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Archive for July, 2025

Cubic Awarded UK Integrated Live Training Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A) Contract

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

Continuing to deliver vital support to the British Army

SAN DIEGO – July 16, 2025 – Cubic Defence UKannounces it has been awarded a two-year, sole-source contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MOD) for the delivery of the Instrumented Live Training – Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A).

“Cubic is honored to continue our long-standing partnership with the UK MOD,” said Alicia Combs, Vice President and General Manager at Cubic Defense. “This award reflects the trust placed in our systems to prepare warfighters for the complexities of modern combat. With ILT-A, we are proud to deliver a high-fidelity, globally interoperable solution that supports the British Army’s evolving training needs.”

ILT-A provides our soldiers with a realistic, data-rich training environment that enhances both competence and lethality,” said Simon Pearce, Synthetic Environments & Training, Defence Equipment and Support, UK Ministry of Defence. “The integration of Cubic’s Instrumented Metricized Live Fire capability and RPAS reflects the evolving character of combat and ensures the British Army can train with agility and precision.”

Photo by Cubic training team. (2024). Officer Cadet from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst using Cubic Tactical Engagement Systems (TES) Equipment on Exercise Dynamic Victory.

The ILT-A contract builds on Cubic’s two-decade legacy of integrated training solutions for the UK MOD and supersedes the previous Area Weapons Effects Simulation (AWES) contract. The system combines advanced laser and area-effects technology with fully instrumented live-fire range systems and Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS), creating a digitized environment featuring multi-spectrum, multi-domain threats. It also integrates with Cubic’s SCOPIC2 Virtual-in-Live synthetic environment to enable comprehensive force training and supports interoperability with partner nations. Data generated during training is used to inform the After Action Review process.

The contract includes options to support the UK MOD and global allies with individual and collective training across multiple domains and training areas, from Section to Brigade level. It also features a life-extension program through the end of the decade and investment in experimentation to support UK MOD’s Force Development initiatives.

To learn more about Cubic products and services, visit www.cubic.com.

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Sentient Industries Welcomes Justin LeVrier as CEO, Showcases METEOR at Pentagon

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

Co-Inventor of METEOR Power System to Lead Company as Pentagon Showcases Innovation

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2025 — Sentient Industries is pleased to announce that Justin LeVrier has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, with Founder Willem Vonk continuing as President. Both LeVrier and Vonk are currently in Washington, D.C., where on July 16 they will present Sentient’s field-proven METEOR Power System at the “OUSD (R&E) Rapid Prototype Display: Multi-Domain Autonomous Solutions” at the Pentagon—a showcase of technologies developed to address evolving threats for the warfighter. This national spotlight underscores Sentient’s commitment to delivering capabilities that matter, from development to deployment.

Sentient Industries Welcomes Justin LeVrier as CEO; METEOR Power System Spotlighted at Pentagon Innovation Event

Together, LeVrier and Vonk conceptualized METEOR Power System (Modular Energy for Tactical Operations Resource) and took it from idea, to white board, to a physical field-proven power system trusted by defense and disaster response in mere months. This reflects Sentient’s hands-on approach to R&D, rapid prototyping, engineering and manufacturing.

“Being invited to present METEOR at the Pentagon is not just an honor—it’s a signal that Sentient’s rapid prototyping approach and commitment to practical solutions are delivering real value for our nation’s operators,” said Justin LeVrier, CEO. “This is exactly the type of milestone that energizes our team and inspires us to push the boundaries of what’s possible for our defense and emergency response partners.”

Justin LeVrier brings a long and diverse career spent connecting people, systems, and technology. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, creative problem-solving, and his ability to bring out the best in teams. Prior to joining Sentient, LeVrier served as VP of Sales at Joule Case, where he formed the go to market strategy and expanded access to advanced mobile power solutions in the burgeoning food truck market nationally. Through LeVrier, Joule Case was METEOR’s first reseller, giving him a unique perspective on point-of-need-power in both commercial and defense markets, and what it takes to move ideas from the lab into the real world. Whether leading product launches at Cardone Enterprises with Grant Cardone, building customer relationships globally with Mercedes-Benz, or mentoring the next generation of innovators at Creative Leverage, LeVrier’s focus has always been — people first.

Reflecting on the transition, LeVrier said; “Willem and I have always believed that the best solutions come from working side by side with our team, our end users, and our clients; questioning the status quo, observing, listening and taking action. I’m honored to help lead Sentient into its next chapter, and I look forward to building on the foundation we’ve created together.”

Vonk, who founded Sentient Industries, has spent his career at the intersection of human centered experiential design, engineering, advanced materials and manufacturing. Since its launch in 2021, he has built Sentient into a place where ideas are rapidly prototyped, tested, and brought to life. Throughout his career, Vonk’s out of the box thinking, technical expertise, and commitment to seeing things from a unique perspective—have shaped Sentient’s culture and the company’s approach to solving tough challenges for top tier clients.

“Justin LeVrier’s appointment as CEO marks an exciting new chapter for Sentient Industries,” said Vonk. “As Justin and I co-invented the METEOR Power System together, I’ve seen firsthand the vision and leadership he brings. His ability to unite people and ideas is exactly what Sentient needs as we expand our impact.”

“The Pentagon showcase underscores our mission: rapidly moving critical technologies from concept to deployment where they matter most. We’re proud to lead a team dedicated to innovation that supports those on the front lines.”

This leadership transition deepens Sentient Industries’ commitment to collaborative innovation, and client success. With LeVrier as CEO and Vonk as President, the company is well positioned to continue bringing game changing capabilities to market.

To learn more about Justin LeVrier and connect professionally, visit their LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/levrier

To learn more about Sentient Industries and the METEOR Quiet Tactical Power System visit: sentient.industries

Based in Austin, Texas, Sentient Industries is the owner, designer and OEM for the METEOR Power System, and accelerates mission critical technologies through their product design, engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing services that empower clients to overcome complex challenges in defense and commercial applications.

Posted in Industry, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Sentient Industries Welcomes Justin LeVrier as CEO, Showcases METEOR at Pentagon

Gray Eagle Armed Persistence

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

Source General Atomics;

An essential element of the U.S. Army’s Aviation Modernization Plan, GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is an innovative and technologically advanced derivative of the combat-proven Predator®. Gray Eagle offers a reliable, affordable, low-risk, and compelling next-generation tactical UAS solution to meet challenging service requirements for persistent Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) and attack operations.

Gray Eagle has an endurance of 25 hours, speeds up to167 KTAS, can operate up to 29,000 feet, and carries 1,075lb (488 kg) of internal and external payload. The aircraft can carry multiple payloads aloft, including Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) with laser designation, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), communications relay, and four Hellfire missiles.

Compared to the Predator predecessor, Gray Eagle’s Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) supports the Army’s “single fuel in the battlefield” concept and provides increased horsepower and significantly improved fuel efficiency, utilizing either jet or diesel fuel.

An extremely reliable UAS, Gray Eagle features a fault-tolerant control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture, similar to the systems integrated in the battle-proven Predator B. Designed with airworthiness as a primary consideration, Gray Eagle is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

This long-range, long-dwell UAS is dedicated to direct operational control by Army field commanders. Its expansive mission set includes, but is not limited, to wide-area Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), convoy protection, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection and defeat, close air support, communications relay, and weapons delivery missions.

Gray Eagle features an automatic takeoff and landing system (ATLS) that allows the aircraft to be launched and recovered without any operator interaction. Gray Eagle aircraft have successfully conducted tens of thousands of takeoffs and landings.

Gray Eagle Dugway:

Gray Eagle AV SN# 70125 was one of the first aircraft off the Gray Eagle production line, built specifically to meet the ARMY’s needs. AV 70125 is special to Dugway and the ARMY both, shortly after production, it was designated as a test asset and sent here to Dugway. While here, AV 70125 was a key asset to all 4 ARMY production prove out tests to ensure the Gray Eagles abilities and reliability. AV 70125 has also been an invaluable asset to testing, accomplishing, enhanced safety, reliability, combat effectiveness, and readiness of the fielded ARMY Gray Eagle fleet, supporting our troops in the real-world environments they see every day. Through the course of AV 70125’s 15+ year service life, it has flown over 230 flights, of which all were related to testing and evaluation to continue providing the most cutting-edge technology for the U.S. ARMY.

Most importantly, the Gray Eagle program still remains here at Dugway and continues to prove its value to the ARMY every day. UAS PMO plans on continual testing and technology insertions with the Gray Eagles that reside on Dugway, operated and maintained by General Atomics.

By Rodney Mitani

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Gray Eagle Armed Persistence

Australian Defence Force Multi Tool by Victorinox Now Available in USA

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

In 2021, the Swiss company Victorinox was selected to provide multi tools to the Australian Defence Force. These same tools are now available in the US through The Windrose Group.

Purchased by the ADF under Land 125 Phase 4 Integrated Soldier System – Field Equipment, the Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MXBS (NSN 5110-66-166-1357) was specifically designed for the ADF. It features 24 functions including single hand operation of both the primary and secondary blades, designed to successfully integrate with combat gloves.

Features:

Needle-nose pliers
Wire cutter for thin and soft wire up to 40 HRc
Hard wire cutter
Blade, large
Can opener
Screwdriver 3 mm
Bottle opener
Screwdriver 6 mm
Crate opener
Wire bender
Screwdriver 2 mm
Reamer, punch
Pulling hook
Scissors
Metal saw
Metal file
Phillips screwdriver 1/2
Chisel 7 mm and scraper
Cable cover longitudinal cutter
Cable cover crossways cutter
Wire stripper and scraper
Seatbelt cutter
Lanyard hole
Coupling for corkscrew and carry clip

Made in Switzerland.

To purchase, contact windrosegroupllc.com.

Posted in Knives | 1 Comment »

UF PRO Introduces “Not On My Watch” Tee

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

UF PRO announces the launch of the “Not On MyWatch” Tee, a new addition to its everyday clothing range. The shirt is designed to offer comfort and flexibility while also serving as a quiet nod of support to those involved in anti-poaching efforts.

This release builds on the February initiative, Pro’s Guide to Tracking with Rangers and K9s, which highlighted the demanding work of professionals engaged in tracking operations under extreme conditions. The T-shirt reflects the same mindset—focused, resilient, and purpose-led.

Made from a comfortable cotton-elastane blend, the tee is shaped for an athletic fit and offers the freedom of movement needed for daily activities. Its design carries a quiet but clear message of support for those working to prevent wildlife crime in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

The “Not On My Watch” Tee is now available at ufpro.com.

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D&M Holding Company and Ukrainian Defense Industry Announce Joint Venture to Produce Ammunition Propellant in the US

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

TAMPA, FL (July 16, 2025) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), the global leader in delivering complete solutions for ammunition, primer, and propellant manufacturing facilities, and the Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company (JSC) are partnering to produce specialty chemicals in the United States to address the critical shortage of propellant used in the production of ammunition for the Ukrainian defense forces.

The agreement was signed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 11 by Ukrainian Defense Industry Director General Oleh Huliak and D&M Holding Company CEO Daniel Powers in the presence of Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg – US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Ambassador Julie S. Davis – US Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine, Lynndy Smith – Member of Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC Supervisory Board, Oleksandr Kamyshin – Advisor to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and James Jones – Executive Vice President, D&M Holding Company, Inc. Powers also spoke on a panel for defense manufacturing during the conference.

The single base propellant made in this new US-based facility will be used for artillery ammunition, including 155mm shells which are greatly needed by Ukraine in their ongoing defense against Russia.

“We have to gradually move from large-scale procurement to our own production to meet our immediate needs. It is equally important that the company will operate in a safe area. Our cooperation with American arms companies will continue in other areas,” emphasized Director General Huliak.

“This joint venture continues to build upon and further strengthen the relationship between D&M and Ukrainian state-owned enterprises with projects now in both Ukraine and the US,” said Powers.

PHOTO: Signers (seated – front row left to right)

Oleh Huliak – Director General, Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC

Daniel Powers – President & CEO, D&M Holding Company, Inc.

Witnesses (back row left to right)

Lynndy Smith – Member of Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC Supervisory Board

Oleksandr Kamyshin – Advisor to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg – Special Envoy for Ukraine

Ambassador Julie S. Davis – US Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine

James Jones – Executive Vice President, D&M Holding Company, Inc.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on D&M Holding Company and Ukrainian Defense Industry Announce Joint Venture to Produce Ammunition Propellant in the US

Epirus Receives $43 Million Contract from U.S. Army RCCTO for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

Second generation of company’s energy-based high-power microwave platform marked by increases in range, power, lethality and usability

Los Angeles, Calif—July 17, 2025—Epirus announced today a $43,551,060 contract from the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). The base contract includes delivery of two Integrated Fires Protection Capability High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) Generation II (GEN II) systems, along with associated test events, support equipment and spares with options for additional tests, components and support.

The IFPC-HPM GEN II systems will build upon the four IFPC-HPM systems Epirus delivered to U.S. Army in May 2024¹ and leverage the company’s solid-state, energy-based high-power microwave (HPM) technology platform for counter-electronics and critical asset protection.

The enhanced systems will incorporate Soldier feedback from IFPC-HPM Generation I (GEN I) testing, including engineering developmental testing, joint integrated air and missile defense live-fire exercises and operational assessments with combatant commands.

“Our first IFPC-HPM prototypes were put through the wringer and emerged from sophisticated testing with favorable outcomes. The second generation of our energy-based HPM platform and the next increment of IFPC-HPM will be even more powerful, more mission capable and more impressive all around,” said Andy Lowery, Epirus CEO. “Drones are everywhere. We’ve seen drone incursions over U.S. bases, incursions over our southern border and swarm attacks are defining overseas conflicts. Epirus is prepared to answer the Army’s call and rapidly produce at scale to help solve the asymmetric drone threat with our HPM technology.”

The IFPC-HPM GEN II systems are expected to more than double the maximum effective range of GEN I systems, increase power by a projected 30 percent and feature the inclusion of high-density batteries for prolonged operating times and decreased external power requirements, extra-long pulse widths for maximizing energy output for target defeat, high-duty burst mode for faster multi-target engagement, advanced waveform and polarization techniques for increased lethality against a broader set of targets of interest and Soldier usability enhancements.

These enhancements will build upon the demonstrated effectiveness, usability and safety of the first four IFPC-HPM systems and enable the U.S. Army RCCTO to conduct additional system performance validation through critical parametric assessments, inform potential future Program of Record requirements and support the evolution of a broader directed energy portfolio in line with the Army Transformation Initiative.

¹ Epirus. (2024, May 15). Epirus Finalizes Delivery of Four IFPC-HPM Systems to U.S. Army, Completes New Equipment Training and Engineering Developmental Testing

About Epirus:

Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus’ flagship technology, Leonidas, is a software-defined, energy-based high-power microwave platform, built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.

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RESOLUTE SPACE 25: Guardians Ready to Lead Service’s Largest Exercise

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) —

More than 700 Guardians around the world are prepared to participate in a U.S. Space Force led large-scale exercise, Resolute Space 2025, which will demonstrate the Space Force’s preparedness for complex, large-scale military operations.

The exercise will be conducted in partnership with joint and international forces and demonstrates the ability to operate in a contested, dynamic environment against high-end threats on short notice. Space superiority is an indispensable prerequisite to the success of the Joint Force. Resolute Space enhances the skills of Guardians to deter and, if necessary, defeat adversary aggression threatening the U.S. and its allies and partners.

“Resolute Space sends a clear message: Guardians are prepared to fight and win in space shoulder to shoulder with our joint and allied partners,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “By training at this unprecedented scale, we’re sharpening warfighter instincts, strengthening combat credibility, and proving our commitment to deliver peace through strength in the face of any challenge.”

Resolute Space is integrated with the Air Force’s exercise Resolute Force Pacific, or REFORPAC, which together form the core of the 2025 Department Level Exercise series.

The intent of this Space Force-led exercise is to incorporate, at scale, space-based and space-enabled capabilities to include, but not limited to, space electromagnetic warfare, space domain awareness, orbital warfare, and navigational warfare.

“Resolute Space emphasizes our focus on readiness and training as we incorporate live, synthetic, and virtual space warfighting into an exercise of this magnitude. We’ve leveraged expertise across all functional areas to ensure Guardians internalize the scope and scale of their responsibilities to the joint force and to national security,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Jay Steingold, Resolute Space exercise director. “The expertise and dedication required by the Resolute Space planning team to bring the exercise from conceptualization through planning and into execution is nothing short of remarkable. They have surged in their professional capacities and have been laser-focused on providing Guardians highly relevant and realistic exercise training opportunities.”

Guardians will be operating out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; Peterson and Schriever Space Force Base, and Buckley SFB; and other locations in the U.S. and overseas. This concept of distributed operations provides effective warfighting capabilities to the joint and combined force around the world.

The nation depends on the Space Force to organize, train and equip forces ready and able to conduct space warfighting operations. Resolute Space 2025 provides fundamental training to validate Guardian readiness.

By Resolute Space Public Affairs (Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Operations Command)

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