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North Hesse Defence Hub: Rheinmetall to Build New Logistics Centre at Kassel Airport – State of Hesse Supports Strategic Investment

August 28th, 2026

The State Government of Hesse and Rheinmetall intend to work together to further develop and economically strengthen North Hesse as a centre for innovation and defence. Minister-President Boris Rhein, Minister for Economic Affairs Kaweh Mansoori and Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, presented the plans for the ‘North Hesse Defence Hub’ on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at Kassel Airport. They also signed a corresponding Memorandum of Understanding. With funding from the State of Hesse, Rheinmetall will establish a new logistics and technology centre at Kassel-Calden Airport, expand its site in Kassel and develop new technologies locally. The total investment amounts to a three-digit million sum in millions of euros.

With an available floor area of over 30,000 square metres, the logistics centre will be one of the Group’s most significant infrastructure investments in Germany. The facility, which is to be built in the municipality of Calden in the very close vicinity of Kassel Airport, is scheduled to be operational at the end of 2027. This will create a defence hub in Northern Hesse that will have significance far beyond the region and generate new jobs among partners and suppliers. The new logistics centre is set to significantly boost the company’s operational capacity and ensure the efficient processing of both domestic and international orders. The modern infrastructure will enable shorter processing times, optimised supply chains and higher delivery quality – factors that are of crucial importance given the growing demand for Rheinmetall products.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall is planning to establish a drone test centre at its new site in Calden. The aim is to capitalise on the site’s infrastructural advantages, combined with the unique local conditions, for the further development and testing of Rheinmetall drones. Unlike other airports, Kassel Airport offers unique opportunities for drone testing. The planned Hessian Drone Competence Centre also provides Rheinmetall with a valuable locational advantage at the airport.

Minister-President Boris Rhein: “Rheinmetall’s multi-million investment is a strong signal for North Hesse as a centre of innovation and defence. In future, the North Hesse Defence Hub will link Kassel’s industrial strength with the strategic infrastructure of Kassel Airport. Kassel-Calden is, and will remain, a key component of the transport infrastructure in North Hesse. The airport serves general aviation and is a business hub. Furthermore, we are intending to establish it even more firmly in future as a military hub, for Bundeswehr training flights and for research into and testing of new drone technologies”, said Hesse’s Minister-President Boris Rhein. Referring to the project’s significance for the region, he added: “I am very grateful to Rheinmetall for joining us today to launch this forward-looking project and, in doing so, to take North Hesse as a centre for innovation and defence to a new level. These investments will create additional value and jobs. And in these economically challenging times, we are sending a message of confidence: our Defence Hub will become a driver of growth for the strong region of North Hesse”.

Kaweh Mansoori, Minister for Economic Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted the importance of North Hesse as a business hub for the state, Germany and Europe: “A government capable of taking effective action must guarantee security – and in doing so, it needs a strong, innovative and resilient economy. Resilience means having reliable structures, technological expertise and the capacity to act independently. North Hesse offers the ideal conditions for this: industrial strength, excellent research, innovative companies and a highly skilled workforce. We intend to develop this potential in a targeted manner. In this way, we will strengthen Germany’s and Europe’s capacity to act, whilst at the same time securing good jobs and value creation in the region”.

Armin Papperger, Chief Executive of Rheinmetall AG: “We regard this investment as a strategic move with a view to significant orders in the field of military vehicles, which we can expect to receive in future from both Germany and abroad. We are preparing for the future and ae strengthening our capabilities for the benefit of our customers. The new logistics centre is a key element of Rheinmetall’s growth strategy in the tactical vehicle sector, particularly for our German customer – the Bundeswehr. We are especially grateful to the State of Hesse for the support we have received for this project”.

Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division: “We are creating a new hub in the heart of Germany. With the new engineering, logistics and support centre in Calden, in the district of Kassel, we are sending a clear signal regarding the long-term viability of our site in North Hesse. Not only are we laying the foundations for even more efficient order processing, but we are also taking responsibility for the region. I would also like to thank the town, the district of Kassel and the municipality of Calden, as they are all supporting us to the best of their ability”.

The site at Kassel Airport was selected following a thorough analysis of possible alternatives. The good transportation links, the proximity to the existing Rheinmetall plant in Kassel (Mittelfeld Industrial Park) and the availability of land for a large-scale facility were clear arguments in favour of this site.

Decreasing traffic in the northern part of Kassel

Another key objective of the investment is to achieve a noticeable reduction in factory traffic in the area around the existing Rheinmetall plant in the northern part of Kassel. By relocating logistical processes and transport flows to the new centre at Kassel Airport, the aim is to significantly reduce lorry and delivery traffic around the traditional factory site.

This not only benefits the company itself, but also significantly reduces traffic on the neighbouring roads and in the residential areas of Kassel. Rheinmetall is thus living up to its responsibilities as a regional employer and business partner, and is actively contributing to improving the quality of life in the region.

New jobs for the region

The construction and operation of the new logistics centre will create additional jobs in the Kassel district – both during the construction phase and in the long run, once operations are up and running. Rheinmetall is thus strengthening its role as a major employer in the Kassel metropolitan region and reaffirming its commitment to North Hesse as a business location. The new roles will cover a broad spectrum of skills, ranging from logistics and warehouse specialists to technical and administrative roles.

In addition, an area of around 1,200 square metres of the Defence Hub is earmarked as a training centre. In future, staff from both the Kassel plant and other Rheinmetall sites will receive initial and further training there. Calden will thus take on a strategic role as a centre of excellence within the Rheinmetall Group and contribute to company-wide skills development and staff development.

Rheinmetall in Kassel

The Kassel site of Rheinmetall Landsystems GmbH is the centre of excellence within Rheinmetall AG’s ‘Vehicle Systems Europe’ division for the development, manufacture and maintenance of state-of-the-art tactical wheeled and tracked vehicles, including a wide range of integrated equipment packages. Around 2,200 employees currently work at the Rheinmetall site in Kassel.

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

GA-ASI and Fujitsu Sign MOU for the Maintenance and Operation of UAS in Japan

August 28th, 2026

MOU Aims To Establish Maintenance and Operational Support Capabilities for the MQ-9B, Contributing to Japan’s Security Objectives

SAN DIEGO – 26 August 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu) today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the establishment of maintenance and operational support capabilities for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Japan as well as their commitment to future technical collaboration.

Under the MOU, the companies will begin examining the establishment of a framework under which Fujitsu would provide domestic maintenance and operational support for the MQ-9B, an unmanned aircraft developed and manufactured by GA-ASI for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The scope of the discussions includes avionics maintenance, parts management, maintenance training, and maintenance support services within Japan. The companies will also explore future technical collaboration in areas related to mission systems, systems integration, and other technologies.

Both companies aim to establish a sustainable and secure operational foundation for UAS in Japan. To this end, they will conduct phased evaluations of technologies and business opportunities related to design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities, contributing to Japan’s security requirements. In addition to establishing operational support capabilities, the companies will explore future opportunities related to mission systems and systems integration.

As security environments around the world continue to grow increasingly complex, Japan faces the challenge of strengthening its wide-area and persistent intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities across its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). To strengthen maritime surveillance and support security objectives while improving operational efficiency and reducing manpower requirements, Japan’s Ministry of Defense has announced plan to procure 23 MQ-9B aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), with its deployment scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2027.

The MQ-9B is capable of remaining airborne for more than 24 hours through satellite-based remote operation and can provide real-time, wide-area situational awareness day and night using advanced sensor systems. Stable operation of the MQ-9B in Japan requires the establishment of domestic maintenance and operational support capabilities to address challenges such as prolonged parts procurement lead times and the recruitment and training of personnel with specialized maintenance expertise.

GA-ASI has extensive experience, technologies, and proven capabilities in UAS design and manufacturing as well as in the operation of complete UAS mission solutions, including sensors and ground control stations.

For more than 10 years, Fujitsu has accumulated experience and expertise in the maintenance and operational support for maritime patrol aircraft operated by the JMSDF.

Building on these strengths, both companies aim to realize sustainable and reliable MQ-9B maintenance and operations in Japan.

Based on this MOU, both companies will advance discussions regarding collaboration to establish maintenance and operational support capabilities. Looking ahead, they will explore technical collaboration and commercialization opportunities in areas including avionics maintenance, field support, maintenance, workforce education and training, parts management, and supply chain capabilities. In addition, they will further support Japan’s security objectives by examining opportunities to enhance UAS operations through integration with related systems and other advanced operational support capabilities.

“This agreement is an important and substantial step in our efforts to provide optimal support to our Japanese customers. We are excited to leverage Fujitsu’s proven excellence and expertise in maintenance and operational support as we expand the utility of our unmanned aircraft systems in Japan,” said Zachary Stang, Regional Vice President for General Atomics Global.

Kenichiro Miyazaki, Head of National Security Business Unit for Fujitsu Limited, said: “We are delighted to have signed this MOU with GA-ASI to explore collaboration opportunities related to the MQ-9B. Leveraging the technological capabilities Fujitsu has cultivated in the defense sector, as well as our extensive experience in maintenance and operational support, we will contribute to strengthening a sustainable maintenance framework for the MQ-9B in Japan. This MOU marks the first step toward advancing the collaboration between our companies. Looking ahead, we will explore opportunities not only in maintenance and operational support, but also in further technical collaboration, contributing to a stronger security foundation and a stable defense operation in Japan.”

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

See CTOMS at NTOA

August 28th, 2026

CTOMS, an industry leader in tactical medical training, equipment, rope access and medical solutions, will be exhibiting at the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Law enforcement operations and Trade show, taking place from 29-30 August 2026 at the Gaylord Convention Center in Nashville, TN, USA.

Visitors to the CTOMS booth 521 will have a chance to go through medical equipment carriage and organization, new equipment developed by CTOMS and how CTOMS training pathways can enhance your medical readiness in your organization.

Discover how CTOMS can enhance your readiness. See you at booth 521.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Medical, NTOA | No Comments »

Tomahawk Performance Launches MX / Combat Uniform for Mixed-Weather and Maritime Operations

August 28th, 2026

NASHVILLE, TN – [August 28, 2026] – Tomahawk Performance has announced the MX / Combat Uniform, a full-featured system built for military and law enforcement professionals operating in mixed-weather conditions and maritime environments. The uniform includes the MX / Combat Shirt and MX / Combat Pant, designed to support temperature regulation, mobility, and rapid moisture evacuation during sustained movement under load.

Built from an exceptionally resilient stretch-woven softshell, the MX / Combat Uniform is engineered to endure relentless field use while shedding water, drying rapidly, and remaining highly breathable during sustained movement. Designed for operators working through fluctuating temperatures and repeated moisture exposure, it maintains comfort and performance in environments that overwhelm conventional combat uniforms.

The MX / Combat Shirt is a medium-weight combat shirt intended for wear under a plate carrier in diverse climates and terrain. The shoulders and sleeves are constructed from MMI SAM1, a durable, quick-drying stretch-woven softshell (93% Nylon/7% Spandex). The torso uses lighter-weight MMI SAM2 (86% Nylon/14% Spandex) to increase flexibility and comfort under a plate carrier. Gusseted underarms and articulated shoulders and elbows support full range of motion. Zippered bicep pockets with integrated stash compartments reduce external bulk while maintaining access. Additional features include adjustable cuffs, a tapered collar to help protect against wind and debris, and an extended back designed to stay tucked during movement, bending and kneeling.

The MX / Combat Pant complements the shirt with a full-featured, water-evacuating design for dynamic movement in unpredictable environments. Constructed from MMI SAM1 stretch-woven softshell (93% Nylon/7% Spandex), the pant includes front, back and thigh pockets, plus zippered hem tourniquet pockets and zippered cargo pockets with elastic charge holders. The knees are articulated for mobility and include a breathable Tomahawk Performance knee pad with a mesh insert sleeve for adjustable positioning. Microfleece-lined adjustable waistband and adjustable interior hem gaiters with water-evacuation ports support comfort and utility in wet or cold conditions.

Both garments emphasize low-profile functionality, minimizing snag hazards through streamlined zippered pocket layouts while maintaining storage capacity and mobility. Lightweight stretch-mesh pocketing and integrated drainage pathways throughout the system accelerate drying while minimizing water retention.

The MX / Combat Uniform reflects Tomahawk Performance’s focus on purpose-built technical apparel shaped by end-user feedback and operational requirements. Available now in Ranger Green through Tomahawk Performance and authorized dealers.

See the MX / Combat Uniform in Booth $603 at the NTOA Law Enforcement Operations Conference in Nashville, TN from August 30 – September 4. 

For more information, visit tomahawkperformance.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: NTOA 2026

August 28th, 2026

Come see us next week at the 2026 NTOA Law Enforcement Operations Conference over at booth#267 from Sunday, August 30th, through Monday, August 31st. Check out our product line-up and catch up with our team to learn more about what’s coming in 2027!

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and those who train. For more information, visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, NTOA | No Comments »

Ground Combat Element 2040

August 28th, 2026

26 Aug 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

The Marine Corps released Ground Combat Element 2040 Fiscal Year 2026 strategic framework today, outlining the service’s vision to ensure ground forces remain lethal and adaptable against peer adversaries. This update nests under the Marine Corps Force Design initiatives, transitioning from the initial GCE 2040 baseline vision to actionable implementation priorities for modular, multi-domain forces designed to seize, hold, and defend contested littoral terrain.

“Our central imperative is to cultivate a Ground Combat Element that is fully enabled by cutting-edge technology but remains fundamentally human-centric,” said Lieutenant General Jay M. Bargeron, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations. “While we will aggressively pursue innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, and multi-domain fires, we will never lose sight of the fact that the individual Marine is our most critical asset. The courage, adaptability, and unwavering will to win of our warfighters are the true source of our combat power.”

The framework actively integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, and human-machine teaming via ruggedized tactical edge-computing nodes running localized Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Key materiel priorities focus on advanced mobility platforms like the Amphibious Combat Vehicle and Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle, expanded organic precision and long-range fires, and squad-level Ground-Based Air Defense. This is coupled with scaling the Marine Littoral Regiment’s capabilities to Division and regimental headquarters, supported by tactical edge command posts integrated with Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control.

Spanning near-term (2026-2030), mid-term (2031-2035), and long-range (2036-2040) epochs, Ground Combat Element 2040 maintains a forward-looking strategy that ensures Marine Corps ground combat formations remain prepared not only for immediate operational demands but are positioned to secure and maintain decisive combat superiority through 2040.

The Ground Combat Element 2040 is available on the HQMC PP&O webpage.

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms, USMC | No Comments »

Rheinmetall Receives First Order for a Modular Camp Under the German Armed Forces Contractor Augmentation Program II – Static Accommodation in Lithuania

August 27th, 2026

Rheinmetall has received an initial call-off from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services (BAIUDBw) under the German Armed Forces Contractor Augmentation Program II – Static Accommodation (G-CAP II SU). In Lithuania, the group will now, as the main contractor, build a modular camp for up to 2,000 soldiers, which is due to become operational from mid-August 2027. Following commissioning, Rheinmetall will be responsible for facility management, including laundry, as well as catering. The order value for the construction of the modular facility amounts to €250 million, while the subsequent operation is valued at €40 million annually. The order was booked in Q3/2026.

The G-CAP II SU programme provides static accommodation for soldiers during deployment and standby commitments in the context of international crisis management and national and collective defence, irrespective of the climatic, geographical and geological conditions in the country of deployment. Pre-planned modular infrastructure covered by the framework agreement, from manufacture through transport, construction and operation to dismantling, forms the core of G-CAP II SU. Since these steps are standardised and can be called off from a single contractor, the entire process is accelerated. In this case, the contract was used to support the Bundeswehr in fulfilling its mission in Lithuania.

The G-CAP II SU project, initiated by BAIUDBw, aims to enable private-sector service providers to provide static accommodation during deployment. By enabling the private sector to establish such infrastructure, the Bundeswehr can conserve its own resources and keep them available for high-threat situations.

Rheinmetall is responsible for the planning, manufacturing and delivery of camps worldwide – by sea, land or air as required – as well as their construction, multi-year autonomous operation and subsequent dismantling. 

Posted in Contracts, International, Shelter | No Comments »

Savage Arms Expands the Ultralite Family

August 27th, 2026

ESTFIELD, Massachusetts – August 26, 2026 – Savage Arms®, an iconic firearm manufacturer, is proud to announce its revamped Ultralite series. The four new models, 110 Ultralite Elite V2, 110 Ultralite Pro, 110 Ultralite Predator and Impulse Ultralite Pro, are engineered to provide hunters and shooters a lineup of lightweight, high-performance rifles tailored for various applications.

“Our goal with the new Ultralite lineup was to push lightweight rifle performance even further while giving hunters more ways to tailor their rifle to their specific pursuit,” said RJ Contorno, Senior Product Manager at Savage Arms. “By combining carbon fiber barrel technology, the new AccuFit V2 system, modular grip options and modern mounting solutions like M-Lok and ARCA, these rifles provide the adjustability, capability and accuracy hunters need in a lightweight platform.”

110 Ultralite Pro

The 110 Ultralite Pro is designed for versatility, featuring a Savage-exclusive camo stock with the new AccuFit V2 system, allowing toolless adjustments for length of pull and comb height. It includes interchangeable grip modules, M-Lok panels and a Blackout Cerakoted action. The rifle is equipped with an 18 to 24-inch carbon fiber barrel, a one-piece 20 MOA Picatinny scope rail and an AICS magazine. The 110 Ultralite Pro is available in Savage’s Western and Woodland camouflage. The MSRP ranges from $1,949 to $1,989, depending on the cartridge and camouflage choice.

110 Ultralite Predator

The 110 Ultralite Predator is tailored for predator hunters, combining a hunter green stock with the AccuFit V2 system and interchangeable grip modules. It features M-Lok panels with an integral ARCA rail, a Black Ink Cerakoted action and a skeletonized receiver. Barrel lengths vary from 16.5 to 22 inches, and the MSRP is $1,899.

110 Ultralite Elite V2

The 110 Ultralite Elite V2 features a carbon fiber-wrapped stainless-steel barrel and an MDT HNT26 chassis with carbon fiber and magnesium components, achieving a weight of a little over 5 pounds. The rifle includes an adjustable length of pull and comb height, an integrated ARCA rail and a one-piece 20 MOA Picatinny scope rail. It is available in multiple cartridges with barrel lengths ranging from 18 to 22 inches. This high-performance rifle is available for MSRPs ranging from $3,599 to $3,639. 

Impulse Ultralite Pro

The Impulse Ultralite Pro introduces a straight-pull action within a lightweight platform. It boasts a Savage Woodland or Savage Western camo stock with the AccuFit V2 system, interchangeable grip modules and M-Lok panels. The rifle includes a DLC-coated bolt body, a Blackout Cerakoted action and an 18 to 24-inch carbon fiber barrel. The next generation of featherweight straight pull rifle can be found at an MSRP of $2,299-$2,439.

These new models in the 110 Ultralite series are designed to offer hunters and shooters enhanced performance through lightweight construction and customizable features, catering to a range of hunting and shooting scenarios.

For more information about Savage Arms and its extensive line of leading firearms, visit savagearms.com.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

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