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PGL-Armor Announces US Operations and Flexible NIJ 3++ Ballistic Plate

Friday, September 18th, 2026

PGL Armor officially announces the launch of its U.S. operations, delivering combat-proven ballistic protection engineered for American law enforcement agencies.

PGL Armor is the U.S. subsidiary of Pangolin Défense, a ballistic protection manufacturer founded in 2020. In six years, the company has equipped more than 30,000 users across 30 countries, developing lightweight armor solutions refined through real-world operational feedback.

Head of assembly operations is based in Milwaukee, where PGL Armor integrates advanced materials into a next-generation flexible rifle-rated plate platform designed for real-world performance.

Unlike traditional rigid armor, PGL Armor’s patented flexible plate architecture features encapsulated alumina ceramic embedded within a polymer matrix and reinforced with UHMWPE fiber backing. This advanced construction enables true multi-axial flex, allowing the plate to naturally conform to the torso. The result is improved comfort in vehicles, dynamic operations, and prone positions, while significantly reducing pressure points compared to conventional rigid plates.

Independently NIJ lab-tested in the United States, the plate is engineered to defeat 5.56×45 M855 (SS109), 7.62×51 M80, and 7.62×39 MSC threats. Its construction helps control ceramic cracking and maintain multi- hit integrity in demanding environments.

PGL Armor’s technology has also been evaluated in active conflict environments, generating operational feedback that directly informs continuous product improvement.

“We believe American law enforcement officers deserve protection that performs under pressure,” said a founding member of PGL Armor.

“Our mission is simple: deliver reliable, lightweight ballistic solutions built on engineering discipline and real-world experience.”

PGL Armor’s flexible rifle-rated plates are now available for purchase directly through the company’s official website: pgl-armor.com with additional products expected to be released soon.

With its U.S. launch, PGL Armor positions itself as a long-term partner to agencies seeking modern, mission-ready protection solutions.

Posted in Admin, Armor, Press Release | 1 Comment »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: E+R Waist Bag

Friday, September 18th, 2026

Fast access to mission-critical items starts with where you carry them. The FirstSpear E+R WAIST BAG is a lightweight, purpose-built waist pack engineered to keep tourniquets, eye protection, and essential gear immediately accessible without adding bulk to the loadout. It mounts directly to an Assaulters Gun Belt via a 2-point QD buckle configuration, or carries independently on its own integral waist belt secured with a low-profile G Hook, accommodating waist sizes up to 44″. Shock cord mounted on the top provides a quick stash point for a TQ, eye pro, or similarly sized items without opening a zipper.

Features:

2-POINT QD BUCKLE — MOUNTS DIRECTLY TO ASSAULTERS GUN BELT
SHOCK CORD TOP STASH — QUICK ACCESS FOR TQ AND EYE PRO
4 ZIPPERED POCKETS WITH DRAINAGE
INTEGRAL WAIST BELT WITH G HOOK — FITS UP TO 44″

At its core, the E+R WAIST BAG is constructed from lightweight, state-of-the-art materials that keep weight low and features numerous. Four zippered pockets keep gear organized and accessible, while built-in drainage and a removable top flap stiffener add durability and configurability for field use. Currently available in MultiCam, Coyote, and Grey/Rust.

Built for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and prepared professionals who demand reliable equipment, the E+R WAIST BAG delivers fast access to mission-critical gear in a lightweight, dual-carry platform. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and those who train. To request an estimate, visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. For more information, visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Admin, Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying, SERE | No Comments »

Gallatin AI Supports 11th Airborne Division During Yama Sakura 91

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan, Sept. 15, 2026 — Gallatin AI deployed its AI/ML sustainment decision-support application, Navigator, in support of the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division during Exercise Yama Sakura 91.

Throughout the two-week exercise, Navigator’s AI-enabled predictive sustainment capabilities allowed division staff to forecast critical supplies ahead-of-need, provide near-real-time equipment and personnel readiness visibility, and calculate available combat power. These capabilities helped sustainment professionals assess the logistical feasibility of operational plans and provide commanders with a clearer understanding of sustainment risk across competing courses of action.

Yama Sakura is the largest joint, trilateral command post exercise co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), focused on readiness and interoperability between U.S., Japanese, and Australian forces. Navigator supported key Yama Sakura 91 objectives, including increasing joint force lethality, strengthening alliances and partnerships, and furthering experimentation and innovation in the context of multi-domain operations.

Navigator’s integration into Yama Sakura 91 continues the partnership between Gallatin and the 11th Airborne, as Navigator was previously used in February by the unit’s 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02. It also represents the first time the 11th Airborne has leveraged Navigator at the division-level to inform corps-echelon decision making.

Purpose-built around open-architecture principles, Navigator ensures interoperability across U.S. Department of War, Allied, and Partner systems (namely Maven Smart System), all without relying on proprietary hardware.

“Allied and Partner interoperability is central to both Navigator’s capability set and Gallatin’s viewpoint on defense technology,” said Woody Glier, CEO of Gallatin. “The ability to support combined operations is table stakes, whether you’re talking about deterring adversaries, or defeating them during large-scale combat operations. The technology supporting those forces has to work across organizations, echelons, and national boundaries.”

Navigator is already deployed with multiple military units, supporting every level of war. Capabilities will continue to be validated through iterative delivery across multiple live exercises.

The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.

For more information, visit www.gallatin.ai.

Posted in Admin, AI / ML, Army, Press Release | No Comments »

Galvion Demonstrates Cortex EVO HALO Upgrade Pathway for UK VIRTUS Helmet at DVD 2026

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, will showcase a new Cortex™ EVO HALO integration concept for the UK’s in-service VIRTUS helmet at Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2026 (Booth C3-D22).

The integration concept illustrates how Cortex EVO HALO could provide a pathway to extend and evolve the UK’s existing VIRTUS helmet fleet, introducing advanced power, data and headborne capabilities while building on the proven protective platform already in service.

The VIRTUS helmet is Galvion’s Batlskin® Cobra Plus head system, with more than 270,000 delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence since 2015. The Cortex EVO HALO concept on display at DVD is integrated onto the high-cut VIRTUS variant currently in service, but the same upgrade approach can be applied to the full-cut helmets that make up the wider fielded fleet.

Cortex EVO is Galvion’s integrated headborne architecture, bringing protection, power, data and compute together within a unified system. Its HALO configuration, introduced at Eurosatory 2026, is externally mounted and designed to extend EVO capabilities to both new and fielded helmet platforms.

Alongside the deeply integrated Embedded configuration, HALO provides an alternative implementation of the same core Cortex EVO architecture, allowing users to select an approach aligned with their operational requirements, procurement strategies and lifecycle objectives.

The EVO architecture provides a common power and data backbone capable of supporting visual augmentation, sensing and awareness technologies, digital communications and other headborne capabilities. Galvion’s AlertCentr™ software enables mission-relevant information to be managed at the headborne level, including configurable visual and audio cueing designed to allow operators to access and act on critical information without diverting attention to secondary devices. Its open architecture also enables Galvion-developed and third-party technologies to operate within a common system environment.

“Cortex EVO represents an important part of where we believe soldier systems are heading – moving beyond passive protection toward intelligent, integrated systems that enhance capability at the headborne level,” said Peter Rafferty, President of Galvion UK. “VIRTUS has provided the UK with a proven protective head system for more than a decade, and what we’re showing at DVD is how that existing platform can continue to evolve. Cortex EVO HALO creates a potential pathway to introduce advanced headborne capabilities while building on the equipment, experience and investment already in place. For us, delivering whole-life value means continuing to support and evolve fielded equipment as operational requirements change.”

The VIRTUS Cortex EVO HALO integration concept will be on display at Galvion’s booth C3-D22 throughout DVD 2026.

Posted in Admin, Helmets, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

US Navy Awards Aware $10M Sole-Source Program of Record

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Aware Awarded Sole-Source U.S. Navy Program of Record for Advanced Custom Hearing Protection Solutions Precision-Engineered from Its Proprietary 3D Ear Scanning Technology

Atlanta, GA – September 14, 2026 – Aware Defense, a leader in custom in-ear devices powered by its proprietary eFit 3D ear scanning technology and a division of Aware CBW, has been awarded a sole-source Program of Record contract by the Naval Air Systems Command’s Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202) to advance hearing protection. This prestigious selection underscores Aware’s innovative technology and commitment to protecting the warfighter.

“We are honored to be chosen as the sole-source supplier for this critical program to deploy custom hearing protection built from each warfighter’s unique ear anatomy using Aware’s patented 3D ear scanning technology,” said Sam Kellett, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Aware.

“Hearing loss is one of the most common service-connected disabilities, and it is preventable. Because every ear is different, our eFit scanner and advanced additive manufacturing deliver precision-built protection and communications for mission-critical environments, custom fit at scale. This award reflects the U.S. Navy’s commitment to preventing hearing loss and sets a new standard for protecting the warfighter.”

The five-year contract establishes Aware Defense as the U.S. Navy’s exclusive end-to-end source for 3D digital ear scanning to capture ear canal geometry, manufacture custom hearing protection and Communications Earplugs (CEP), and deliver devices precision-engineered to the individual ear anatomy of Naval Aviation aircrew and flight-line maintainers. The PMA-202 program is anchored by Aware’s eFit scanner, the only non-contact optical 3D scanning system that uses radial illumination to capture the true geometry of the ear and ear canal past the second bend with dimensional accuracy of less than 90 microns.

The sole-source contract builds on proven execution and field validation. Under initial program funding, Aware Defense conducted on-site 3D ear scanning events nationwide and delivered 6,373 custom-fit devices from September 2025 to July 2026, while working alongside NAVAIR Aeromedical Safety Officers and Navy audiologists to fit service members. Under PMA-202, Aware will scale to 42,000 custom-fit units starting August 1, 2026, at Naval Air Stations across the United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS).

“Aware Defense is ready to execute at fleet scale,” said Stu Booker, President of Aware Defense.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Navy to accelerate the fielding of advanced hearing protection. We know that gear that fits gets worn, and every ear scan and custom-fit device advances our mission to protect warfighters and preserve long-term hearing health. Our team has proven its ability to seamlessly scan 700 personnel in five days and have precision-fit devices in the warfighters’ ears within 60 days, enabling rapid program expansion across Naval Aviation.”

Hearing loss remains one of the most common and costly injuries across the Department of Defense. With Aware Defense’s Program of Record, custom hearing protection will become integral to how the U.S. Navy protects the hearing of its aviation personnel while supporting clear communications and operational readiness.

www.awaredefense.us

Posted in Admin, Contracts, Medical, Navy, Press Release | Comments Off on US Navy Awards Aware $10M Sole-Source Program of Record

FlyFocus to Unveil Polish-Made TASACK Precision Loitering Munition at MSPO 2026

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026

New 110-km system combines cost-focused design, top-attack capability and a predominantly Polish-made technology stack
TASACK is a new 15 kg precision loitering munition with a flight range of up to 110 km and 5 kg payload
A stabilised EO/IR gimbal enables operators to identify and track targets and execute attack profiles ranging from flat to vertical
Simplified internal and external architecture is designed to reduce production costs, with the majority of components manufactured in Poland
A point-and-click interface allows operators to engage targets without requiring the extensive piloting skills conventional FPV systems demand
FlyFocus debuts TASACK on 8 September at MSPO in Kielce, Poland

WARSAW, Poland (September 8, 2026) — FlyFocus, a Polish defence technology company specialising in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and avionics, unveiled TASACK, its new precision loitering munition, for the first time at MSPO 2026 in Kielce, Poland. With its interface built around a point-and-click design, TASACK’s operator does not need real piloting skills to engage a target, unlike conventional FPV systems, which require extensive pilot training.

Designed for precision engagement of stationary and moving targets, TASACK combines a flight range of up to 110 kilometres with a 5 kg payload and speeds of up to 300 km/h. The system has been engineered around a deliberately simplified, modular architecture intended to reduce manufacturing costs while allowing rapid assembly, maintenance and upgrades as operational requirements change.

A key feature is TASACK’s stabilised daylight or infrared gimbal, which provides visual targeting and enables operators to approach targets using attack profiles ranging from flat trajectories to near-vertical top attacks. This allows the system to observe and track targets before engaging them from the most appropriate direction. The system provides visual targeting accuracy of 1 m CEP50, according to FlyFocus specifications.

The majority of TASACK’s components, including its gimbal, are manufactured in Poland. This continues FlyFocus’ broader strategy of building unmanned systems around secure, NATO-aligned supply chains while retaining control over critical UAV technologies.

“TASACK has been designed around what we believe matters most for this class of system: precision, simplicity and the ability to manufacture at meaningful scale,” said Igor Skawi?ski, CEO and co-founder of FlyFocus. “Modern militaries need sophisticated capabilities, but they also need systems that can be produced affordably, deployed quickly and adapted as battlefield conditions change. Our objective with TASACK is to bring those requirements together in one platform.”

TASACK also shares a common ground control interface with FlyFocus’s existing Polaris, CableGuard and Striker platforms. By maintaining a consistent operator environment across different UAV classes, FlyFocus aims to reduce the additional training required when personnel move between systems.

The 15 kg electrically powered aircraft can remain airborne for up to 1.5 hours and provides an 80 km datalink range. Midcourse navigation combines enhanced GNSS and inertial navigation, with radio-navigation available as an option. The modular airframe can accommodate different warheads depending on mission requirements and can be prepared for launch in approximately five to seven minutes.

TASACK is presented publicly for the first time at MSPO alongside FlyFocus’s wider portfolio of unmanned systems and avionics. The company expects TASACK to achieve production readiness in Q1 2027.

Posted in Admin, International, Munitions, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

GPS-Free Test Flight Success Marks Critical Advance for Aviation, National Security

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026

The Defense Innovation Unit’s latest quantum sensing milestone shows aircraft can safely and accurately navigate vast stretches of ocean without relying on the same GPS that millions of civilians use to move through traffic.

The groundbreaking flight test was a success for MagNav, DIU’s magnetic navigation program, and is a critical advancement for the future of aviation and national security.

“This is a significant win for the department’s quantum sensing priorities, showcasing that MagNav capabilities are no longer a distant research goal,” said Kyle Norman, deputy director of DIU’s Kill Web portfolio. “We moved from problem sourcing to solicitation to prototype in a matter of months.”

The MagNav program launched in spring 2024 under the name “Transition of Quantum Sensing.” A total of 72 companies submitted applications to the commercial solutions opening, with Honeywell Aerospace ultimately selected to move forward with prototype development.

MagNav systems use quantum sensors to read the Earth’s natural magnetic field, turning the planet’s crust into an invisible, unjammable map that allows pilots to navigate safely regardless of weather, time of day or GPS availability.

The Earth’s magnetic field cannot be spoofed or blocked by hostile forces, Norman said. The new technology also significantly improves on legacy backup options such as radar mapping or visual cues like rivers, highways and cities.

The system was installed aboard an Embraer 170 aircraft to demonstrate real-world capabilities. The route took the aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, from Seattle’s Puget Sound to southern Alaska and back.

After four hours and 23 minutes of flying over the ocean without GPS, the MagNav system improved position accuracy by 89% compared to traditional backup navigation methods. The navigation data streamed directly to the pilots in real time via standard tablets, showing that military personnel can field the technology without a massive overhaul of cockpit instruments.

The test mission also added the complexity of the ocean surface — a featureless, constantly shifting expanse that would traditionally require internal sensors in the absence of GPS.

The problem, however, is that classical sensors drift over time. What starts as a small miscalculation can become a massive, dangerous deviation if left unchecked. By reading the Earth’s magnetic signatures, MagNav gives pilots a highly accurate, continuous map even when no visible landmarks exist.

Honeywell and DIU are preparing to demonstrate the technology on a U.S. military C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft later this year. By proving that aircraft can maintain pinpoint accuracy over the featureless ocean without GPS, the War Department is taking a significant step toward ensuring that military and commercial pilots can safely reach their destinations, no matter what happens to the satellite networks above them.

By Defense Innovation Unit Staff

Posted in Admin, Aviation, Comms, Department of War, Guest Post, Space | Comments Off on GPS-Free Test Flight Success Marks Critical Advance for Aviation, National Security

Drone Round Counter-UAS Ammunition Integrated Into Marine Corps Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer

Tuesday, September 8th, 2026

Drone Round announced today that its 5.56x45mm L Variant counter-UAS cartridge has been integrated into the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT), the U.S. Marine Corps virtual small arms training system produced by InVeris. The integration gives Marines a way to build engagement skills with the multi-projectile round on the same simulators already installed at bases across the Corps, timed to the arrival of the first live deliveries.

USMC photo by Ashley Calingo

The Marine Corps has purchased 400,000 L Variant cartridges to date and has stated its intent to procure an additional one million rounds in fiscal year 2027, which begins October 1. Deliveries to Marine Corps ammunition supply points are underway and expected to be complete in September, with Marine Expeditionary Force commanders determining which units receive the ammunition first.

That fielding timeline created an immediate training requirement. Counter-UAS engagements demand a different skill set than conventional marksmanship, including target lead on fast-moving aerial threats at close range. Live rounds issued to units are intended for operational use, not familiarization.

As part of the Marine Corps’ Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT) Tech Refresh, InVeris will introduce a new counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) training capability. This enhancement will enable Marines across the force the ability to engage with aerial drone threats with their individual weapon in a simulated environment. By integrating C-UAS training with the M27 IAR simulator and fielding it across more than 200 ISMT systems, Marines will be able to repeatedly practice detecting, tracking, deciding when to engage, and engaging aerial threats. Because the capability is built on InVeris’ existing COTS platform, additional scenarios, threats, and courses of fire will continually be developed as the UAS threat and Marine Corps tactics, techniques, and procedures evolve.

“The round was built so a Marine could use the rifle already in their hands, and the training has to work the same way, on the simulators already in the building. Getting the virtual capability out at the same time as the ammunition means a Marine can practice the engagement before the moment they need it.” said Kirk Fernandez, co-founder and CEO of Drone Round.

“This partnership reflects the innovation the Marine Corps needs — taking the training infrastructure they already trust and readying it for Counter-UAS defense. InVeris is proud that our platform allows us to build this capability into the ISMT Tech Refresh rather than standing up something entirely new. This is what it means to grow with our customer’s mission.” said Clyde Tuggle, CEO of InVeris.

The Marine Corps has been building counter-drone proficiency into general-purpose forces through 2026. The service introduced its first counter-small unmanned aerial system lanes during Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 in July at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, with Marines engaging aerial targets using organic small arms alongside non-kinetic electronic warfare techniques. Soldiers with the U.S. Army XVIII Airborne Corps have trained with Drone Round ammunition since April 2026.

The L Variant separates into five projectiles after firing to increase probability of hit against small drones. It is effective to 100 meters, requires no modification to standard 5.56mm NATO weapons, and is full-auto and suppressor capable. Drone Round has also developed L and K Variants in 7.62x51mm.

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