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Archive for the ‘AUSA’ Category

Trust Automation to Showcase Counter-UAS Solutions at AUSA Annual Meeting

Wednesday, October 15th, 2025

Trust Automation to Showcase Counter-UAS Solutions at AUSA Annual Meeting

Trust Automation Inc., a leader in motion control, power management and electronic systems for defense and commercial applications, will showcase its advanced counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition, October 13-15, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

At the core of Trust’s C-UAS offering is the Government collaborated Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS), which provides both fixed-site protection — such as Air Force base defense operations — and rapidly deployable defense for key assets and units in combat zones. SUADS delivers layered, adaptable protection designed to detect, track and defeat Group 1, 2 and 2+ UAS threats through scalable, modular, upgradable architecture.

Complementing SUADS is Trust’s weapons-mountable GAT™ UAS Jammer, which empowers individual warfighters to directly counter local hostile UAS activity across C2 and GNSS bands. Combined with Trust’s broader suite of radio frequency countermeasures, these solutions provide military forces with flexible, mission-tailored options to neutralize evolving aerial threats.

Trust invites defense professionals, military leaders and industry partners to visit Booth 1939 at AUSA 2025 to explore its C-UAS technologies and discuss mission-specific requirements. With more than 40,000 attendees and representation from over 90 countries, the event is an ideal venue to discover how Trust is advancing the defense against unmanned threats.

Learn more at: trustautomation.com.

AUSA 25 – SIG SAUER Displays Lighter NGSW Product Improvement Effort Weapons

Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

At this year’s annual AUSA show, SIG SAUER displayed versions of the Product Improvement Effort or PIE guns developed in partnership with the US Army.

The goal of the effort is to address Soldier recommendations for the M7 and M250 along with program requirements. SIG refers to the resulting weapons as the M7 Enhanced Rifle and M250 Enhanced LMG.

The Army conducted several Soldier Touch Points with SIG and conducted a firing schedule to evaluate the PIE versions of the M7 and M250.

The main concern is weight of the M7 rifle and that is where most of the changes are focused. They ended up developing two versions of the PIE M7, a rifle and carbine. The point of the carbine was to accelerate the evolution of the M16 platform which eventually became the M4 carbine and see where they would end up.

The M7 with 13.5″ barrel currently weight 8.3 lbs dry, without ammo, suppressor, or XM157 FCS. The weights for the two PIE variants are:

M7 7.6 lbs

M7 Carbine 7.3 lbs

Although most of the weight difference between the M7 and the Carbine variant is due to a shorter 10″ barrel and handguard, there were several other changes overall.

– The side-folding buttstock has been eliminated, but length remains adjustable.

– The upper receiver and operating system have been refined to eliminate weight.

– Tapered barrel.

The handguard facilitated access to the barrel change bolts which have been slightly strengthened.

The Army is considering whether the Carbine length barrel meets their lethality requirements.

Additionally, there is a lot of talk on the internet regarding barrel life. The program requirement was for 5,000 rounds which is the same specification as the M4. However, SIG has noted barrel life for the M7 in excess of 10,000 rounds.

As for the M250, the changes have been to accommodate Soldier requirements rather than weight as the Automatic Rifle is already lighter than the M249 SAW it replaces.

The changes are:

– Streamlined and improved gas system

– Improved bipod

– Hinged retainable Handguard to accommodate barrel change

– Quick Change Barrel (although they weren’t shown I’ve seen different barrel lengths)

– Extended pic rail on feed tray (optimized for XM157 Fire Control System)

– Cross pins for pintle T&E and mag bloc

– Improved lock and interface for buttstock durability

– Improved magazine which holds the top round in place when it has not yet been fed into the weapon.

– Opened up trigger guard for gloves

The NGSW weapons are chambered in 6.8x51mm and use a common suppressor. SIG also developed a PIE version which is slightly shorter and has a removable heat shield.

The Army is currently evaluating the PIE variants of NGSW to determine if any of the changes will be incorporated into the program. Regardless, the XM157 Fire Control System remains a part of the program and it doesn’t seem to be shedding any weight.

AUSA 25 – 250th Anniversary Pistol by SIG SAUER

Monday, October 13th, 2025

SIG SAUER has created a US Army 250th anniversary commemorative MHS pistol. This first article will be presented to the Army during this week’s AUSA meeting.

It features a black nickel finish and heritage walnut grips. This model will be available for sale to the public soon.

Gentex and Anduril Advance Partnership to Deliver AI-Driven EagleEye System

Monday, October 13th, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, October 13, 2025 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in integrated helmet systems and communications solutions, is proud to announce the advancement of its partnership with Anduril Industries in the development of EagleEye, a next-generation, AI-enabled integrated family of warfighter systems designed to deliver mission command, enhanced situational awareness, and increased survivability directly into the warfighter’s headborne system.

EagleEye builds on the foundation laid by the U.S. Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) program, through which Gentex provides advanced helmet and communications integration to support the Army’s mixed-reality command architecture. Representing the next evolution in headborne systems, EagleEye embeds command, control, and AI-driven situational awareness directly within the helmet platform, transforming the protective system into a fully networked node of mission command.

“The SBMC program established the framework for digital mission command by connecting the soldier to the tactical network,” said L.P. Frieder III, President & CEO, Gentex Corporation. “EagleEye expands on that vision by integrating command, control, and AI-driven situational awareness directly into the protective system. The platform is a natural extension of our mission to keep soldiers protected, connected, and fully mission-ready in today’s complex battlespace.”

With decades of experience designing and manufacturing trusted headborne systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied forces worldwide, Gentex delivers integrated helmet and communications solutions fielded across multiple U.S. Army and Air Force programs. These systems are engineered to integrate seamlessly with current and emerging platforms, including next-generation Army helmet families.

As part of the EagleEye program, Gentex will contribute the advanced head protection and communications architecture that forms the foundation for the system’s modular mixed-reality platform. The partnership merges Gentex’s expertise in integrated protection, communications, and optical technologies with Anduril’s advanced mission command software, heads-up display (HUD) technologies, and distributed sensing capabilities. Together, these capabilities transform the helmet into an intelligent node of the mission network, reducing weight and cognitive load while enhancing survivability and decision-making for the modern warfighter.

Gentex’s contributions to both SBMC and EagleEye underscore its central role in advancing fully integrated soldier systems. While SBMC established the digital and software backbone of mission command, EagleEye extends that ecosystem by embedding command and control (C2) capability and digital vision technologies directly into the warfighter’s protective gear, effectively bringing the network to the edge and empowering the individual operator.

Gentex will highlight its involvement in the EagleEye program and its broader soldier modernization initiatives during the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Visit Gentex Corporation at Booth 8219.

2025 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition

Monday, October 13th, 2025

The federal government might be shut down, but AUSA’s annual meeting is in full swing.

See the Ghost Robotics Vision 60 at AUSA

Friday, October 10th, 2025

Ghost Robotics will be at AUSA 2025 with the Vision 60, joined by Robotican’s Rooster hybrid drone.

Find us at Booth 4125 and see how ground and air systems work together for real-world missions.

Don’t miss out on the live demonstrations! See you there.

Mack Defense Highlights the Mack Pioneer at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting

Friday, October 10th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (Oct. 8, 2025) – Mack Defense announced today that it will feature the Mack Pioneer model in its booth #8333 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 13-15, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

“Mack Defense has long supported the U.S. military, providing equipment on the battlefield since World War I,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “We bring a unique capability to these customers with commercial innovation, internal investments and superior product offerings to help our warfighters win. The Mack Pioneer represents a breadth of commercial technology available to the U.S. military as they look to modernize their tactical wheeled vehicle fleet with militarized commercial solutions.”

Mack Defense is ready to incorporate advanced vehicle technologies into future fleets, and proven commercial platforms can provide rapid, cost-effective modernization.  Integrated advanced technologies, like active safety features, enhance warfighter safety and efficiency while alternative propulsion solutions improve fuel economy. Drive-by-wire-enabled vehicles allow for autonomous kits of all levels to more easily be incorporated. 

Hartzell continued, “Next-generation military vehicles require the superior mobility and versatility across all terrains and missions that Mack military trucks deliver. And now, more than ever, the U.S. Department of War needs trusted manufacturers it can rely on to deliver proven, low-risk solutions, backed by a comprehensive lifecycle support for sustained readiness.”

Mack Defense’s partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces provides tactical, logistics, commercial and specialty vehicles including armored and unarmored platforms. Most recently, the U.S. Army has awarded the company a contract for the M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT), which is built on the Mack® Granite® chassis and enhanced to meet the rigorous requirements of the military. Key modifications include all-wheel drive, heavier-duty rear axles, increased ride height and other ruggedized features for tactical use.

Leveraging a commercially proven platform like the Mack® Granite® allows the Army to benefit from American manufacturing, an established supply chain, proven durability and easier lifecycle support across a wide operational footprint with global support in more than 190 markets. 

Galvion introduces Batlskin Caiman Ultra-Light Helmet at AUSA 2025

Friday, October 10th, 2025

Galvion, a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, unveils the latest addition to its flagship Caiman® suite of head systems, the new Caiman® UL (Ultra-Light). The Caiman® UL builds on the phenomenal success of the Caiman helmet series, which has been adopted by some of the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. The new helmet, along with Galvion’s wider range of head systems and power and data solutions will be on display at booth #643 at AUSA 2025 in Washington, D.C.

The Caiman UL system was specifically designed for elite special operations operators who demand an ultra-lightweight next-generation solution that minimizes weight and bulk, while offering maximum protection and performance. Offering all of the performance of the Caiman® TL (Tactical Light) in a lighter weight, the UL comes in five (5) sizes, ensuring that operators are wearing the lightest, most comfortable, and most stable helmet possible.

The new Caiman also features additional updates, including Galvion’s 3-hole shroud, which uses ballistic mounting hardware and offers excellent stability for thermal and night vision devices. The low-profile shroud uses rubber bumpers for rattle prevention and has multiple integrated anchor points for secure bungee storage and paracord pass-through. It also features an interchangeable metal shroud plate to accommodate a variety of NVG and future headborne accessories. The Caiman UL uses Galvion’s best-in-class APEX liner system with a redesigned harness. With over 7 years of end-user feedback incorporated into iterative design updates, the latest harness features its toughest camlocks yet for improved strap tension, and stronger anchor system to withstand operational stress. A recontoured and wider chin cup results in a more natural, secure and stable fit, and a surface-mounted buckle allows easier donning and doffing while wearing. As a result, the Caiman UL benefits from the most robust APEX system ever, optimized for fit, comfort and stability, particularly under Night Vision and VAS.

Currently in trials with Special Operations customers, the Caiman UL is available for contract, with expected commercial availability in 2026.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “Our Caiman head systems are recognized around the world as the most comfortable performance helmet out there. We developed the system over a number of years in conjunction with Special Operations teams, but in recent years, we have seen our flagship Caiman TL adopted by conventional forces in far greater quantities, across multiple NATO countries.” He added: “The Caiman UL pushes the boundaries for elite teams where literally every ounce counts. It gives them the performance they need and the comfort that, candidly, they didn’t know that they could expect, in the lightest weight available. Our Caiman® UL really is the best, for the best.”