This year’s Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting & Exposition was very well attended. AUSA claims 45,000 and I can believe it. Unfortunately, I missed the first day thanks to American Airlines doing what they do best.
I’d like to apologize to my readers and to the companies whose meetings I missed for not being there all three days.
Eric G
Washington, D.C., October 13, 2026 – Uvision, a global leader in loitering munition systems and integrated precision strike solutions, is showcasing at AUSA 2026 a scalable approach to deploying and managing distributed effects, orchestrated through its CORTEX AI-Enabled Battle Intelligence and Mission Management System and demonstrated through an eight-canister Multi-Canister Launcher (MCL) configuration for the HERO 120.
Designed for remote operation, the MCL accommodates up to eight HERO 120 loitering munitions and can be deployed in mobile, fixed and containerized configurations, across land and maritime platforms. Integrated with CORTEX, the MCLoperates as part of a broader sensor-to-effect network, connecting sensing, decision-making and precision effects.
One application of this approach is persistent border defense. Across extended border areas, launch nodes can be positioned in mobile and fixed configurations and connected through CORTEX with ISR and other sensing assets, linking persistent surveillance with precision response across multiple sectors.
At AUSA, Uvision is also showcasing the integration of Wayland Autonomy’s IRIS airborne ISR payload with Tactical CORTEX, extending the sensing layer with wide-area ISR and onboard target generation, including in GPS-denied environments. Together with Uvision’s expanding range of launch systems and effectors across the HERO, VIPER and PEREGRINE families, the integration addresses both sides of the operational challenge: expanding the information available to forces while increasing the range and flexibility of effects available for mission execution.
“It’s not just about having more effects in the field. It’s about having them where you need them, when you need them, and giving forces the flexibility to use the right capability for the mission,” said Dr. Ran Gozali, CEO of Uvision. “That’s what we’re focused on: bringing sensing, mission management and a broader range of effects together in a way that gives forces more options and greater operational flexibility.”
Washington DC. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and SIG SAUER have completed a firing test of FIRE STORM 250, an innovative tactical unmanned system (UAS) equipped with a SIG SAUER MICROLIGHT Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) mounted with a M250 machine gun. The successful test demonstrated the system’s ability to combine airborne surveillance, target identification and precision firepower in a realistic battlefield scenario, providing tactical forces with an organic airborne capability for missions including Close Air Support (CAS), border security, suppressive fire and homeland security.
Guy Bar Lev, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), stated, “The future of the battlefield will be determined by the power of weapons systems, and by the ability to integrate intelligence, technology, and operational capabilities into a single, precise, and effective solution. The successful test demonstrates our vision of developing integrated solutions that provide forces in the field with an operational advantage, expand their capabilities, and enable them to address the evolving challenges of the modern battlefield. Our collaboration with SIG SAUER reflects the importance we place on strategic partnerships with leading companies worldwide, bringing together complementary capabilities to deliver innovative solutions to the market. We will continue to lead the next generation of unmanned systems, driven by our commitment to strengthening Israel’s security and meeting the needs of our customers and partners around the world.”
Moshe Levy, EVP and GM of IAI’s Military Aircraft Group,said, “The next generation of unmanned systems will be defined not only by autonomy, but by how effectively they integrate sensing, decision-making and action within the operational environment. FIRE STORM 250 brings these capabilities into a single operational loop, enabling tactical forces to extend their reach and maintain continuous awareness while retaining human control over engagement decisions. The firing test demonstrates the potential of this approach in a realistic operational scenario.”
During the test, FIRE STORM 250 system hovered over the simulated battlefield, identified targets using its onboard camera and engaged them in both single-shot and semi-automatic firing modes. Firing was conducted from varying distances and altitudes, demonstrating the system’s operational flexibility, integrated safety and accuracy under different conditions.
FIRE STORM 250 is designed to put persistent surveillance and firepower directly in the hands of tactical forces. The system can remain airborne for up to three hours while carrying 200 rounds of ammunition, and its VTOL configuration enables takeoff and landing from forward areas without requiring a runway or dedicated aviation infrastructure.
The system integrates the SIG SAUER RCWS, the world’s lightest aerial RCWS. With a complete combat-ready weight of only 53 pounds, including the RCWS, the M250 machine gun, and 200 rounds of ammunition, the system delivers stabilised precision fire. Sensor information and fire-control data are combined into a unified targeting solution, giving the operator a continuous operational picture and supporting a rapid sensor-to-shooter cycle.
Sali Okanin, Israel General Manager for SIG SAUER, commented, “FIRE STORM 250 brings together the most advanced technologies in the world including IAI’s drone platform and SIG SAUER’s MICROLIGHT RCWS mounted with the M250 machine gun to deliver a new level of operational flexibility. We’re proud of the new SIG SAUER M250, which is combat-proven technology. It is a belt-fed platform with greater range than legacy systems and weight savings that not only provide squad-level benefits but also make drone capabilities possible.”
FIRE STORM 250 maintains a human-in-the-loop fire-control architecture, with the operator receiving real-time sensor imagery, target-tracking data and engagement options, while retaining control of the engagement process and authorising the use of fire. This combines advanced automation with human judgment and operational control.
Powered by a multi-fuel internal-combustion engine, the system can be refueled in the field using commonly available operational fuel, avoiding lengthy battery-charging cycles or specialised aviation infrastructure. The platform is rapidly deployable and designed to accompany tactical units with limited manpower and support requirements. It can support various missions including persistent overwatch for manoeuvring forces, intelligence gathering, force protection, border defence, protection of strategic sites and special operations.
Multiple systems can operate simultaneously to provide persistent day-and-night surveillance. At the same time, the system can also provide advance observation, identify threats along movement routes and maintain overwatch during operations and extraction.
FIRE STORM will be on display at the IAI booth (HALL C, Booth #3525) and the SIG SAUER booth (Hall E, Booth #8015) at AUSA 2026 in Washington, DC.
NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 13, 2026)– SIG SAUER, an industry-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, and advanced concepts, unveiled at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) trade show the SIG SAUER XRAY9-CUAS. The all-new counter unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) electro-optic from SIG SAUER combines several technologies to deliver a new capability to combat drone attacks.
“We fast-tracked the XRAY9-CUAS because the capability is needed for today’s battlefield,” said Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “Our heritage began and continues in firearms. We’re also driving innovation in remote weapon stations and electro-optics because at our core our focus is to protect and support our men and women in uniform. With the XRAY9-CUAS, a soldier can point and shoot to combat drones with the new electro-optic compensating for a range of factors to eliminate the threat.”
Mounted to a counter-UAS weapon system, the XRAY9-CUAS uses advanced electro-optical technologies to quickly engage drones, similar to the targeting system in the SIG SAUER remote-controlled weapon station.
The XRAY9-CUAS uses a proprietary SWIR laser rangefinder system and onboard slew-rate sensors to instantly calculate drone distance, speed, and vector and create a custom disturbed reticle with dynamic targeting solutions. The XRAY9-CUAS can be integrated with CMOS and thermal sensors to provide a day, night, and fused capable fire control system.
The XRAY9-CUAS tracks and engages up to 300 yards with exact capabilities varying depending on drone size. The small and lightweight optic is 5.25’’x2.5’’x3.3’’ (LxWxH) and 24 ounces. Battery life is up to 50 hours with continuous use, and the display is 640×480 with a window size of 48mm clear aperture.
The AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition takes place in Washington, DC from 12-14 October, with this year’s motto set as “America’s Army: The Foundation of the Joint Force”. The American Rheinmetall family of companies along with key partners from Rheinmetall’s global enterprise will be on-site (booth #2825) showcasing some of their most recent activities, achievements, and innovative solutions aimed at providing the U.S. Army with the critical, next-generation technologies it needs and deserves.
With a domestic footprint spanning Arkansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia, and a workforce of over 1,500 U.S. employees, American Rheinmetall is making substantial contributions to Army modernization while also supporting the revitalization of the U.S. defense industrial base. The company is accelerating the delivery of transformational capabilities designed to ensure overmatch, Soldier lethality, and readiness for the future fight.
“We are delivering the technologies that enable U.S. forces to dominate future battlefields through unmatched lethality, survivability, and agility,” said Matt Warnick, CEO at American Rheinmetall. “AUSA 2026 is a critical venue for engaging with the Army and defense community to demonstrate how our solutions deliver mission needs at the speed of relevance.”
Featured Technologies at AUSA 2026 – Booth #2825
American Rheinmetall will highlight an integrated suite of capabilities that support ground combat operations, tactical mobility, air defense, vehicle autonomy, long-range precision fires, and Soldier lethality:
Lynx XM30 Combat Vehicle – A Transformational Capability for the Air?Ground Littoral Fight (Visuals only)
Learn more about the Lynx XM30—our leap?ahead solution for the Army’s XM30 Combat Vehicle program. Designed for dominance in future conflict, the Lynx XM30 delivers unmatched connectivity, lethality, survivability, and a fully open, modular architecture built for rapid tech insertion and future mission growth. American Rheinmetall is currently delivering prototype vehicles to the Army for test and evaluation.
Listen in on two XM30 thought leadership panels at booth #2825 during AUSA:
• Team Lynx: The Right Team Delivers — Monday 10/12, 1400–1445
• Designed for the Soldier, Not the Spec Sheet — Tuesday 10/13, 1100–1130
HX Truck (CAML Solution): Proven. Autonomous. Ready.
The Army needs a highly mobile, air?transportable launcher that can operate autonomously or with a crew, and American Rheinmetall’s HX Truck delivers that capability today. With more than 20,000 vehicles already fielded globally and autonomy deployed on 24 chassis types in 19 countries, the system is proven, including a successful CAML mission demonstration at Redstone Arsenal in June 2026. The HX platform offers safe autonomous operation, convoy and waypoint navigation, teleoperation, autonomous load/unload, and open interfaces with full government?owned architecture.
Boxer with Skyranger 30: Agile, Layered Mobile Air Defense
Built on the survivable, mission?flexible Boxer platform, the Skyranger 30mm system provides lethal, short?range air defense optimized for maneuver forces. With a blended effector suite and autonomous engagement capabilities, it delivers scalable C?UAS and SHORAD performance that supports Integrated Air and Missile Defense modernization across all environments. Also on display will be a Remote Weapon Station with effectors that deliver highly mobile, lethal, and precise autonomous air?defense performance against today’s evolving aerial threats.
A Full Spectrum of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics for Modern Maneuver Forces
• Ox: A modular, autonomy?ready platform built on 20 years of Rheinmetall UGV experience. The Ox enhances squad and platoon operations with quiet mobility, robust payload options, and mission?flexible performance from CASEVAC and resupply to EW and counter?UAS. Currently competing in the Army’s GOAT program.
• MUSKOX: A next?generation medium UGV pairing a hybrid electric chassis with advanced autonomy and AI?driven controls. MUSKOX delivers scalable logistics, sustainment, and combat support capabilities and has been down?selected for the Army’s Project Sustainment Program.
• Mission Master SP: Down?selected for the Army’s Last Tactical Mile program, the Mission Master Silent Partner offers full autonomy, high payload capacity, optional amphibious capability, and compatibility with major air?transport platforms. MMSP supports missions ranging from CASEVAC to resupply while advancing U.S.?based production.
• Wild Goose: A fully fielded; rugged Infantry Modular Robotic System designed for dismounted forces. The Wild Goose provides adaptable mobility with a 330?lb payload capacity and terrain?dependent range up to 25 km, enabling rapid configuration for diverse mission needs.
Advanced Medium and Large Caliber Munitions & Lethality Solutions – Built for the Future Fight
Globally, Rheinmetall continues to lead in next-gen medium and large-caliber munitions design, development, and production with solutions that provide battlefield dominance across all domains. On display will be Rheinmetall’s proven, advanced 155mm Extended Range propellants and rocket assisted V-LAP rounds, advanced airburst munitions, and the Highly-Advanced Multi-Mission Rifle, a new and revolutionary automatic, magazine-loaded, shoulder-fired 40mm grenade launcher that brings scalable overmatch to the squad level.
Multiple Rocket Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Cab: American Rheinmetall is a Proven Tier 1 Partner in Advanced Defense Components
American Rheinmetall delivers critical, high-precision components, structures, and assemblies that power many of the nation’s leading defense systems from combat vehicles like the MLRS to advanced missile platforms and other essential defense articles. As a trusted Tier 1 supplier, the company’s U.S. manufacturing expertise provides the quality, reliability, and performance customers depend on for mission success.
American Rheinmetall welcomes visitors to AUSA booth #2825 to experience the Group’s offerings fitted for the Army’s future fighting force.
“The modern defense landscape demands advanced capability, rapid fielding and sustainable scale,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We do not begin with a blank sheet of paper. By transferring GM’s world-class engineering, supply chain and manufacturing scale directly to the service member, we are transforming customer needs into mission-ready capability faster than ever before.”
Business updates and growth pillars
Infantry Squad Vehicle expansion
The U.S. Army’s planned requirement has grown from an initial order of approximately 649 vehicles to nearly 12,000 units. Responding directly to feedback, GM Defense closely collaborated with the customer to identify a clear operational gap, then self-funded development of the Infantry Squad Vehicle Utility (ISV-U) prototype. By delivering seven early prototypes for unit-level military assessments at no cost to the Army, GM Defense successfully engineered a highly versatile five-soldier variant that is now expected to field across 39 active-duty and National Guard mobile brigades.
22-day turnaround with Lockheed Martin
Illustrating a revolutionary boost to the defense industrial base, GM Defense delivered its first batch of mission-critical PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) housing components to Lockheed Martin just 22 days after signing the contract. The contract was signed on August 6, and the components were delivered August 28. This milestone demonstrates that GM’s advanced casting and precision-fabrication capabilities can immediately scale critical air and missile defense systems.
Next-generation autonomous and hybrid platformsGM Defense unveiled its Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) concept, built on a rugged Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD dual-rear-wheel skateboard architecture to support silent logistics and casualty evacuation, with functional trials targeted for 2027. The company also showcased the EPIQ Hybrid prototype, a customer-inspired 60-kilowatt/100-kilowatt-hour expeditionary energy storage system paired with an onboard generator to lower thermal and noise signatures in austere environments.
Deepening allied commitments
Furthering its strategic expansion, GM Defence UK is advancing its Light Mobility Vehicle program proposal. Partnering through Team LionStrike with NP Aerospace and BAE Systems, the consortium delivers low-risk, high-quality, commercially based solutions at the speed and scale required by allied forces. With proven vehicles, global scale and an operating model built around rapid technology transfer, GM Defense is demonstrating that commercial manufacturing disciplines can successfully solve the military’s most complex and immediate challenges.
For more information, visit gmdefensellc.com.
“We always look forward to AUSA. It’s an opportunity to showcase our made-in-America technology developed in partnership with the United States Army, ranging from next-gen carbines and machine guns to ammunition,” said Robby Johnson, EVP and CMO, SIG SAUER. “We ramped up production of the SIG XM8 to successfully meet the Army’s schedule, and it’s set to begin fielding in December to support the Close Combat Force. We will have the XM8 and additional SIG products on display.
SIG SAUER Unmanned Capabilities & Training
In addition to premier firearms, SIG SAUER offers the most advanced small arms unmanned systems, including drones, counter-UAS, and remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS) to support modern combat. Along with the product capabilities, SIG SAUER provides world-class training for customers and partners. The SIG unmanned training instructors’ experience extends across aerospace engineering, flight testing, readiness, and all operational environments to support first-time users to the most experienced technicians.
“We’ve invested in a full offering of unmanned capabilities,” said Ryan Scott, Director of Advanced Concepts, SIG SAUER, who served 22 years in the Army, including over a decade with unmanned systems. “We’re doubling our square footage and workforce at our North Carolina facility with a multi-million-dollar expansion across R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and training. This investment continues our support for the U.S. Armed Forces and allies, which now also includes our battlefield-ready counter-UAS.”
The all-new SIG SAUER XRAY9-CUAS, a mounted electro-optic, uses advanced technologies to quickly target and engage drones using a proprietary laser rangefinder.
SIG SAUER AUSA Location and Product Display
The SIG SAUER AUSA exhibit is located at booth #8015 Hall E at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. A media kit with images, video, and additional information is available here. Included below is a selection of SIG SAUER products that will be on hand at AUSA:
SIG SAUER M250: The U.S. Army’s Next Generation light machine gun, the M250 represents a major leap in squad-level firepower. It replaces legacy systems with a belt-fed, gas-operated, and reduced-recoil design that fires a powerful 6.8×51 mm hybrid cartridge to give infantry units greater range and lethality against advanced body armor. With a SIG optic and suppressor, the M250 is a complete weapon solution.
SIG SAUER MMG: A belt-fed, lightweight, man-portable medium machine gun chambered .338NM, 6.8 hybrid, and 7.62 NATO hybrid. The SIG MMG provides heavy machine gun range in a highly controllable and maneuverable MMG package and, when paired with a SIG optic and suppressor, is a complete weapon solution.
SIG SAUER XM8: The U.S. Army’s next-generation carbine, the XM8 was developed with soldier feedback and SIG innovation, delivering enhanced lethality, greater range, and new features (e.g., full ambi safety and bolt release, heat shield, suppressor) when compared to the M4 it replaced. Against the SIG M7, it is 12 percent lighter.
SIG SAUER Hybrid Ammunition: Engineered to meet the requirements of the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon program, SIG Hybrid ammo delivers revolutionary pressures that significantly increase velocity, range, and lethality.
SIG SAUER RCWS: An advanced lightweight system, the SIG RCWS bolsters operator safety and situational awareness by enabling point-and-shoot remote machine gun operation.
SIG SAUER Advanced Concepts: Designed to dominate the future of unmanned capabilities, SIG drone technologies are built to meet the evolving demands of defense and security missions. The product lineup includes the fixed-wing SCYTHE aircraft, the SABER quad-copter, and the M-HORNET 22 LR payload attachment.
A select lineup of advanced SIG SAUER electro-optics and suppressors will also be on hand, including the XRAY9-CUAS.
