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Archive for August, 2025

Galvion Wins US Marine Corps Integrated Helmet System contract

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has been awarded the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Integrated Helmet System (IHS) contract. The five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has a maximum value of $131,396,296. Galvion’s customized Integrated Helmet System was developed over multiple years under the scope of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) to meet the unique operational requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The Galvion IHS Solution is a functionally robust, USMC-mission-focused system that is optimized to meet all USMC technical requirements. The no-through hole, hi-cut helmet is a proprietary geometry (introduced commercially as the Hellbender™ platform earlier this year) that combines an ECH front shape for ease-of-integration with existing accessories and a ridged-back design that provides structural stability. It features the latest version of Galvion’s best-in-class Apex™ lining system, which includes improvements incorporated as a direct result of Marine feedback, resulting in a better-fitting, balanced and more stable helmet platform for SBNVG and ECOTI mounting.

Galvion’s E.D.G™ power management system integrates easily, offering scalable operational capability for Marines. The helmet was designed to support single-size components (NVG shroud, rails, harness, accessory straps) for ease of maintenance and supply logistics, with a clear upgrade and support path through its service life.

Galvion designed, built and tested prototypes demonstrating technical capabilities and integration with current USMC equipment including communication devices and visual augmentation systems, and delivered over 1000 systems across two configurations to meet the Marine Corps trial and evaluation requirements:

‘Block 0’ Baseline System: helmet featuring NVD shroud with stabilization bumpers, IHS rails with NVG clips and O2 attachments, NVG bungees, External Loop Pattern, Battery Retention Straps, the latest APEX™ liner system, and a customized helmet cover with cable management.
‘Block 1’ Integrated System: built off Block 0, with the addition of the E.D.G scalable power pack, single and dual cables to power SBNVG & SBNVG with ECOTI, Integrated Strobe, Task Light and optional HED.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for the entire Galvion team. This program has been a uniting force across our organization and has driven us to innovate, integrate and collaborate faster and better as a team. From the research and development done in our Warfighter Lab to design a more stable system, to the helmets produced in our Vermont facility, to the E.D.G power and data component coming out of our New Hampshire headquarters – this has been a true team effort.” He added: “The United States Marine Corps are some of the world’s most demanding users, and our solution offers them a fully integrated helmet system that has been designed specifically to evolve with technology to support the Marines advanced mission needs. The development process for this system highlights the Marine Corps Systems Command’s commitment to working with industry to find the absolute best solution for Marines. We had such a high level of engagement with users throughout this process – through the multiple Limited User Evaluations and Ballistic Testing events organized by the MCSC and the dozen additional Galvion internal sessions that they supported. We incorporated feedback after every evaluation stage to ultimately deliver a system that has been designed by Marines, for Marines. We look forward to continuing this collaborative process as we outfit Marines with our helmets and support their evolving needs for years to come.”

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, Press Release, USMC | 11 Comments »

US Army to Hold Industry Day for UAS Marketplace

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Imagine being at a unit and having the ability to purchase a multitude of vetted Uncrewed Aircraft Systems on a marketplace similar to Amazon. That’s just what the Army aims to do in order to get small drones into the hands of every squad by 2026 as well as manage the voracious appetite DoD will have for this game changing technology.

The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Aviation (PEO Aviation), in collaboration with the Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM UAS) and Army Contracting Command Redstone (ACC-RSA), has announced an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Industry Day, scheduled for 16 through 18 September 2025 in Huntsville, AL.

This event aims to foster collaboration between the Army and industry stakeholders to advance the development, integration, and sustainment of UAS capabilities.

In an effort to accelerate its modernization and transform how it acquire UAS, the Army is introducing the UAS marketplace concept which aims to create an environment of continuous competition across multiple domains, increasing opportunities for a wide range of companies and organizations with the end goal of accelerating capability to Soldiers.

Unlike traditional, long-term contracts with limited vendors and costly upgrades, the UAS Marketplace fosters open innovation and innovative business approaches by allowing any qualified industry partner to contribute.

Areas of Interest

Air Vehicles

Design and development of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid UAS platforms.
Autonomy levels, endurance, payload capacity, and launch/recovery methods.

Payloads

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): EO/IR sensors, synthetic aperture radar, signals intelligence.
Lethal and Non-Lethal Effects: Munitions, electronic warfare payloads, decoys.
Other Subcomponents (may be grouped or separate): Batteries, motors, landing gear, and other integral components.

Software

Mission planning and control software compatible with the Army’s Uncrewed Vehicle Control (UVC) system and Software Product Development Services (SPDS) initiatives.
Autonomy algorithms, data processing, and user interface design.

Integration

Methods and standards for integrating payloads into air vehicles.
Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) compliance and interoperability considerations.

Manufacturing

3D Printing: Additive manufacturing techniques for UAS components.
Large-Scale Manufacturing: Capability to produce UAS platforms given a Technical Data Package (TDP).

Architecture

System architecture supports scalability, redundancy, and resilience.
Network integration and communication protocols.

Repairs and Sustainment

Maintenance strategies, supply chain management, and lifecycle support.
Field repair capabilities and turnaround times.

Technical Data

Level of technical data available for government use, including Software Specially Negotiated License Rights – (SNLR).
Willingness to provide detailed technical documentation beyond generic statements.
Right to repair.
Production Facility Information
ISO certifications, current production throughput, lead times.
Capacity to scale production in response to increased demand.

Design and Manufacturing Roles

Indicate whether your company is interested in:
Design only
Manufacturing only
Both design and manufacturing

Additional Services

Any other services or capabilities relevant to UAS development and deployment.
Participation in UVC Software Factory/SPDS
Interest and capability to participate in the Army’s UVC Software Factory and SPDS initiatives.

The hosts invite industry to participate in this groundbreaking concept by registering for the event.

Full details are available at sam.gov.

Photo by SPC Breanna Bradford

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Whiskey 5 – Cold Skills Group

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Who

Cold Skills Group is a Scandinavian company founded by former special operations personnel with decades of combined experience in Arctic warfare, mountain operations, and extreme climate survival. Our team is drawn from Norway and Sweden, and all members are born and raised in the very environments we design for.

We are not only veterans of these terrains—we still live and operate here. These are our homelands, and the gear we create reflects our deep personal and professional connection to the North.

Cold Skills was recognized early for our innovation and was awarded ‘Company of the Year’ in Karlsborg in 2014. We have played a key role in the development of winter systems for leading brands such as Taiga (Torraka) since 2005.

What

Cold Skills Group develops, tests, and supplies professional-grade soldier systems for Arctic, sub-Arctic, and mountain operations. Our capabilities span across:

– Modular load-bearing systems
– Arctic shelter solutions
– Thermal protection systems
– Full-spectrum training & consultancy for cold weather operations

Our own brand, Faravid Gear, includes uniquely developed systems that are field-tested with Arctic units. From concept to delivery, we ensure every product or service we provide is operationally relevant, durable, and mission ready.

Where

Cold Skills Group is headquartered in Karlsborg, Sweden, with our R&D and field-testing operations based in Norway. We also maintain operational presence and partnerships across Finland, Eastern Europe, the UK, and beyond.

We are proud suppliers to Nordic governments and military units, with current framework agreements including the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). We are expanding rapidly, driven by operational need and a rising focus on Arctic security in NATO.

When

Cold Skills was founded in 2002 with the singular goal of improving how professionals operate in the world’s harshest conditions. More than 20 years later, our mission remains the same—refined by experience and driven by operational feedback from some of the world’s most demanding end-users.

Why

Because standard gear fails where we operate. Cold Skills exists to provide a complete system—equipment, training, and strategy—that enables individuals and units to succeed in the coldest, most remote, and most challenging environments on Earth.

Helping you achieve your mission, is our mission.

Headquarters: Karlsborg, Sweden

R&D: Norway

www.coldskills.com — Your Partner on the Northern Flank

Posted in Whiskey 5 | 3 Comments »

C5ISR Center Research Connects Aided Target Recognition with Small UAS for Greater Squad Lethality

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Aug. 11, 2025) — Army researchers are aiming to deliver aided target recognition to unmanned aerial systems, speeding up squad target detection on the battlefield and increasing Soldier lethality.

With current systems, Soldiers manually monitor a UAS video feed, searching through large areas of terrain and obstacles for extended periods of time in a quickly moving, dynamic environment. Now, DoD scientists and engineers are integrating autonomy and threat detection to bring new capabilities for small organic Army UAS.

The Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency have led R&D to bring new technology to Soldiers since 2019 with a specific focus on small UAS.

“The primary goal is to provide autonomy at the squad level by using high-level autonomous behaviors like Smart Search, which enables autonomous area searching, target detection, and the ability to track and follow high-priority targets,” said Mathew Wilson, the program’s lead at C5ISR Center. “Soldiers will have greater lethality, survivability and maneuverability.”

Placing UAS into the hands of Soldiers for AiTR is breaking ground in DoD research, which previously focused on Army ground platforms, Wilson said. The Army’s goals are to reduce Soldier fatigue, improve situational awareness, and enable faster, more accurate decision-making, Wilson said.

“C5ISR Center is expanding on the foundation of our extensive AiTR expertise. UAS have new capabilities as the system processes vast amounts of information for Soldiers into actionable ISR data. Removing the need to manually control UAS while automatically detecting and relaying threat information to the Squad keeps more Soldiers in the fight,” Wilson said.

In-house DoD R&D brings subject-matter experts and Soldiers together during experimentation events for direct feedback, leading to continued improvements. During Project Convergence Capstone 5, the system allowed forward observers to autonomously search beyond line-of-sight for potential threats.

Squad leader Sgt. Brian Ward, of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, gave positive feedback on AiTR testing during PC C5.

“If someone has issues trying to find targets or personnel, it’s circling and tracking as they move,” Ward said. “It’s a game changer. If it can detect more targets, the better, especially if you can choose which one to nominate and call for engagement.”

The system populates the data on a common operating picture using existing Army infrastructure — Android Tactical Assault Kit and Nett Warrior device — to avoid the need to field additional software and hardware. The ATAK interface allows command and control of the UAS’ autonomous behaviors.

“The UAS automatically launched, traversed to the area of interest, autonomously searched and passed back detected targets without any further human interaction. Since AiTR has not yet been fielded, automatically detecting potential threats was a huge hit,” Wilson said.

By Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on C5ISR Center Research Connects Aided Target Recognition with Small UAS for Greater Squad Lethality

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Highlights Its Missile Defense Portfolio at the 2025 Space and Missile Defense Symposium

Monday, August 11th, 2025

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., August 4, 2025 – General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) returns to the Space and Missile Defense Symposium to highlight its missile defense solutions supporting Golden Dome, a layered missile defense architecture designed to protect the nation from a range of advanced missile threats including hypersonic, ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as other airborne threats.

GA-EMS will showcase the designs for their Bullseye™ missile and Long-Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP), with a 1:1 scale model and 1:2 scale model in their booth. The company has accelerated integration and testing of its missile defense technologies to demonstrate advanced capabilities and move rapidly toward field deployment.

“Our LRMP aligns with dynamic defense requirements for improved long-range precision strikes and minimizes operational uncertainty by integrating into existing artillery systems,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “The next phase of full-system testing will validate the projectile’s performance across complex scenarios and ensure seamless integration with missile defense frameworks.”

Bullseye is a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 missile system that shares 80% of its components with combat-proven TRL 9 missile systems, fully validated through successful real-world operations.

Attendees visiting Booth #531 will engage directly with GA-EMS experts to explore system designs and planned field-testing initiatives for both LRMP and Bullseye. GA-EMS will also feature its portfolio of laser weapon systems, hypersonics and sensor payloads for missile defense and tracking-offering greater flexibility and capability to support both offensive and defensive missions.

About General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) develops innovative technologies to create breakthrough solutions supporting operational environments from undersea to space. From electromagnetic, power generation and energy storage systems and space systems and satellites, to hypersonic, missile defense, and laser weapon systems, GA-EMS offers an expanding portfolio of capabilities for defense, government, and national security customers. GA-EMS also provides commercial products and services targeting hazardous waste remediation, oil and gas, and nuclear energy industries.

For further information, visit www.ga.com/ems

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Highlights Its Missile Defense Portfolio at the 2025 Space and Missile Defense Symposium

Mack Defense Secures New Five-Year Contract for M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks with U.S. Army

Monday, August 11th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (August 11, 2025) – Mack Defense has been awarded a new five-year contract to continue production of the U.S. Army’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) for up to 450 trucks with a total contract value up to $221.8 million. This new agreement follows the successful fulfillment of the initial contract awarded in 2018 and comes after the company recently celebrated the production of its 500th M917A3 HDT in March 2025.

Mack Defense has been awarded a new five-year contract to continue production of the U.S. Army’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) for up to 450 trucks with a total contract value up to $221.8 million.

“This contract represents continued confidence in our ability to deliver mission-critical vehicles to the U.S. Army,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “The M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck is a commercial-based truck modified to meet mission-critical functionality that directly supports the Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard operations within the United States and around the world. This new contract award is a testament to the commitment of our team, which includes our supplier partners, as well as to the robust capabilities of this heavy tactical vehicle platform. We look forward to building and delivering more reliable, high-performance trucks that meet the demanding needs of our soldiers.”

The new contract, awarded June 24, 2025, will ensure continued production of the critically important M917A3 HDTs that support the U.S. military’s construction and infrastructure maintenance capabilities. These vehicles play a vital role in supporting construction and upkeep of airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities, motor pools and in disaster relief for areas affected by severe weather.

Based on the commercially available Mack® Granite® model, the M917A3 HDTs are manufactured at Mack Defense’s dedicated production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The specialized production facility has been in operation since 2021 following a $6.5 million investment to create a dedicated HDT production line, which leverages the capabilities and production work force of Mack’s main Lehigh Valley production operations located in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

“From day one, we’ve worked hard to foster a transparent, collaborative relationship – one that has helped ensure this program remains on track, on time and aligned with the Army’s evolving needs, said Derik Beck, senior director of sales, marketing and business development at Mack Defense. “We are also proud to continue working closely with U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserve and the various U.S. National Guard Adjutant Generals, whose ongoing support has been essential to the program’s success. As we move into the next phase, we’re committed to maintaining that level of engagement while also looking to our Congressional stakeholders for sustained support. This program is not only vital to Army readiness but also to preserving critical manufacturing jobs and capabilities within our U.S. industrial base.”

The M917A3 HDTs are spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. military. The vehicles also feature advanced technology including ABS, modern control interfaces and active safety systems.

The M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck is an essential asset to the Army’s Engineer Regiment, providing the mobility and durability needed to complete critical construction and infrastructure missions in diverse operational environments. Mack Defense is committed to delivering a high-quality, mission-ready vehicle that meets the Army’s evolving needs.

Since the initial contract award in 2018, which allowed for up to 683 trucks at a value up to $296 million, the U.S. military has ordered 549 HDTs from Mack Defense, with additional orders coming from both the U.S. Army and U.S. National Guard.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Mack Defense Secures New Five-Year Contract for M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks with U.S. Army

CTOMS Announces the Acquisition of Performance Manufacturing and the Amarok Technical Gear Brand

Monday, August 11th, 2025

Edmonton, Alberta (August 2025)

CTOMS was founded in 2006 as a tactical medicine training company and evolved into a global leader in innovative micro-rope solutions for tactical and rescue operations. CTOMS is excited to announce the acquisition of Performance Manufacturing, an experienced manufacturing company more recently known for producing key rope control devices for CTOMS’ TRACE Systems and Firefly, the world’s smallest and lightest comprehensive capability micro-rope system and vertical egress/bail-out system, respectively. This acquisition also brings with it the Amarok Technical Gear brand, including complementary products like the Helo Lanyard™ for adjustable safety retention in a helicopter and the ciao Nut Tool for rock anchor cleaning, into CTOMS’ product line.

This strategic move enhances CTOMS’ ability to expand market reach, scale operations, and accelerate research and development. This will ensure greater product availability and faster innovation for customers worldwide. New product developments, tailored for the vertical and aviation environments requiring the lightest and most advanced equipment, are already underway.

Chris Kopp, CEO of CTOMS, stated:

“This acquisition brings new expertise and capabilities to CTOMS, streamlining our ability to innovate and develop cutting-edge products to continue to lead the way in lightweight, low-pack volume vertical access, egress, and rescue solutions.”

Randy Sawatsky, Founder of Performance Manufacturing, added:

“Joining forces with CTOMS unlocks growth opportunities and fuels research and development that would not have been possible otherwise, paving the way for exciting advancements.”

This acquisition positions CTOMS and Performance Manufacturing to redefine industry standards for micro-rope system use in vertical access and rescue equipment. For more information on CTOMS’ expanded product line, visit www.ctomsinc.com and www.ctomsropesystems.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on CTOMS Announces the Acquisition of Performance Manufacturing and the Amarok Technical Gear Brand

Leapfest 2025 – 40 Years of International Airborne Camaraderie and Competition

Monday, August 11th, 2025

Last weekend, paratroopers from around the world dropped into Exeter, Rhode Island for the 40th annual Leapfest, the iconic international military static line parachute competition hosted by the Rhode Island Army National Guard’s 56th Troop Command.

Established in 1982, Leapfest is recognized as the largest and longest-running event of its kind, dedicated to testing the airborne skills of military teams through rigorous competition and fostering camaraderie among participants. This year’s event brought together teams from across the United States military and 18 foreign countries.

Participants jumped from CH-47 Chinook helicopters at an altitude of 1,500 feet, with each four-member team aiming to land as close as possible to designated targets. The event tested both individual and team proficiency, with strict eligibility requirements permitting only currently serving military personnel to compete.

Leapfest continues its tradition of promoting international friendship and esprit de corps among airborne soldiers. In addition to the competition itself, the event featured a foreign jump exchange, giving paratroopers the opportunity to earn foreign jump wings. The closing ceremony highlighted the broad international participation and celebrated the achievements of all involved.

Reflecting its international nature, the top 3 teams came from the United States, Canada, and Hungary. The full results for both team and individual performances can be found on the Leapfest website.

We congratulate the winners and all participants for their professionalism, dedication, and Airborne Spirit. Leapfest will return again next year, continuing its legacy as THE rendezvous for airborne soldiers worldwide.

Via Strike-Hold!

All photos: 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne)

Posted in Guest Post, International, Parachuting | Comments Off on Leapfest 2025 – 40 Years of International Airborne Camaraderie and Competition