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GA-ASI Achieves New Milestone With Semi-Autonomous CCA Flight

February 15th, 2026

YFQ-42A Uncrewed Fighter Jet Executes Mission Autonomy Test

SAN DIEGO – 12 February 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) passed a new milestone this month, successfully integrating 3rd-party mission autonomy into the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft to conduct its first semi-autonomous airborne mission.

For this test, GA-ASI used mission autonomy software supplied by Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, to fly the new YFQ-42A CCA, designed and developed by GA-ASI for the U.S. Air Force. The Sidekick Collaborative Mission Autonomy software was seamlessly integrated with the YFQ-42A’s flight control system, utilizing the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA). The integration enabled robust and reliable data exchange between the autonomy software and the aircraft’s mission systems, ensuring precise execution of mission autonomy commands.

During the recent testing, autonomy mode was activated via the Ground Station Console (GSC). Once enabled, a human autonomy operator on the ground transmitted various commands directly to the YFQ-42A, which executed the instructions with high accuracy for more than four hours. This test highlights the effectiveness of Sidekick’s advanced mission autonomy capabilities and the flexibility of the A-GRA standard in supporting complex operational requirements.

“We are excited to collaborate with Collins to deliver enhanced autonomous mission solutions,” said David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI. “The integration of Sidekick with our YFQ-42A demonstrates our commitment to innovation and operational excellence in unmanned aircraft technology.”

This achievement underscores GA-ASI’s dedication to advancing autonomous systems for defense applications. The combination of Sidekick autonomy software and YFQ-42A mission systems, connected through A-GRA, sets new benchmarks for combat autonomy, mission flexibility, operator control, and system reliability.

“The autonomy capabilities showcased in this flight highlight our dedicated investment to advance collaborative mission autonomy,” said Ryan Bunge, vice president and general manager for Strategic Defense Solutions, Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. “The rapid integration of Sidekick onto this General Atomics platform and its immediate ability to support a broad spectrum of combat-relevant behaviors underscores the strength and flexibility of our open systems approach.”

This first mission autonomy flight continues a robust YFQ-42A development schedule for GA-ASI that began in August 2025 with initial flights of YFQ-42A Tail One. In less than six months, GA-ASI has built and flown multiple YFQ-42A aircraft, including push-button autonomous takeoffs and landings.

GA-ASI has been building and flying uncrewed jets for nearly two decades, beginning with the company-funded, weaponized MQ-20Avenger® in 2008. Ongoing company investment in Avenger continues to yield results, as the aircraft routinely serves as a CCA surrogate for advanced autonomy development and testing in both government programs and company-funded research and development.

As a family-owned, privately held defense company for more than 30 years, GA-ASI is known as one of the original disruptors in the U.S defense industry, pioneering and inventing many of the technologies now considered ubiquitous in uncrewed aircraft operations around the world. The company re-invests more than 35 percent of annual revenue into internal research and design projects, building ahead of need and designing capabilities ahead of requirements.

In 2025, for example, an internally funded Avenger demo featured both GA-ASI’s TacACE autonomy software and Shield AI’s Hivemind software on the same flight, with the MQ-20seamlessly switching between AI pilots while still airborne. Later in the year, GA-ASI teamed with Lockheed Martin and L3 Harris for another Avenger flight demo, connecting the MQ-20 with an F-22 Raptor for an advanced manned-unmanned teaming mission that allowed the human fighter pilot to command the Avenger as an autonomous CCA surrogate via tablet control from the cockpit.

In 2024, GA-ASI first flew its XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) jet, developed in collaboration with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This early CCA prototype validated the “genus/species” concept pioneered with AFRL as part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program, focused on building several aircraft variants from a common core chassis.

GA-ASI’s Gambit Series envisions multiple missionized variants from this common core concept, with XQ-67A already showcasing airborne sensing and YFQ-42A illustrating air-to-air combat. Using this novel manufacturing approach to drive overall customer value, GA-ASI can quickly pivot to diverse missions with less time and cost investment than building a clean-sheet aircraft.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

SK Guns Named Title Sponsor for 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run Benefiting Special Olympics Florida

February 15th, 2026

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – February 12, 2026 – SK Guns®, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited-edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce its role as the title sponsor for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) in support of Special Olympics Florida. This partnership underscores SK Guns’ commitment to community engagement and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a global initiative that unites law enforcement officers in raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes. In Florida, the LETR involves over 5,000 officers from more than 300 agencies, who carry the “Flame of Hope” across 67 counties, culminating in the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games.

As part of its sponsorship, SK Guns is designing a custom firearm to be raffled, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Florida. This initiative aims to generate significant funds to support year-round sports training, competition, health services and leadership programs for more than 75,000 athletes statewide. Winner must be of the legal age to own and operate a firearm in their state.

“Our partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run aligns with our dedication to community service and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “We are honored to contribute to the mission of Special Olympics Florida and to stand alongside law enforcement in this meaningful endeavor.”

The 2026 LETR will commence in March and continue through May, featuring a series of runs and fundraising events across the state. The final leg will lead into the State Summer Games, where the “Flame of Hope” will be delivered to the Opening Ceremony, symbolizing the courage and determination of Special Olympics athletes.

For more information on the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run, including event dates and locations, or to learn how to participate or contribute, please visit Special Olympics Florida’s official website. To donate or purchase tickets, visit this page.

Follow SK Guns on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to learn of its newest production launches.

Posted in Charity, LE, Press Release | No Comments »

US and Panamanian Forces Kick Off Jungle Operations Training Course

February 15th, 2026

CRISTÓBAL COLÓN, Panama — U.S. service members and Panamanian security forces are set to hold the Jungle Operations Training Course-Panama, JOTC-P, Feb. 3–20 at Base Aeronaval Cristóbal Colón. The 18-day program will be conducted in a combined U.S.-Panamanian setting and focused on honing jungle warfare skills to enhance multinational interoperability.

Coordinated by the Joint Security Cooperation Group–Panama, the course brings together U.S. Army Soldiers from the Army Security Cooperation Group – South and the 82nd Airborne Division — with support from Joint Task Force-Bravo — as well as U.S. Marines, training side-by-side with partners from Panama’s Servicio Nacional de Frontera, Servicio Nacional Aeronaval and Policía Nacional de Panamá.

This iteration marks significant growth, with increased student numbers and balanced teams featuring the continued representation from U.S. and Panamanian participants. The course will also feature the largest participation of U.S. Army personnel since the revitalized training began in August 2025. The blended teams foster collaboration, build interoperability and encourage joint problem-solving in challenging conditions.

JOTC-P integrates assets across services and nations, including dismounted tactics and aviation support, to prepare forces for operations in dense, triple-canopy jungle terrain. The training progresses through three phases.

In phase one, participants master jungle survival fundamentals, such as machete use, fire craft, water purification and building primitive shelters. Largely led by Panamanian instructors, this phase emphasizes adaptability, endurance and resourcefulness in austere environments.

Phase two covers small-unit tactics, including movement techniques, ambushes, casualty evacuation and waterborne operations, largely led by U.S. instructors. These scenarios challenge decision-making under stress and strengthen communication in multinational teams.

Phase three features five combined missions — encompassing attacking a mortar firing point and conducting ambushes and reconnaissance missions — culminating in the grueling “Green Mile” endurance event and graduation. Instructors assess teamwork, leadership, and sustained performance in demanding jungle conditions.

By SPC Richard Morgan

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training | No Comments »

Mehler Systems Among Germany’s TOP 100 Innovators

February 14th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (11.02.2026)

Mehler Systems has been awarded the prestigious TOP 100 seal for 2026, placing the company among the most innovative medium-sized enterprises in Germany. The TOP 100 innovation competition is the only one of its kind to assess the innovation capability of mid-sized companies on the basis of a scientifically grounded analysis, with a particular focus on innovation management, forward-looking strategy and sustainable competitiveness.

“We are very proud to be among the TOP 100 innovators in Germany. This award recognises the performance of our entire team as well as our ambition to anticipate market developments years in advance as a first mover,” says Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems. “The TOP 100 seal validates our path and is also an incentive to consistently pursue our innovation agenda. Our goal is to remain a reliable, forwardthinking partner for customers, suppliers and stakeholders along the entire value chain.”

The award as one of the TOP 100 innovators highlights Mehler Systems’ innovation strategy and its clear commitment to operational excellence. Innovations are developed in close dialogue with end users and development partners, with a focus on solutions that enhance protection, operational capability and resilience under real-world conditions.

Key developments across the Mehler Systems Group range from advanced personal and platform protection solutions to next-generation load-bearing and tactical clothing systems.

Mehler Protection advances personal and platform protection through solutions developed for real operational demands. Selected examples include ExoM, a new exoskeleton concept for efficient load distribution with integrated protection; ultra-light combat helmets for military users; face protection systems certified to VPAM 6 (international ballistic testing guideline); and short-range active counter-drone systems.

At Lindnerhof, product development is shaped by a functionality-first, operator-led mindset. Solutions such as the Shikari Series and modular load-bearing platforms prioritise intuitive handling, rapid adaptability and reliability in demanding environments. Lindnerhof’s patented Hakenschnalle quick-release system enables fast donning, doffing and emergency release, allowing equipment to be adapted or removed within seconds as operational conditions change.

UF PRO translates long-term research and close cooperation with end users into tactical clothing built for unrestricted movement and sustained comfort under load. Proprietary solutions such as air/pac® improve ventilation and reduce shoulder pressure, Hood/Harness® keeps the hood aligned with head movement and preserves field of view, and Waist/Flex provides adaptive lumbar support and a stable fit during dynamic movement. The Hybrid Design concept strategically combines different materials within one garment to deliver high comfort and long-term durability.

Innovation also extends to manufacturing. Rethought production concepts and highly automated lines increase efficiency, quality and reproducibility, underlining Mehler Systems’ ambition to set technological benchmarks in modern protection and equipment systems.

Mehler Systems’ innovation activities are supported by a structured and established innovation management framework. Open communication, cross-functional collaboration and targeted internal training ensure that expertise is retained within the company and continuously developed. The innovation strategy is defined in close coordination with specialist departments to integrate different perspectives and align projects with customer requirements.

“Innovation starts with a clear objective: our long-term ambition is to become the world’s leading player in our market,” Amschlinger emphasises. “For us, innovation means developing solutions that deliver real protection and genuine reliability. Our products are based on concrete operational requirements, combined with the continual optimisation of our production and operational processes.”

For more than 25 years, the TOP 100 seal has recognised companies with outstanding innovative strength, long-term profitability and forward-looking business practices. The winners are selected through a rigorous, scientifically grounded assessment. Project partners include the Fraunhofer Society and the BVMW, with manager magazin as media partner.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Charter Arms Introduces the New Boomer Revolver Series

February 14th, 2026

Shelton, CT. – (February 9th, 2026) – Charter Arms®, manufacturers of affordable, 100% American-made revolvers for more than 60 years, is proud to announce the introduction of the new Boomer Series of revolvers. This new series is based on the Bulldog model and includes 4 caliber choicesand two finish options per caliber.

“We couldn’t be happier to offer this updated version of our hugely successful Boomer Revolver,” said Nick Ecker, Owner, President and CEO of Charter Arms. “Customers have praised its concealability, accuracy, and design. This new series offers the ultimate in defensive revolvers.”

The Boomer is the ultimate carry compact revolver that is powerful enough to ensure your personal protection. Offered in 9mm, .38 special, .357 and .44 special calibers, these revolvers feature a 2″ extruded 416 stainless-steel portedbarrel with a trenched rear sighting system and a concealed hammer for snag-free performance. The frame and cylinder are also crafted from 416 stainless-steel for strength and durability. All models utilize stainless-steel components andhave a combat rubber grip. Offered in five-shot and six-shot capacity, these powerful, concealable revolvers have all the knock-down power you need for personal defense.

Available models include:

• 79959 – 9mm Stainless Steel – MSRP: $536.41

• 19959 – 9mm Black Passivate – MSRP: $541.84

• 13859 – .38 Special Black Passivate – MSRP: $454.93

• 73859 – .38 Special Stainless Steel – MSRP: $450.86

• 13559 – .357 Black Passivate – MSRP: $506.53

• 73559 – .357 Stainless Steel – MSRP: $499.74

• 74459 – .44 Special Stainless Steel – MSRP: $498.39

• 14459 – .44 Special Black Passivate – MSRP: $505.18

Boomer Specifications:

• Calibers: 9mm, .38 Special, .357, .44Special

• Capacity: .38 Special (6 rd. capacity), .357, .44 Special & 9mm (5 rd. capacity)

• Barrel Length: 2 inches

• Grips: Combat rubber

• Sights: Trenched sighting system

• Safety: Concealed hammer

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

Air Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management Takes Lead on Joint Fires Network

February 14th, 2026

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management stood up an integrated program office to lead the Joint Fires Network.

The Joint Fires Network is a revolutionary warfighting network that enables the joint force to realize the advantages of speed and unity of command. By fusing high-quality targeting data with cutting-edge command and control applications, JFN delivers data to warfighters when and where they need it. This network outperforms legacy networks by aligning fires tasks into an object-based common data layer, providing a common operating picture for the Joint Force.

“Our mission is to take the JFN prototype and wrap a layer around it that allows us to manage and scale it as a robust capability that will have all the appropriate supportability aspects that a program of record should have,” said Col. Alex Constantine, Joint Fires Network senior materiel leader.

The newly created IPO is meant to provide the infrastructure and oversight to transform the JFN from a successful prototype into a long-term, reliable, and strategically important asset for the Joint Force, according to Constantine.

“The establishment of the IPO allows us to create structured interfaces and venues with the services and Joint Force that ensure integration of fires at the combatant command-level and below,” Constantine said. “We will be able to look at economies of scale, supportability, and warfighting efficiency as we continue to increase the footprint and capabilities of JFN.”

The future architecture of JFN will focus on how it delivers decision advantage to the Joint Force as well as how it feeds into the DAF Battle Network, by working collaboratively across the Department of War.

“The actual system itself touches multiple parts of planning, fires control, and execution,” Constantine said. “So, it will touch various aspects of the DAF Battle Network, but it’s really a tier 1 combatant command-oriented system that the planners and below at the lower echelons will use to collaboratively plan and execute fires.”

Constantine said developing JFN in a joint environment contributes to its overall success as service members from each branch bring unique perspectives and expertise.

“We have a Navy deputy and teammates from across the services who bring technical interchanges together to ensure that we’re touching Army, Naval and Department of the Air Force equities holistically, as well as those of the relevant combat support agencies, to truly deploy a better system,” he said.

JFN’s development will utilize the DOW’s Software Acquisition Pathway 5,000.87 so servicemembers can develop and deliver the capability quickly.

“To ensure JFN remains adaptable and responsive to evolving threats, the program office is leveraging software acquisition pathway, an approach designed to streamline the capability delivery process,” he said. “Our approach balances agility with acquisition rigor to continue our rapid fielding efforts while we address supportability in manner tailored to the system’s needs as we move forward.”

The DAF Battle Network is the integrated system-of-systems connecting sensor, effector, and logistics systems enabling better situational awareness, faster operational decisions, and decisive direction to the force. It integrates roughly 50 programs of record across the department, ensuring resilient decision advantage needed by the Air Force, Space Force, joint and coalition forces to win against the pacing challenge.

By Richard Blumenstein

DAF PAE C3BM Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, C5ISR, Fires, Guest Post | No Comments »

HENSOLDT and Helsing Join Forces for CA-1 Europa Autonomous Combat Aircraft

February 13th, 2026

Partnership initially for AI-supported air combat systems

Munich (Germany), 12 February 2026 – System house HENSOLDT and Helsing, two leading European defence technology companies, have agreed on a strategic partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to jointly advance modern defence technologies within a sovereign German and European technology architecture in order to make a substantial contribution to securing Western democracies in times of massive geopolitical shifts.

The first joint product of the two companies will be collaboration on Helsing’s AI-supported autonomous combat aircraft CA-1 Europa, which will sustainably strengthen the defence capabilities and technological leadership of a democratic Europe through purely national technology and supply chains.

The CA-1 Europa is to be equipped with powerful sensor technology from HENSOLDT in the future. The plan is to integrate technologies and sensors from the fields of radar, optronics, self-protection, and electromagnetic warfare. In addition, the HENSOLDT software suite MDOcore (Multi-Domain Operations Core) provides the digital backbone for multidimensional data fusion, networking, and coordination. In conjunction with Helsing’s AI agent Centaur, the combat drone will thus be able to carry out missions autonomously, process information securely, and make it available across dimensions.

The cooperation takes into account the changed security policy reality. Modern military systems must automatically collect, process, and make information usable in a very short time. The combination of powerful sensor technology and AI-based software is considered a decisive factor in making systems more adaptable and efficient. At the same time, both partners attach great importance to technological sovereignty and the development of European solutions.

HENSOLDT has many years of experience in the development and integration of state-of-the-art AI-supported sensor solutions and data fusion for military applications in the air, on the ground, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace. In addition to the autonomous combat aircraft, Helsing is contributing artificial intelligence to the project that is capable of autonomously controlling the combat aircraft itself in a network and independently processing large amounts of data for this purpose. The collaboration is clearly organized according to a division of labor: each company is responsible for its technologies and contributions within its own area of expertise.

Helsing and HENSOLDT are already working together with the Norwegian Kongsberg Group in the space sector to establish a sovereign satellite constellation for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (IST) with a fully networked communication layer for Europe by 2029.

The two companies intend to prepare their first joint demonstrations in the coming months. The focus will be on close coordination with customers and partners in order to test new technologies in a practical setting and gradually transfer them into operational systems.

Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT: “The future of modern defence systems lies in the intelligent and networked interaction of sensor technology and artificial intelligence. We share a common goal with Helsing: to responsibly develop innovative technologies and thus contribute to Europe’s security policy capabilities.”

Dr. Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing: “Our deterrence requires sovereign air superiority. With the CA-1, we are making a clear offer for credible European deterrence. The sovereignty and superiority of our armed forces depend on our systems being developed and produced by national industry champions. The partnership between Helsing and HENSOLDT is a joining of forces between two national champions. We are united by our commitment to massive investment in future technologies.”

Posted in Aviation, Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on HENSOLDT and Helsing Join Forces for CA-1 Europa Autonomous Combat Aircraft

Enforce Tac 2026: SOURCE Tactical Gear Introduces Female Ballistic Protection & Ultra-Light Military Helmet

February 13th, 2026

These initiatives reflect SOURCE’s broader investment in next-generation protective equipment and operational gear

Enforce Tac 2026, 23-25 February, Hall 6 Booth #23512 February 2026 – SOURCE Tactical Gear, a global leader in tactical protection, hydration systems, and modular load-carry solutions, announces a significant advancement in women’s ballistic protection, continuing its long-term commitment to developing dedicated solutions for female fighters and law-enforcement personnel. Building on growing operational recognition of the need for gender-specific armor, the company has developed the world’s first and only anatomically contoured hard ballistic plate designed to replicate the natural female chest form.

The innovative plate is based on a unique ceramic pressing and plate-construction technology, delivering high-level ballistic protection while incorporating a curved chest area in multiple sizes. This design eliminates weak seams and expands protection in the critical chest area, ensuring maximum coverage without compromising ballistic integrity.

When combined with SOURCE’s contoured soft ballistic panel, the system provides maximum coverage and improved fit. Flat hard plates paired with flat or partially contoured soft armor leave gaps around the chest and abdomen, while the integration of a contoured hard plate with a curved soft panel fully closes these gaps, offering enhanced ballistic coverage, improved ergonomics, and greater operational confidence.

This development builds on SOURCE’s proven experience in female soft armor solutions, already fielded by operational forces including the Italian Carabinieri, and reflects the company’s continued investment in women-specific protection driven by real-world operational requirements.

Beyond ballistic armor, SOURCE Tactical Gear continues to expand its capabilities across additional domains. The company has established a dedicated helmet manufacturing facility. Produced using advanced materials and innovative manufacturing technologies, the helmets are designed to deliver uncompromising ballistic performance while reducingweight compared to existing solutions on the market. Built to support the development and integration of advanced and disruptive technologies, the facility is already operating at high capacity, with innovative helmet solutions expected to be introduced to customers worldwide.

“Effective ballistic protection depends on precise anatomical fit and advanced materials engineering,” said Dovik Gal, Marketing Manager at SOURCE Tactical Gear. “By combining a first-of-its-kind contoured hard armor plate with curved soft ballistic panels and proprietary ceramic pressing technologies, we eliminate critical coverage gaps and deliver higher ballistic performance for women in operational environments, while continuing to invest in next-generation protective systems.”

In parallel, SOURCE continues to advance its operational gear portfolio, including its ACS rapid-access pouches, designed to improve speed, safety, and efficiency for modern military and law-enforcement forces.

www.sourcetacticalgear.net

Posted in Armor, Enforce Tac, For the Ladies, Helmets, Press Release | No Comments »