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June 27th, 2026US Strategic Command Launches ETHEREAL FORGE to Field Advanced Electromagnetic Warfare Capabilities
June 27th, 2026
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. –
U.S. Strategic Command’s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center is launching ETHEREAL FORGE, a new initiative designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced electromagnetic warfare capabilities and strengthen operational effectiveness in the electromagnetic spectrum Through this effort, the JEC is conducting rapid, iterative testing and evaluation of software-centric systems to meet operational requirements.
Congressionally-funded, ETHEREAL FORGE supports the United States and its allies in maintaining a technological edge by focusing on Modular Open Systems Approach compatible systems. MOSA is a “plug-and-play” design approach that allows the Department of War to upgrade systems quickly and more affordably by using compatible parts from multiple manufacturers.
“The electromagnetic spectrum is critical maneuver space, not a warfighting domain; it is the connective tissue that binds together every other domain,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. AnnMarie Anthony, the JEC director. “ETHEREAL FORGE creates a structured, funded mechanism to test innovative solutions to complex EMS challenges and provide acquisition decision-makers with the operationally informed data that they need to move quickly.”
ETHEREAL FORGE provides an operationally relevant environment to accelerate the maturation and fielding of software-centric EW capabilities, significantly reducing time-to-field. By establishing a standardized infrastructure, this initiative enables a modular ecosystem that integrates flexible, best-of-breed applications, allowing operators to efficiently tailor EMS operations system configurations to mission-specific requirements.
“As it stands today, existing EW capabilities and platforms are aging,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Duc Bui, the project manager for ETHEREAL FORGE. “This puts increased risk to the Joint Force and U.S. allies and partners.”
Click to learn more about USSTRATCOM’s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center
“ETHEREAL FORGE is a paradigm shift in how we field the capabilities that we need to fight and win in the modern operational environment,” he said. “That is denying the adversary while simultaneously providing our force access to the EMS.”
As competitors rapidly advance their own technologies, the EMS environment has become increasingly contested. The project will ultimately help ensure the Joint Force maintains a decisive advantage in this critical area.
“Every warfighting domain depends on the electromagnetic spectrum,” Anthony said. “ETHEREAL FORGE is how the JEC will ensure the Combined Joint Force that we own it.”
For ETHEREAL FORGE, the JEC is seeking advanced, non-fielded, MOSA-aligned EW capabilities that meet specific selection criteria. Interested parties should contact stratcom.jec.ethereal-forge@mail.mil
By U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs
Nokia to Provide Intelligent Connectivity for Finnish Border Guard Counter-Drone Initiative Nationwide
June 26th, 2026· Nokia Defense joins Finnish-Nordic consortium to strengthen counter-UAS border security
· Secure, scalable connectivity enables real-time threat detection and interoperable mission-critical operations across land and sea
Espoo, Finland, June 25, 2026 – Nokia today announced its participation in a new industrial consortium led by the Finnish Border Guard to develop the next-generation counter-drone capabilities for patrol vehicles and boats. Nokia’s Defense unit will help support border security duties, surveillance, protection of territorial integrity and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure by providing an intelligent network solution that enables secure, high-performance connectivity, real-time data exchange and interoperability across systems.
The initiative supports the Finnish Border Guard’s goal of building a sovereign, integrated counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and threat detection capability to be deployed nationwide. By connecting platforms, sensors and command-and-control systems, the solution is designed to deliver enhanced real-time situational awareness and enable faster, more coordinated responses to evolving multi-domain threats.
Nokia’s role reflects the growing importance of trusted and intelligent connectivity as a foundation for modern defense and border security. As drones become more accessible and widely used, threat detection, sensing and connectivity must work seamlessly to protect personnel, infrastructure and mission effectiveness. Through the consortium, Nokia Defense will work with key partners to support a scalable, future-ready system aligned with national and allied requirements.
Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer, and Chairman, Nokia Defense, said: “Reliable, secure connectivity is becoming essential to how defense organizations detect, understand and respond to fast-moving threats. By contributing Nokia’s intelligent connectivity and sensing technology to this consortium, we are helping build an operational and interoperable solution that gives border authorities the real-time awareness and resilience they need in complex land and maritime environments.”
The Finnish Border Guard initiative includes the procurement and deployment of evaluation platforms, connectivity and sensing capabilities, and system integration. The solutions will be evaluated during 2027 and early 2028.
Avon Technologies Announces NG IHPS Delivery Orders
June 26th, 2026
Avon Technologies plc is pleased to confirm that Team Wendy Ceradyne has received delivery orders totalling over $40m from the US Army (ACC) and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) under the Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS) helmet contract, which was previously awarded in September 2021.
Jos Sclater, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“Securing the highest share of both DLA and ACC delivery orders against competition is a strong endorsement of Team Wendy’s product performance and improving operational execution. These awards build our order book and provide important long-term visibility, underpinning our confidence in the Group as we continue to deliver and strengthen our position with the US DoW.”
US Marine Corps Places First Polaris MRZR Alpha Order on New ULTV Contract
June 26th, 2026Minneapolis – June 24, 2026 – The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has placed its first delivery order to Polaris Government and Defense on the new Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) contract, ordering more than 70 MRZR Alphas and numerous accessories vital to mission success. More than half the vehicles ordered were the new 5kW export power variant and the remaining were the standard, 1kW version – all are green, four-seat vehicles.
Polaris accessories included in the order have been commonly incorporated on MRZR Alpha ULTVs for the Marines and include:
Roof Kit – reversible roof kit with multicam-patterned camouflage on one side and olive drab on the other for mission planning flexibility while protecting occupants from exposure to the elements.
Road March Kit – turn signals, horn, rear view and side mirrors to provide operators enhanced auditory and visual situation awareness during off-road administrative movements.
Modular Cargo System – siderails and tailgate enclose the rear deck to contain cargo and provide many attachment points for securing gear and other vehicle accessories. The heavy-duty tailgate can also drop down for additional cargo space in the down position. Aircraft rails are built in for optional accessories, like integration of litter mounts.
Fire Extinguisher – Class 5-BC fire extinguisher can be mounted to the roll cage in various spots, using a vinyl mount secured by two heavy duty Velcro straps with special rubber attached to ensure mount is securely fastened.
Towbar Mount – specifically designed clamps mount a towbar provision for storage during non-use.
“Polaris engineering and development efforts resulted in expanded accessories developed specifically for MRZR Alpha customers, like the Marines,” said Erin Telander, Defense program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “That includes the ability to export 5kW of power directly from the vehicle itself, which the Marines will be able to leverage with their latest order.”
The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ most advanced light tactical vehicle, engineered to meet the evolving demands of expeditionary forces. Designed for enhanced payload capacity, tactical air transport and off-road performance, the MRZR Alpha enables rapid unit deployment and exceptional maneuverability across difficult terrain while reducing logistical demand due to the vehicle’s superior durability.
The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract was awarded May 22, 2026, through Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE-MC) and has a ceiling of up to $98M, with an order period of up to five years. This contract reinforces the value that Polaris brings to the warfighter – a responsive and engaged team with off-road engineering expertise, world-class manufacturing and a built-in global support network.
Commercial platforms like the Polaris MRZR Alpha have been instrumental in accelerating delivery of highly mobile systems to the field. Polaris provides global parts availability through its existing worldwide network of dealers and distributors, empowering greater self-sufficiency for distributed forces.
Nester Hosiery Awarded US Army and US Marine Corps Cold Weather Sock Contracts
June 26th, 2026Leading U.S. sock manufacturer strengthens position as the warfighters choice for military cold weather performance hosiery.
June 25, 2026 – Mount Airy, NC – Nester Hosiery, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance Merino wool socks, announced today that it has been awarded contracts supporting both the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program and the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program following the successful novation of the programs from Fox River.
These awards reinforce Nester Hosiery’s position as a leading provider of Berry Amendment compliant cold weather and performance sock systems for the U.S. military, delivering mission-critical products that are designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in the United States.
Under the awards:
Nester Hosiery will serve as the provider of record for the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year contract structure.
Nester Hosiery was also awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year term.
“These two major awards reflect the trust placed in our team, our domestic manufacturing capabilities, and our longstanding commitment to delivering premium performance products to the warfighter,” said Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester Hosiery.
With manufacturing operations rooted in North Carolina and a decades-long legacy of domestic sock manufacturing expertise, Nester Hosiery continues to invest in its U.S.-based workforce, product innovation, and resilient supply chain capable of supporting both military and commercial markets.
The company’s military programs are supported through advanced knitting technology, technical product development expertise, and a commitment to delivering consistent quality and performance in the most demanding of operational environments.
To learn more about Nester Hosiery’s support with the Military community, please visit nesterhosiery.com/military.
The Big Book of PVT Murphy
June 26th, 2026
Mark Baker and I served together in the Army. You know him as the artist behind PVT Murphy. He has launched a Kickstarter for an omnibus edition of his cartoons, “The Big Book of PVT Murphy.”
www.kickstarter.com/projects/murphytoys/the-big-book-of-pvt-murphy
Thyrm Introduces Limited Edition ‘Stars & Stripes’ PyroVault 2.0
June 26th, 2026
Sunnyvale, CA — Thyrm is paying tribute to America with the limited edition ‘Stars & Stripes’ PyroVault 2.0 Lighter Armor. This is the same widely popular PyroVault 2.0, in a two-tone Blue and Black colorway with blacked-out hardware.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable lighter for daily use, or you need a flame source for the backcountry, the PyroVault 2.0’s durable exoskeleton, gasket seal, spring-loaded lid for one-handed opening, & lanyard attachment will keep up with you no matter the mission.
The PyroVault 2.0 features include:
-Dual-wall, dual-color exoskeleton design
-Full gasket seal to keep fuel in and water out
-Full-size lanyard hole for retention in the field
-Stainless torsion spring and axle for reliable one-handed opening
-Low-profile latch for easy striker-wheel access
-Hidden Tinder-Quik™ fire starter included
-Designed and Made in the USA
Get yours before they sell out at thyrm.com/products/pyrovault-2-0-lighter-armor.
