October 2025 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for October, 2025

American Rheinmetall Awarded $31M Contract to Support Bradley Damage Assessment and Repair Efforts

Friday, October 31st, 2025

American Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract valued at $31M (26,6 MioEUR) to support a Rapid Damage Assessment and Repair Demonstration for the U.S. Army and Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). Under this 18-month contract, awarded by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, Inc. (NCMS), American Rheinmetall will develop and demonstrate advanced damage assessment and repair processes by establishing a forward-deployed maintenance capability, for assessing and repairing damaged or broken Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) closer to operational areas.

EJK59M U.S. Army soldier from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division pulls security next to a M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle during Decisive Action rotation 13-03, Jan. 19, 2013, at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif. Decisive Action rotations are geared toward an adaptive enemy in a complex environment. Sgt. Eric M. Garland II

Program Overview

The demonstration will use the Bradley IFV as a surrogate platform to validate a Rapid Damage Assessment and Repair (DAR) Team trained and equipped with advanced processes, tools, and a responsive supply chain ecosystem. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between battlefield damage and full depot-level repair by enabling rapid, efficient restoration of combat effectiveness until new parts or dedicated repair teams arrive.

Once developed, this program will validate a scalable approach to establishing remote damage assessment and repair sites capable of operating in hazardous or harsh environments. The outcome will reduce downtime, improve readiness, and strengthen resilience across heavy equipment and infrastructure.

Strengthening Allied Readiness
The Rapid Damage Assessment and Repair Demonstration supports U.S. foreign assistance efforts by helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine return Bradley IFVs to operational status amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

“This contract underscores American Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering innovative, mission-critical products and services that support the highest priority operational capabilities for the U.S. military and its allies,” said Matt Warnick, Chief Executive Officer, American Rheinmetall. “By bringing advanced repair capabilities closer to the point of need, we are helping ensure that vital equipment like the Bradley Fighting Vehicle can return to service quickly and safely at a time of crucial need for Ukrainian armed forces.”

The project is scheduled for completion in March 2027, with delivery of the first repaired Bradley IFVs expected at that time.

About Rheinmetall in the U.S.
The Rheinmetall family of U.S. companies includes American Rheinmetall in Auburn Hills, MI (HQ), Biddeford, ME, Lansing, MI, Lapeer, MI, Plymouth, MI, and St. Marys, OH, American Rheinmetall Munitions in Camden, AR, Texarkana, TX (Expal USA), Vienna, VA (HQ), and Windham, ME, and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Vienna, VA.
www.rheinmetall-us.com

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Contracts, Press Release | No Comments »

US Soldier Plans and Executes Autonomous Black Hawk Missions Enabled by MATRIX Technology

Friday, October 31st, 2025

CAMP GRAYLING, Mich., Oct. 30, 2025 — For the first time, a U.S. soldier—not a trained aviator—planned and executed real-world missions in military exercises with Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s [NYSE: LMT] Optionally Piloted (OPV) Black Hawk helicopter, powered by MATRIX™ technology.

In partnership with the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Sikorsky fielded the OPV Black Hawk aircraft at Northern Strike 25-2 in August to demonstrate, in an operational environment, how an autonomous Black Hawk can expand mission reach and reduce risk to soldiers.

A U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant First Class, trained in less than an hour became the first soldier to independently plan, command and execute OPV Black Hawk missions using the system’s handheld tablet. He directed the payload to a location 70 nautical miles away and commanded multiple precision airborne drops, marking the first time OPV Black Hawk operated fully under the control of an actual warfighter, instead of a trained test pilot or engineer.

That wasn’t the only first of the exercise.

At Northern Strike, OPV Black Hawk demonstrated three types of cargo delivery, including internal carry, external sling load and precision parachute drop, as well as a MEDEVAC exercise.

Firsts in Flight

Exercise 1: Parachute Drops and Logistics Recovery

From a Coast Guard boat on Lake Huron, a soldier planned and executed a Class 1 resupply mission from 70 nautical miles away. After the cargo was unloaded, he used the tablet interface to direct the OPV Black Hawk in racetrack patterns over the lake while soldiers onboard completed two precision parachute drops at different altitudes. It was the first time the OPV Black Hawk performed precision logistics and airborne drops entirely under soldier control.

Exercise 2: Water Buffalo External Sling Load

OPV Black Hawk completed its first-ever autonomous hookup of an external load while airborne. Using its hover stability capabilities, the aircraft held position while soldiers quickly and efficiently attached a 2,900-pound water tank without pilot intervention. The demonstration showed that a MATRIX-equipped aircraft can perform complex aerial resupply missions in the field.

Exercise 3: HIMARS External Sling Load and MEDEVAC Recovery

OPV Black Hawk completed six autonomous hovering hookups to transport HIMARS launch tubes to an alternate landing zone. A soldier then used OPV Black Hawk to conduct a simulated personnel recovery, including a tail-to-tail patient transfer to a piloted Black Hawk at an unimproved landing site. This was the first time an untrained soldier commanded an autonomous MEDEVAC recovery from inside the OPV Black Hawk aircraft.

“With lives on the line, Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system can transform how military operators perform their missions,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. “An optionally piloted Black Hawk aircraft can reduce pilot workload in a challenging environment or complete a resupply mission without humans on board. In contested logistics situations, a Black Hawk operating as a large drone offers commanders greater resilience and flexibility to get resources to the point of need.”

MATRIX technology, leveraged to support DARPA’s Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS), gives operators control of advanced aviation, a capability once reserved for trained pilots, enabling resupply, personnel recovery and contested logistics missions in dangerous or low-visibility areas without putting human life at risk.

As a pressure-tested mission partner to the joint services, Sikorsky is committed to delivering dependable, future-ready solutions that expand warfighter capabilities and set the standard for autonomous aviation. This first-of-its-kind success at Northern Strike further proves how Sikorsky is innovating with intent on shaping the next generation of agile, adaptable aircraft systems.

Posted in Army, Aviation, Press Release | No Comments »

TacJobs – Gentex Seeks Marketing Specialist – Law Enforcement

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Marketing Specialist – Law Enforcement

With a history of innovation that spans for 130 years, Gentex Corporation is a leading supplier of products that advance personal protection and situational awareness for global defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel operating in high-performance environments. Our portfolio includes helmet system platforms, hearing protection and communications products, and capability upgrades for defense and security forces sold under the Gentex and Ops-Core brands, as well as PureFlo industrial respiratory protection systems. Privately held, Gentex is headquartered in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and supports its global customers through a worldwide distributor network and facilities in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required (Marketing, Communications, Business, Criminal Justice, or related field).

Equivalent professional experience in lieu of degree considered.

3+ years of B2B/B2G marketing, channel marketing, or segment marketing experience.

Proven ability to execute integrated campaigns (email, digital, events) and develop effective sales enablement tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting or marketing to public safety and law enforcement audiences strongly preferred. Direct experience within the law enforcement community—whether through prior marketing/sales roles or service as a law enforcement officer—is a significant plus.

Familiarity with government procurement cycles, grant funding processes, and distributor networks serving law enforcement is a strong asset

About the Job!

The Marketing Specialist – Law Enforcement (LE) is an execution-focused role dedicated to advancing Gentex Corporation’s Law Enforcement Go-To-Market (GTM) plan. This position builds awareness, drives qualified demand, and supports revenue growth for Gentex / Ops-Core protective headborne, communication, and situational awareness solutions within municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Working cross-functionally with LE Sales, Product Management, Government Programs, the Specialist ensures that LE messaging, campaigns, training materials, and field events are coordinated, accurate, and delivered on time. Success in this role will be measured by contribution to pipeline creation, campaign engagement, and sales enablement adoption.

Gentex offers a robust benefit package – including, but not limited to, medical/dental coverages, 401k, paid time off and excellent work schedules including a 9/80 work week.

Responsibilities:

Support execution of the annual Law Enforcement GTM plan; maintain LE marketing calendar aligned to product priorities, budget cycles, and key industry events.

Assist in refining LE personas, use cases, and buying committee maps (officer/user, training officer, procurement, command staff, grant writer, distributor rep).

Build segment-specific collateral: sell sheets, quick-compare guides, grant talking points, short-form video scripts, training decks, and case studies highlighting agency outcomes.

Localize / adapt core brand assets for LE applications (helmet configurations, comms integration, hearing protection, eye/face pro, carriage accessories).

Coordinate photo/video content capture with field demos and agency evaluations; manage rights/permissions.

Develop targeted email drips and nurture streams for LE leads

Draft and post LE-focused content across social channels.

Produce sales enablement tools such as objection-handling guides and training materials for LE sales reps and distribution partners.

Help plan and execute LE presence at priority industry events (e.g., IACP, NTOA, SHOT Show LE/Tactical, National Sheriffs’ Association, regional SWAT conferences).

Support in-agency demo days, train-the-trainer sessions, and grant/technology education webinars.

Support cross-segment initiatives when LE content or expertise is required.

Maintain organized digital asset libraries and version control for LE materials.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Description

$63,000-$87,000

To Apply:

Visit: gentexcorp.com/careers

Posted in Advertiser, TacJobs | No Comments »

ARES Watch Co Announces MultiCam Black, October Small Batch

Friday, October 31st, 2025

October 30 ,2025 – Stanwood, WA – ARES Watch Co. manufacturer of American operational Mission Timers is launching their October Limited Edition, MultiCam™ Black, Small Batch drop on Friday, October 31st at 12:00 PM EST.

As part of this limited drop, ARES will feature its first-ever run of Cordura Nylon 3-ring straps in MultiCam Black™.

This launch of this month’s serialized 12 time pieces will feature the ARES Automatic DIVER-1 Mission Timer®, with a custom Deep Black CERAKOTE® bezel, matching black dial and case – an intricate design choice to pair with the MultiCam Black™ straps.

The DIVER-1 is manufactured with a precision Swiss movement, assembled, timed, and regulated by ARES watchmakers, including perlage & finishing. A flat sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective AR coating, and brass dial with Super LumiNova C3 printed hour indicators make the timepiece durable and easy to read in any condition.

Built to withstand extreme conditions, the Automatic Diver-1 offers 1050 meters of water resistance, making it perfect for everything from tactical use to recreational diving and when weather conditions take a turn its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and luminous hands and markers provide clear visibility and protection. The Diver-1 also features mission timer countdown functionality standard in military dive watches. Powered by accurate precision Swiss movement, this watch is a reliable for both active-duty and everyday wear.

This extreme limited drop further separates ARES from its peers, proving that no other company can truly customize a time piece upon request. All AUTOMATIC Mission Timers will arrive in a Seahorse Cases, SE56 black case.

“Working with the MultiCam™ variants isn’t just a colorway — it’s a continuation of what we believe: purpose over polish,” said ARES Founder, Matt Graham. “Every Mission Timer leaves our bench the same way — with proof it was built, not simply assembled. Anyone can design a watch — we manufacture them. The MultiCam™ Black run is proof that when you own the process, you can create things no one else can.”

Posted in Press Release, Watches | 1 Comment »

Assault Plate Redefines Tactical Load Bearing with Carbon Fiber Innovation

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Made in America. Built for those who carry the mission.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 31, 2025 — Assault Plate LLC has officially launched with a first-of-its-kind innovation for military and law-enforcement operators: the Assault Plate™, a carbon-fiber load-bearing system that eliminates shoulder straps and integrates seamlessly with any plate carrier.

Engineered and manufactured entirely in the United States, the Assault Plate™ allows operators to carry up to 30 pounds of mission-essential gear without shoulder straps, freeing the shoulders for weapon control and reducing fatigue during long operations. The carbon-fiber frame slides between the body armor and pack, clearing the shoulders while maintaining easy access to the mission essential gear on the back.

‘This isn’t an accessory – it’s an evolution,’ said an operator who wished to remain anonymous. ‘It solves a real problem users face every day; how to carry the load without sacrificing access.’

The Assault Plate™ system is Berry-compliant, constructed from US made carbon fiber, and compatible with almost every backpack and plate carrier on the market. It can integrate with existing straps on the pack or attach using included universal straps.

Designed for special operations, SWAT, and tactical professionals, Assault Plate™ represents the next generation of American-made tactical equipment.

Patent pending.

www.assaultplate.com

orders@assaultplate.com

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: 2025 Florida SWAT Roundup

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Come see us at the 2025 Florida SWAT Roundup next week over at booth 4S from Sunday, November 2nd through Friday, November 7th. Check out our product line-up and catch up with our team to learn more about what’s coming in 2026!

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. 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, LE, Tradeshow | No Comments »

Solid State plc Through Steatite has Secured an Initial $10.8 Million UK MoD Order for Project CAIN

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Solid State plc (AIM: SOLI), the specialist value-added component supplier and design-in-manufacturer of computing, power, and communications products, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Steatite Ltd has secured an initial order valued at US $10.8 million under Project CAIN, a major defence programme, for a UK Government end user.

The order represents a significant milestone in Steatite’s ongoing strategy to deliver cutting-edge, mission-critical technologies to the UK’s armed forces and security community. Under Project CAIN, Steatite will supply a range of secure, ruggedised systems including the MPU5 and Wave Relay Radio Technology from Persistent Systems, supporting advanced operational capabilities in challenging environments.

Delivery of these initial systems is scheduled for the first half of 2026. The project further strengthens Steatite’s position as a trusted supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and reinforces its reputation for innovation and reliability in the delivery of secure technology solutions.

Commenting on the award, Matthew Richards, Systems Divisional Managing Director of Solid State plc, said:

“This contract win is the result of extensive collaboration with our customer, the OEM Persistent Systems and other commercial providers, which highlights the strength of Steatite’s capability and commitment to operational excellence.

“Project CAIN will play a key role in enhancing the UK’s defence resilience, aligning with the targets set by Chief of the General Staff General, Sir Roly Walker, to double lethality in 3 years and triple it in 10. We’re proud to be part of its delivery and thank Tim Sage and his colleagues within our communications team for getting us to this stage. We now look forward to supporting the MoD in the months and years to come on such a prestigious and vitally important programme.”

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended (“MAR”). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Cooperation with Bulgaria: Rheinmetall and VMZ Establish Joint Venture for the Production of Artillery Ammunition

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Rheinmetall and the Bulgarian company VMZ (Vazovski Mashinostroitelni Zavodi) are establishing a joint venture for the development and manufacture of artillery shells and energetic materials. A corresponding agreement was signed today. The total investment in the joint venture amounts to approximately €1 billion – one of the most significant investments in ammunition production in recent years. Rheinmetall holds a 51% stake in the joint venture, while VMZ holds 49%.

The production facility will cover an area of around 100 hectares. The site is located in the Sopot region of Bulgaria. The joint venture is expected to create around 1,000 jobs. Annual production capacity will be around 100,000 shells and propellant charges for up to 150,000 shells. In addition, the joint venture will produce approximately 1,300 tonnes of propellant powder. This capacity will support VMZ’s business. According to current plans, production of projectile casings is scheduled to begin in 2027. Energetic materials are to be produced from 2028 onwards.

‘We are grateful for the Bulgarian government’s confidence in our capabilities,’ said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. ‘With the new production facility, we are further expanding our leading role as a manufacturer of artillery ammunition to continue supporting the defence capabilities of the European Union and NATO.’

About Rheinmetall: As an integrated technology group, the listed company Rheinmetall AG, headquartered in Düsseldorf, stands for a company that is as strong in substance as it is successful internationally, and that is active in various markets with an innovative range of products and services. Rheinmetall is a leading international systems supplier in the defence industry and at the same time a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in the civilian markets. With 40,000 employees on 174 sites word wide, Rheinmetall generated sales €9.8 billion in 2024.

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