Precision DMLS aluminum/titanium construction

• Maintains the compact XPS/EXPS form factor

• Exclusive US Armor Forge firmware unlocking Night Vision Mode on compatible FML19 units

• Ruggedized for professional and government applications

Small footprint. Extended endurance. Full thermal capability.

Coming soon from usarmorforge.com.

Posted in Optics, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Republic Systems – Pattern 26 Short Ruck & Combat Support Duffel

July 6th, 2026

The team at Republic Systems banded together to create their Pattern 26 Load Carriage Platform. They took the parts of ALICE that worked, the modern capabilities, materials, and open market, and the simplicity of the SADF pattern 70, SADF Pattern 83 and the M1928 Systems.

The first item from Republic Systems’ Pattern 26 Load Carriage Platform is the Short Ruck which is compatible with the venerable ALICE frame.

The idea behind the pack is that it is shorter than the frame, leaving room to lash equipment to the top. Republic Systems created the Combat Support Duffel for just this purpose.

The Combat Support Duffle is a sleep carrier that can also act as a haversack and a slung duffle. The sleep system isn’t always needed and takes up space in the bottom of the ruck.

With the 2 inch webbing on the top lid of the pack and the same spaced webbing on all of their pattern 26 pouches, bags, and items, you can use a 1 inch strap with any standard ITW 1″ Hardware to lash items directly to the lid of your bag such as 10L Jerry cans, Pelican cases, padded optics cases, drones, tools, and so on.

In short it’s a simple stupid, universal platform that gives the flexibility to guys to use their packs and load carriage however they need to.

Available in Coyote, Ranger Green, and MultiCam.

republicsystems.us/products/p26-combat-support-duffle-stripped

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