July 2026 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for July, 2026

Red Cat Receives $2.49 Million US Air Force Order for Black Widow Systems

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

AWARD SUPPORTS TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF BLACK WIDOW AS A POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR TO THE AIR FORCE SECURITY FORCES’ CURRENT TEAL 2 FLEETSALT LAKE CITY, July 30, 2026 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced that its Teal Drones subsidiary has received a $2.49 million firm-fixed-price contract from the U.S. Air Force for Black Widow™ small unmanned aircraft systems, training and related support.

The award includes Black Widow systems, train-the-trainer support, batteries, spares and shipping. According to the contract, the equipment will be used to conduct a technical and operational assessment of Black Widow as a potential successor to the Air Force Security Forces’ current Teal 2 fleet.

The customer organization is the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC), which trains, equips, and managed program execution for the Air Force Security Forces enterprise worldwide. This encompasses active-duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Defenders. This technical and operational assessment positions Black Widow as a potential successor across the total AFSFC’s Teal 2 fleet, building on Red Cat’s momentum as the U.S. Army’s selected Short Range Reconnaissance platform.

“We are proud to support the U.S. Air Force across active-duty, Air National Guard, and reservists, as the AFSFC evaluates Black Widow for missions at the tactical edge,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “This assessment of the Black Widow reflects growing recognition across the Department of War that secure, American-made systems are essential for the operations our national defense and security organizations carry out every day.”

Black Widow is Red Cat’s flagship short-range reconnaissance system and the U.S. Army’s selected platform for its Short Range Reconnaissance Program. The system is designed to provide warfighters with rapidly deployable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The contract calls for delivery by August 24, 2026.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

S&S Precision Awarded GSA Multiple Award Schedule Contract

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Virginia Beach, VA – July 31, 2026 – S&S Precision is proud to announce that we have been awarded a General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract.

The GSA Schedule provides federal, state, and local government customers with a streamlined process to purchase S&S Precision products at pre-negotiated prices and terms.

“Securing a place on the GSA Schedule is a significant milestone for S&S Precision and offers our government customers an additional, straightforward purchasing option,” said Angela Borland, VP of Business Development at S&S Precision. “We have worked closely with end users for years, and any step that simplifies access to the right equipment is a success.”

The award expands the purchasing options available to S&S Precision customers and supports the company’s continued growth across the military, law enforcement, and government markets.

S&S Precision’s GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract number is: 47QSMS26D005M, and runs through June 2031.

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

Ti Defense’s Military Virtual Trainer (MVT) Accepted into the U.S. Army Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Marketplace

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

GOLDEN, Colo., July 17, 2026 — Ti Defense today announced the acceptance of its Military Virtual Trainer (MVT) into the U.S. Army Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Marketplace. As an innovative virtual training platform designed to enhance tactical readiness and weapons proficiency, this milestone positions the MVT as an approved training solution available to support Soldiers, units, and training organizations seeking to improve weapon handling, marksmanship fundamentals, and operational effectiveness through immersive virtual training.

The MVT serves as a critical bridging capability until a Program of Record to replace the legacy Engagement Skills Trainer II (EST) can be established.

The LVC Marketplace serves as a centralized ecosystem for purchasing advanced training technologies that support the Army’s modernization objectives. The MVT’s inclusion reflects its ability to deliver realistic, scalable, and accessible training experiences that seamlessly complement live-fire ranges and traditional instruction.

“We are honored to be accepted into the U.S. Army LVC Marketplace,” said Greg Otte, Ti Defense CEO and President. “This achievement validates our commitment to providing high-quality, data-driven training solutions that help Soldiers build and sustain critical weapon skills.

By leveraging immersive technology, the MVT enables more frequent, cost-effective, and measurable training opportunities that support mission readiness.”

The MVT provides a comprehensive virtual training environment that allows users to practice weapon employment, target acquisition, decision-making, and engagement techniques in realistic operational scenarios in accordance with Service Doctrine. The platform delivers detailed performance analytics, enabling instructors and trainees to identify strengths, address skill gaps, and track progress over time.

Key benefits of the MVT include:

• Enhanced Readiness: Enables Soldiers to train more frequently outside traditional range schedules.

• Data-Driven Performance Measurement: Provides actionable insights through detailed after-action reviews and performance metrics.

• Scalable Accessibility: Offers configurations ranging from ultra-portable setups to fixed locations.

• Cost and Resource Efficiency: Reduces reliance on live ammunition and range availability while reinforcing foundational weapon skills.

• Immersive Learning Environment: Replicates operational scenarios that improve engagement and skill proficiencies.

As the Army continues to invest in innovative training technologies, the MVT’s presence in the LVC Marketplace expands opportunities for units to integrate virtual training into their overall weapons development programs. The platform is designed to complement existing training methodologies by providing Soldiers with an accessible, repeatable, and effective way to develop and maintain critical combat skills.

“Acceptance into the LVC Marketplace represents an important step in expanding access to next-generation training capabilities,” added Brent Ludlow, Military Business Development and Military SME at Ti Defense. “We look forward to partnering with Army organizations to help maximize training effectiveness and prepare Soldiers for the challenges of today’s complex operational environments.”

For more information about the Military Virtual Trainer and its capabilities, visit www.TiDefense.com.

Posted in Admin, Army, Press Release, Training | No Comments »

12 Months In: Galvion’s Poland Operation Emerges as a European and NATO Centre of Excellence

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced that at the 12-month point from formal opening, their European and NATO production hub in Gdansk, Poland, has emerged as a significant centre of excellence.

Galvion’s facility was first announced in September 2023, was completed in June 2024, and was fully operational in April 2025. The facility was formally opened by Her Excellency, Catherin Godin, the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Poland, at a ceremony held on 23rd June 2025. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities, Galvion has been serving their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

Since the formal opening last June, Galvion’s Gda?sk manufacturing facility has rapidly established itself as the cornerstone of the company’s European and NATO operations. In just 12 months, the site has grown to employ more than 100 people and has shipped over 90,000 ballistic helmets to NATO allies, supporting customers in 10 countries across NATO and allied nations worldwide, including Europe, Canada and the Middle East. With an annual production capacity of 100,000 helmets on a single shift, the facility manufactures multiple helmet platforms and has established a robust European manufacturing footprint, strengthening supply chain resilience and enabling closer proximity to customers. Continued investment in advanced technologies, automation and expanded production capabilities underscores Galvion’s long-term commitment to innovation, operational excellence and supporting the evolving needs of defence and security partners across Europe and beyond.

Following consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. The Polish factory houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Building on its long-established leadership in ballistic head protection, Galvion is now extending the role of the helmet as the foundation of an integrated soldier system. The company’s latest Cortex™ EVO and EVO HALO technologies enable power, data and digital capabilities to be incorporated directly into existing or new helmet platforms, creating a pathway for militaries to modernize equipment already in service. As these capabilities are introduced across European programs, Galvion’s Gda?sk facility is positioned to support both new production and the upgrade, refurbishment and integration of in-service helmet fleets, further expanding its role as a regional centre of excellence.

Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman at Galvion, said: “When we invested in Poland, our objective was never simply to build another manufacturing facility. We wanted to establish a long-term operational centre that could serve our European and NATO customers with local production, sustainment, modernization and technical support. One year later, the team has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated exactly what that model can achieve.” He continued:

“Looking ahead, the opportunity is even greater. As soldiers become increasingly connected, the helmet is evolving into the platform that brings together protection, power, data and digital capability. Our vision is to help customers not only procure next-generation integrated systems but also upgrade equipment already in service. Gda?sk will play a central role in delivering that capability across Europe for many years to come.”

Posted in Helmets, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | Comments Off on 12 Months In: Galvion’s Poland Operation Emerges as a European and NATO Centre of Excellence

Snakestaff Systems Announces Universal Snakeskin Tourniquet Carrier

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Snakestaff Systems has announced the release of the Universal Snakeskin, a do-it-all tourniquet carrier designed to provide a versatile mounting solution across a broad range of professional, recreational, industrial, and everyday applications.

Developed for compatibility with both the Snakestaff ETQ™ and ETQ Wide™, the Universal Snakeskin addresses a longstanding challenge: securely mounting a tourniquet where immediate access makes the most sense. While traditional mounting solutions have largely been limited to tactical equipment or purpose-built platforms, many everyday environments—including vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, heavy equipment, work gear, and recreational equipment—have lacked a practical, secure means of carrying hemorrhage control equipment. The Universal Snakeskin bridges that gap by providing a single carrier that performs equally well on conventional load-bearing equipment and in the diverse environments where rapid access to a tourniquet can be equally important.

The carrier incorporates multiple integrated attachment methods into a compact platform, allowing it to be mounted to backpacks, bicycles, motorcycles, vehicle interiors, heavy equipment, rifle stocks, plate carriers, battle belts, climbing harnesses, and numerous other applications.

“Readiness shouldn’t be dictated by the limitations of your equipment and environment,” said Jefferson Colledge, Chief Executive Officer of Snakestaff Systems. “The Universal Snakeskin changes the conversation. Instead of asking where you can mount your tourniquet, it allows you to decide where you should.

The introduction of the Universal Snakeskin reflects Snakestaff Systems’ continued commitment to developing practical, adaptable medical equipment that expands access to lifesaving interventions without adding unnecessary complexity. The carrier is intended for use by military personnel, law enforcement, first responders, industrial workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and responsibly prepared civilians seeking rapid access to lifesaving medical equipment across a wide variety of environments.

The Universal Snakeskin is available immediately through Snakestaff Systems and its authorized dealer network.

Posted in Medical, Press Release | No Comments »

Reptilia Introduces the Canno: A Purpose-Built Nicotine Pouch Container

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Hillsborough, NC 7/30 Reptilia announces the launch of the CANNO, a purpose-built, pocket-sized container designed to provide a more durable and practical way to carry nicotine pouches.

Designed with the same attention to detail and functional approach found throughout Reptilia’s product line, the CANNO gives users an alternative to carrying nicotine pouches in the disposable plastic cans they originally come in.

Compact enough for everyday carry, the CANNO is designed to keep nicotine pouches organized, protected, and ready when needed. Its small footprint makes it easy to carry in a pocket, range bag, vehicle, or everyday carry setup.

The CANNO is available in six colors: Gold, Purple, Grey, Green, and Orange.

Inside each container is an engraved reminder for the moment every nicotine pouch user eventually faces: RELOAD.

“There’s no reason something you carry every day needs to live in a disposable container,” said Reptilia. “The CANNO takes a simple, everyday object and gives it the same level of thought and design we apply to everything we make.”

The CANNO represents Reptilia’s continued expansion into purpose-built everyday carry products, bringing the company’s design-driven approach to an item that users carry every day.

The Reptilia CANNO is available now.

For more information or to purchase the CANNO, visit reptiliacorp.com/product/reptilia-canno.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | No Comments »

PAE Fires Establishes “Reveille Forge” to Accelerate Rapid Integration and Capability Delivery

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires has launched Reveille Forge\, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) at Redstone Arsenal. The now-operational facility capitalizes directly on the momentum from the Pathway for Innovation and Technology (PIT) led Operation Jailbreak’s Sprint 1 and the Army’s first ever API Marketplace\, which went live May 6. Designed to maintain a lean standing footprint\, Reveille Forge remains poised to surge support when directed to integrate new capabilities for immediate deployment to operational theaters. Operation Jailbreak’s first sprint focused on countering Unmanned Aerial System and Integrated Air and Missile Defense threats, bringing together more than 50 companies and 600 participants to “jailbreak” more than 74 previously isolated capabilities. Following this initial sprint, the team transitioned to “JB 1.5” to harden those capabilities at Redstone Arsenal. Now, PAE Fires is institutionalizing that momentum by establishing Reveille Forge as a permanent hackathon environment to support its specific portfolio objectives. This standing facility can operate independently or in conjunction of any future Jailbreak sprints.

Bringing Industry, Government, and Academia Under One Roof The driving organization behind Reveille Forge is PAE Fires, working hand-in-hand with its portfolio of existing prime contractors, emerging vendors, government stakeholders, and academia. Reveille Forge is purpose-built as a collaborative space where all stakeholders work side-by-side, building directly on the partnership model proven during Operation Jailbreak, where Industry competitors sat shoulder-to-shoulder in shared “validation zones.” “Operation Jailbreak proved what’s possible when industry, government, and academia stop working in silos and start working as one team,” said Portfolio Acquisition Executive, Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano. To formalize this continuous integration model, PAE Fires will work with existing partners and interested vendors through appropriate government-approved mechanisms to support collaboration, integration, and evaluation in an enduring, joint environment.

An “Integrate-First” Pathway for Emerging Vendors and Capabilities The launch of Reveille Forge represents the operationalization of a state-of-the-art IDE designed to develop and evaluate integrated cross-domain fires in real-time. Reveille Forge does two things at once: it institutionalizes the R2I integration process that Operation Jailbreak proved possible, and it establishes an “Integrate-First” pipeline for both established and emerging vendors. The “Integrate-First” pathway runs in three streamlined phases:

Initial Integration: Vendors demonstrate the viability of their product by successfully integrating it into the established government-owned architecture within Reveille Forge.

**Capability Review:**Once initial integration is demonstrated, government stakeholders will engage in formal capability discussions.

Testing: Valuable capabilities advance to the next phase of testing. Successful performance may inform follow-on testing, experimentation, acquisition decisions, or other government actions consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and competition requirements.

“For too long, system integration began late in the developmental cycle, something we focused on after components were already built,” said Director, Integrated Fires, Ms. Jeannie Sommer. “With Reveille Forge, system integration is the first thing we do, not the last. If a vendor can prove their capability works inside our architecture, they earn a fast path to a capability review and testing, which may ultimately get new technology into Soldiers’ hands faster.” “The reason behind all of this is simple,” Sommer continued. “The Soldier can no longer be the integration point. Reveille Forge isn’t just a building; it’s a commitment to our Soldiers. It’s our promise that the integration breakthroughs we achieved at Fort Carson won’t be a one-off. They’ll be the standard, every single day.”

Establishing an Enduring Integration Framework The establishment of an Integrated Development Environment at Reveille Forge marks a deliberate shift from event-driven innovation to enterprise-level integration. Operation Jailbreak proved that previously siloed systems could be connected in weeks, not years, and the API Marketplace laid the foundation. Lozano stated, “Carrying forward the momentum of Operation Jailbreak, Reveille Forge continues to drive early collaboration and integration, rapidly turning emerging technology into deployable capabilities.”

Story by Michael Kienzle

Portfolio Acquisition Executive FIRES

Posted in Acquisition, Army, Fires, Guest Post | No Comments »

Canada Launches Defence Drone Initiative

Wednesday, July 29th, 2026

Earlier this week the Government of Canada launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) to accelerate the development, testing, adaptation, and production of uncrewed and autonomous systems for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). Led collaboratively by the Department of National Defence and the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), the initiative will establish a competitive supply arrangement that connects operational requirements with Canadian innovation and creates a more agile pathway to develop, acquire and integrate these technologies.

Recent conflicts have shown that drone technology evolves rapidly. Canada has world-class expertise across aerospace, robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, sensors, secure communications, propulsion and advanced materials but these capabilities are distributed across industry, academia and government. The DDI will help build a more responsive and scalable Canadian ecosystem and it reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide the CAF and CCG with access to Canadian-developed technologies that enhance operational readiness while supporting Canadian innovation, skilled jobs and long-term economic growth.

Initial priority areas

Six initial use cases have been identified to provide focus for industry engagement and capability development.

Low-cost tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones
Small, affordable uncrewed aircraft could provide tactical units with local intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The objective is to identify secure and affordable systems that can be made widely available to operators, tested in the field and adapted based on user feedback.

Uncrewed ground vehicles for logistics and complex terrain
Ground-based robotic systems could help carry equipment, batteries, water and other supplies across difficult or dangerous terrain.

Potential applications could also include casualty support, communications relay and operations in environments where sending personnel may present additional risk.

Uncrewed maritime surface and underwater systems
Maritime systems could support route surveys, the detection and classification of mine-like objects, maritime awareness and operations in constrained waters.

These technologies may also help support Arctic and coastal surveillance, port security and the protection of critical maritime routes.

Standardized drone munitions and explosive payloads
The initiative will examine options for standardized and properly certified payloads, interfaces and safety systems for military uncrewed platforms.

A common approach could reduce duplication, improve interoperability and support safer integration across different systems.

Low-cost, low collateral counter-drone interceptors
The initiative will explore affordable systems that could detect, track or defeat hostile drones.

This includes potential non-explosive interceptors and other low-collateral options that could contribute to the protection of military personnel, installations and infrastructure.

Deep precision strike systems
The initiative will examine technologies that could contribute to a sovereign Canadian long-range precision capability.

This is a more complex area that will require additional technical, operational, policy, legal, safety and security work. No acquisition decision is being announced at this stage.

Competitive supplier process

A Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA) will establish a pool of Canadian qualified suppliers across multiple areas of uncrewed and autonomous systems. Applicants will be assessed against the requirements set out in the RFSA. Qualification will not guarantee a contract but may allow successful suppliers to compete for future work, including research, prototyping, testing, demonstrations, limited acquisitions and potential production opportunities.

The process is intended to engage a broad range of organizations, including start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, established manufacturers, defence and aerospace firms, universities, colleges, research organizations and Indigenous businesses.
Previous defence experience is not necessarily required.
Relevant technical experience, security readiness and the ability to meet operational requirements will be assessed through the formal process.

The RFSA is open until August 14, 2026. To support interested suppliers, the DIA will host a virtual information session on July 30, 2026, to provide additional information on the RFSA and the submission process. Representatives from the Canadian Joint Forces Command will be present to answer any questions on capability requirements.

Participation in earlier outreach activities is not required to apply.

All formal procurement requirements and deadlines will be made available through CanadaBuys, the Government of Canada’s official electronic tendering service

Posted in Admin, Drone, International, Press Release | No Comments »