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Introducing the Wilcox VIPR, Setting a New Standard with Seamless Reticle Transition and Advanced C-UAS Engagement

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026

NEWINGTON, NH, September 22nd, 2026 – Wilcox Industries, a global leader in innovative sighting systems, targeting technologies, and mission ready solutions, is proud to introduce the VIPR™ (Visually Integrated Precision Reticle), a groundbreaking direct view optical sight engineered for today’s rapidly evolving operational environments. Combining the intuitive feel of a holographic sight with advanced digital capability, VIPR delivers unprecedented flexibility, precision, and operator awareness.

Purpose-Built for Multi/Domain Requirements

The Wilcox VIPR supports operators across Close Quarters Battle (CQB), mid-range engagements, and Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) missions. A digitally projected reticle enables operators to transition between ballistic-compensating mid-range profiles, CQB reticles, and C-UAS symbology without mechanical adjustments or disruption to their sight picture. The system also incorporates the Dragonslayer Systems™ Rapid Integrated Precision Reticle, which provides enhanced tracking and acquisition, providing the operator the ability to track and disable incoming drones.

The system stores multiple customizable reticles and ballistic profiles. This allows the optic to function across a wide range of weapon platforms, calibers, and ammunition types. The VIPR reduces dependence on analog accessories and mechanical adjusters, decreasing potential failure points and improving operator efficiency. It is simple to operate with a single button nested inside a single scroll wheel, which is designed for reliable use with a gloved hand.

Digital Precision with Applied Ballistics™ Integration

VIPR includes optional rangefinder connectivity that displays real-time range data directly inside the reticle. Integration with Applied Ballistics software provides precise ballistic solutions tailored to specific weapons and ammunition profiles. Dual eye shooting capability preserves depth perception, improves target acquisition speed, and enhances threat recognition under stress.

Engineered for Harsh Environments

VIPR is engineered to withstand weapon shock, water immersion, and extreme temperatures. Key specifications include:

• Clear aperture: 30 mm wide x 27 mm high

• Waterproof rating: 20 meters for up to 2 Hours

• Weight: 343 grams including battery

• Boresight retention: less than 0.5 mrad

The optic mounts to any MIL STD 1913 rail and is compatible with magnifiers, including the Wilcox 3X Magnifier. Its rugged, compact housing maximizes the viewing window while minimizing obstruction.

Mobile App Integration and Mission Customization

The VIPR mobile application gives operators centralized control of mission setup, reticle selection, ballistic profile management, and symbology customization. This digital ecosystem allows the operator to configure the optic quickly for evolving mission demands.

Setting a New Standard in Adaptive Optics

Traditional optics often require multiple accessories, each with its own limitations, configuration requirements, and failure points. VIPR consolidates these functions into one adaptive sighting system, reducing weight, reducing complexity, and decreasing adjustment time. This improves fleet readiness and allows operators to maintain focus on the fight rather than equipment management.

Availability and Additional Information

To learn more about the Wilcox VIPR or to request a hands-on demonstration, visit:

www.wilcoxind.com/VIPR

The VIPR will be on hand at the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, DC from October 12 -14 at Booth 3907, as well as the Land Forces Show in Australia, from October 6 – 8th at Booth No. 5L16 in Hall 1.

For sales inquiries, contact:

603.431.1331

wxsales@wilcoxind.com

Posted in Advertiser, C-UAS, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Simplesense and Digital Force Technologies, Announce First Air Force Deployment of Counter Drone System Integrated into Installation Resilience Operations

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026

National Harbor, MD — September 14, 2026 — Simplesense, Inc and Digital Force Technologies, LLC (DFT) today announced a $3.4M award to integrate DFT’s SeraphimOS™ sensor fusion platform into the Installation Resilience Operations Command & Control (IROC) prototype at an Air Force Installation.

The primary objective of this award is to strengthen and enhance the installation security and base defense posture of military installations, proving rapid integration is possible and further reducing the speed to integrate at future installations. The project will consolidate fragmented sensor feeds—including video, sensor, radar, and intrusion detection—into a unified dashboard designed to significantly reduce operator cognitive load and accelerate the Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act (OODA) loop, delivering near-term operational value to the installation’s Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC).

Installation infrastructure rarely fails all at once and almost never stays inside one squadron. When operational data is fragmented across separate operational pictures, preventable issues escalate before anyone sees them coming — a silent threat to mission readiness. Simplesense’s Resilience Core™ unlocks the power of that data to drive early awareness, giving installation leaders and their teams one trusted view of critical mission support conditions. The solution is currently deployed with a contract underway to expand to five additional Air Force, Space Force, and Army installations, surfacing emerging risks before they cause mission-degradation.

DFT’s SeraphimOS™ fuses data from multiple sensors, autonomously assesses threats, and delivers localized alerts to operators in disconnected and degraded environments. The platform simplifies complex information streams, reduces cognitive burden, and enables faster, more confident decision-making across mission sets — from counter-UAS and base defense to man-portable surveillance and vehicle-mounted sensing.

“Our adversaries can out maneuver the U.S. simply by more quickly adapting the latest technology. The DoW’s investment in companies like Simplesense and DFT keeps the U.S. competitive at the cutting edge, instead of a decade behind.” said Eric Kanagy, CEO of Simplesense.

“By integrating SeraphimOS™ into military installations, we’re proving how counter-UAS and other critical sensor data can be rapidly unified to give operators a clearer picture of threats and enable faster, more informed decisions. Just as importantly, we’re establishing a repeatable approach that can scale across Air Force installations.” said Justin MacLaurin, President and CEO of Digital Force Technologies.

Posted in Air Force, C-UAS, Press Release | No Comments »

DOW Hosts 2nd Interagency Summit to Strengthen Counter-Drone Defense

Saturday, September 12th, 2026

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 hosted its second interagency summit last month to accelerate cooperation against rapidly evolving drone threats.

The gathering brought together more than 200 leaders and experts from 75 departments and agencies to synchronize efforts to strengthen homeland defense against drones.

The task force is the War Department’s premier counter-unmanned aircraft agency. Building on the momentum following the first full year since it was established in August 2025, the summit emphasized growing interagency partnerships that are rapidly delivering counter-UAS capabilities to warfighters, federal partners and local law enforcement.

“Drones have fundamentally changed the operational environment,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF 401 director. “To meet this challenge, we must outpace our adversaries by working together to deliver capabilities quickly. This summit is one way we are synchronizing a whole-of-government effort to secure our borders, defend the national airspace and protect the American people.”

Discussions primarily focused on establishing a unified, cross-domain common operating picture for air traffic in areas critical for national security. Participants also took part in collaborative breakout groups focused on five key areas of counter-UAS integration for homeland defense:

Major-event and critical-infrastructure preparation;
Reporting, jurisdiction and information sharing;
Authorities, policy and legislation;
Capability access and the counter-UAS marketplace;
Testing, standards and integration.

The summit allowed participants to identify challenges, share best practices and strengthen coordination across agencies, while also highlighting innovations in the counter-UAS marketplace pioneered by JIATF 401.

It also highlighted the War Department’s efforts to transition emerging counter-UAS technologies from testing toward operational employment. The task force is conducting a directed-energy pilot program at multiple military installations to evaluate high-energy lasers, high-power microwaves and other novel technologies in an operational environment. Together, these initiatives demonstrate JIATF 401’s commitment to accelerating innovation, strengthening interagency partnerships and delivering effective counter-drone capabilities to the warfighter.

“My charge for this summit is for each of you to walk away with specific actions to address problems,” Ross said. “We are all in this together, and it will take all of us working together to effectively counter the threat of drones and keep our warfighters and the American people safe.”

The summit concluded with a unified commitment to maintain continuous interagency teamwork and information sharing. By aligning efforts across the department, interagency partners and federal agencies, JIATF 401 continues to cut through bureaucracy and rapidly deliver state-of-the-art counter-drone capabilities to warfighters worldwide.

By Army LTC Adam Scher, Joint Interagency Task Force 401

Posted in C-UAS, Department of War, Guest Post | Comments Off on DOW Hosts 2nd Interagency Summit to Strengthen Counter-Drone Defense

US Air Force Seeks Ground-Based, Medium-Caliber Gun Weapon System To Protect Assets

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

In a Request For Information issued to industry earlier this week, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), C3BM Directorate, Wright Patterson Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio is conducting market research seeking vendor interest for a Ground-Based, Medium-Caliber Gun Weapon System. This means a 20mm to 50mm weapon with ammunition and sensors.

Raid Hunter is Northrop Grumman’s 50mm Gun-Based Air Defense (GBAD) system.

They are looking for a weapon that fires affordable munitions, enables defense against air and missile threats with an initial focus on subsonic cruise missiles (CM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (groups 1-5) to provide persistent defense in support of United States Air Force assets.

To effectively assess and compare air defense weapon system performance, there are fifteen critical baseline operational and technical parameters that must be analyzed in unison. These key metrics begin with the system’s Salvo Probability of Kill (Pk) evaluated against both Cruise Missiles (CM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Groups 1-5 at maximum range and altitude, ensuring robust lethality against diverse modern threats. The physical footprint of the engagement envelope is defined by its Effective Slant Range and Elevation Coverage, while the capacity for sustained operations is dictated by Magazine Depth and the system’s ability to execute Raid Handling against saturating attacks. Furthermore, modern multi-domain operations require seamless Integrated Sensor Capability, deep C2 System Integration, and broad System Interoperability across joint networks. From an efficiency and sustainment standpoint, the system must balance its Cost Per Engagement and Manpower requirements, supported by a reliable Built-in-Test (BIT) framework for rapid diagnostics. Finally, tactical utility is rounded out by the platform’s overall Transportability, stringent Weapon Safety protocols, and its comprehensive Multi-Domain Engagement Capability to counter threats across various operational environments.

Fifteen Baseline Requirements:

Salvo Probability of Kill (Pk) vs CM at max range and altitude
Salvo Probability of Kill (Pk) vs UAS Groups 1-5 at max range and altitude
Effective Slant Range
Elevation Coverage
Magazine Depth
Raid Handling
Integrated Sensor Capability
C2 System Integration
System Interoperability
Cost Per Engagement
Manpower
Built-in-Test (BIT)
Transportability
Weapon Safety
Multi-Domain Engagement Capability

When designing and evaluating next-generation defense systems, the development team must navigate critical trade-offs across three primary Trade Space Attributes to balance lethality, situational awareness, and operational flexibility. First, the system must optimize Munition Performance versus Munition Cost and Gun Capability, ensuring that the interceptor’s velocity, maneuverability, and terminal effects are maximized without driving the cost-per-engagement to unsustainable levels or exceeding the physical constraints of the host platform. Second, developers must carefully select the Organic Sensor Capability and Phenomenology—integrating the right mix of radar, electro-optical, infrared, or radio-frequency sensors—to ensure reliable target acquisition and tracking across varying weather conditions, environments, and countermeasure scenarios. Finally, the entire architecture must remain Rapidly Deployable, maintaining a lightweight, modular, and transportable footprint that can be swiftly projected into austere theater environments to meet emergent threats.

Trade Space Attributes:

Munition Performance vs. Munition Cost/Gun Capability
Organic Sensor Capability and Phenomenology
Rapidly Deployable

Industry has until 09 OCTOBER 2026, 1700, EST to respond. Late responses may not be reviewed.

As the Air Force considers fielding more and more sophisticated air defense systems such as this and the Common Ground Based Launcher it appears that the promise of a new careerfield to wield them is likely. It also indicates that they are looking beyond just drones and are considering a more robust air defense capability.

Posted in Air Force, C-UAS, weapons | 2 Comments »

Mehler Protection Unveils Active Close-Range Counter-UAV System for Ships at SMM 2026

Tuesday, September 1st, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (1 September 2026)

At SMM 2026, Mehler Protection is set to unveil SCILT NAVAL, a new active counter-UAV system developed specifically to protect ships from close-range threats.

The threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is evolving: Recent conflicts have demonstrated that even heavily armed warships can be vulnerable to small, low-cost drone systems deployed in large numbers. While modern naval forces have powerful air defence systems capable of engaging threats at long range, significant challenges remain when it comes to close- and very-close-range protection. This is particularly true in ports, when navigating confined waterways such as canals, during amphibious operations, aboard landing craft and at fixed maritime installations.

SCILT was developed specifically for this immediate threat zone, where large-scale air defence systems and formation-level counter-UAV solutions may no longer able to respond effectively.

It serves as an active last line of defence for individual vessels, bridging the gap between passive protection and large-scale air defence. The system is designed to counter small UAVs, including FPV drones, one-way attack systems and loitering munitions, and can engage both individual threats and multiple simultaneous attacks at close range.

Effectors, sensors and operating controls are integrated directly on board. The sensor suite includes electro-optical systems and additional close-range sensors for threat detection and to support operational decision-making. In its initial configuration, the system operates with a human in the loop. Further automation is planned as certification requirements and operational procedures permit.

The system uses three alert levels – detection, approach and engagement – and utilises commercially available shotgun calibres as effectors. Compared with the land-based version,

SCILT NAVAL offers a greater effective range and automatic reloading. Its effectors run the gamut from fragmentation to armour-piercing variants.

SCILT can be integrated into existing C2 and sensor systems. Where no suitable interface is available, the system can also operate autonomously using its own detection and engagement chain. Additional control and display units can be installed at multiple locations inside the vessel, giving the crew access to situational information and system controls where required.

SCILT has been developed over a period of approximately 18 months. A series of 48 tests examined factors including external and terminal ballistics, firing safety and fragment distribution, along with maritime environmental effects such as salt spray, corrosion, vibrations and wave impact. The results were used to determine the optimum effective range and effector configuration.

SCILT expands Mehler Protection’s existing portfolio of platform armour solutions for land, air and sea. The company provides protection solutions for helicopters, land vehicles and naval systems and is a key supplier to several German Navy vessels currently under construction.

Further information on Mehler Protection’s platform armour solutions: mehler-protection.com/platform-armour

Posted in C-UAS, International, Maritime, Press Release | No Comments »

‘Final Denial’: Air Force Leaders Lean in to the Future of Drone Defense

Thursday, August 27th, 2026

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — The 31st Air Task Force sharpened and refined a layered counter-small unmanned aerial system defense capability, culminating in a kinetic “final denial” live-fire demonstration, August 3-7, 2026.

The week-long training event built on counter-sUAS initiatives first employed during the ATF’s February field exercise and increased knowledge among Airmen from Hurlburt Field and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, assigned to the 31st ATF.

“Through a crawl, walk, run approach, Airmen gained practical knowledge of a full spectrum of layered counter-sUAS capabilities,” said the 31st ATF’s force protection superintendent. “The ATF is posturing to provide tiered defense through detection, electronic warfare defeat, and physical interception of hostile drones.”

Throughout the week, Airmen trained on AI-powered systems that detect, track, and filter aerial objects from planes and drones to birds. They also improved real-time data sharing across multiple levels of command and control from an expeditionary base defense operations center.

The 31st ATF hosted leaders from Air Force Special Operations Command and the 1st Special Operations Wing, joining experts on drone warfare, precision munitions, and unmanned threat detection and mitigation. They explored the latest ways to protect the warfighter and counter emergent UAS threats.

“It’s inspiring to see a unit at this level proactively tackling a problem-set that is top of mind for leaders across the Air Force and the Department of War,” said 1st SOW Deputy Commander, Col. Clayton Schuety. “The blend of entrepreneurial foresight, AI surveillance, and human-directed targeting will no doubt create positive impacts for the warfighter. We look forward to seeing how this effort continues to mature and receiving the lessons learned which will benefit Air Commandos and the larger force.”

By teaming with top industry partners and using existing Air Force equipment, the 31st ATF trained Airmen on weapons designed to defend against hostile drones and safeguard against electromagnetic warfare threats. Airmen practiced organic reconnaissance and denial of high-speed sUAS targets mimicking hostile flight patterns.

“The team successfully executed a capstone event that validated new tactics, techniques, and procedures across force protection and distributed communications,” said 31st ATF commander, Col. Brad Dvorak. “Our mission is to enable airpower operations, anytime, anywhere. By establishing a sUAS instructor cadre, we trained our personnel on counter-sUAS architecture and employed unique solutions for Airmen to track, jam, and kinetically defeat sUAS threats.”

The 31st ATF is a combat-ready unit of action bringing competitive advantage to meet pacing challenges. The wing, commanded by an Air Force colonel, consists of a command-and-control element and a combat air base squadron with up to 2,500 Airmen across more than 60 Air Force specialty codes. The team can provide base operating support for deployed flying units, also known as mission generation force elements, and the necessary logistics to execute agile combat employment.

Story by 2nd Lt Daniel White

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, C-UAS, Guest Post | No Comments »

Denmark Selects Terma to Deliver Nationwide Counter-Drone Defense System

Thursday, August 20th, 2026

Terma will deliver a sovereign, integrated counter-drone defense system that connects existing and future sensors into one shared drone situational picture. With AI-supported processing of sensor data, the system will give the Danish Armed Forces and other authorities a stronger foundation to detect, understand and act on drone threats in real time.

Per Pugholm Olsen, Head of DALO (Left) and Terma CEO Henriette Hallberg (Right)

Lystrup, Denmark – 19 August 2026 – The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has entered into an agreement with Terma for the delivery of a new, integrated command-and-control system for counter-drone defense. The system will create a shared drone situational picture for the Danish Armed Forces and other authorities.

“I am pleased to sign this agreement, which will strengthen Denmark’s ability to maintain an up-to date drone situational picture. This new agreement with Terma is an important cornerstone in the ongoing effort to build a strong counter-drone capability, both within the Danish Armed Forces and Danish industry,” says Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, Chief of DALO.

From individual sensors to a shared drone situational picture

Denmark already operates sensors across the Armed Forces, civilian authorities and critical infrastructure, but today the information remains in separate systems and at different locations. The solution is built on Terma Helion, Terma’s sovereign multi-domain data backbone. Helion connects existing and future sensors and brings their data together into one shared drone situational picture. The platform integrates distributed systems and transforms large volumes of data into information that supports tactical decision-making at both local and central levels.

“In a security environment where drones represent a persistent and growing threat, the ability to detect, classify and act on threats across domains is fundamental to national security,” says Henriette H. Thygesen, CEO of Terma. “The ability to connect sensors, process data and turn information into timely decision support is essential to effective counter-drone defense. By creating a shared drone situational picture, we give the Danish Armed Forces and other authorities a strong foundation to act faster and with greater confidence. We are proud of the trust Denmark has placed in Terma. It confirms our ability to deliver mission-critical defense solutions that strengthen security in Denmark and across Europe.”

The solution also integrates OSL Technology’s FACE® platform for command and control and data fusion. OSL Technology became part of Terma in 2025. FACE brings together and processes data from Terma’s radar and surveillance technologies as well as third-party sensors and countermeasures. AI supports the processing, classification and prioritization of sensor data, enabling operators to rapidly identify and act on relevant incidents.

The solution builds on OSL Technology’s operational experience from complex civilian and military environments. Since 2019, OSL has been the prime contractor and system integrator for Heathrow Airport’s counter-drone system and also delivers counter-drone systems to the Ørland and Evenes air bases under a multi-year framework agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA). Combined with Terma’s radar, surveillance and multi-domain capabilities, this creates a market-leading, open and modular counter-drone solution.

National control and flexibility for future threats

The solution will ensure national control over operational sensor data while enabling technologies from multiple suppliers to be integrated. It will be delivered in cooperation with other Danish industry partners and draw on expertise from across the Danish defense industry.

The scalable architecture allows sensors, sites, countermeasures and other capabilities to be continuously added over time. The solution can therefore support the management of drone incidents at military installations, airports, ports, energy facilities, government buildings and other critical infrastructure.

Facts

Together, the technologies enable authorities to:

Detect, classify and track drone activity
Fuse and prioritize sensor data using AI
Maintain a shared drone situational picture
Coordinate decisions and actions at Danish Armed Forces locations
Integrate new sensors and countermeasures as threats evolve

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

EOTECH Launches New CUAS Holographic Weapon Sights

Monday, August 10th, 2026

Plymouth, MI (August 2026) – The battlefield is everchanging. Today, small, low-cost drones are proliferating across the world, posing significant threats to military installations, personnel, and critical infrastructures. To combat this aerial threat, EOTECH is proud to announce the development of the HWS CUAS.

The Counter Unmanned Aircraft Sight (CUAS) provides the individual soldier with advanced capabilities to immobilize drones. Available in both the EXPS3 and XPS3 models, the HWS CUAS includes a sophisticated aiming reticle that enables rapid engagement of both stationary and moving drones.

Used for stationary drones, the reticle consists of a primary aiming dot with fractured outer circles to enhance target acquisition. Additional lead references provide intuitive holds for crossing targets at varying distances. Assuming a 30-mph drone crossing at a 90-degree path, the user would simply position the inner left or right dot on drones at 50m out and use the outer chevrons to engage drones at 90m out.

“Holography is essential when designing large pattern reticles. The CUAS reticle is achieved through complex and often expensive unconventional optics to correct for parallax error and other aberrations.” Said Todd Estes, VP of Engineering for EOTECH. “The holographic solution ensures that all the potential aiming points stay in focus at the target position regardless of the size and shape of the reticle. Holographic optical elements provide a wider field of view and unrecognizable parallax compared to conventional lenses.”

The EXPS3 model offers side buttons that are useful when using night-vision systems or magnifiers. It is equipped with an adjustable, lockable quick-detach lever for easy attachment and removal. The EXPS3 model also provides lower 1/3 co-witness with iron sights. The XPS3 version offers true co-witness height, rear buttons, and a 7/64 hex crossbolt for a more permanent mounting solution.

EOTECH HWS CUAS Specifications:

L x W x H:

3.8″ x 2.3″ x 2.6″ (96.5 x 58.4 x 65 mm) (EXPS3)

3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5” (96.5 x 53.3 x 64mm) (XPS3)

Weight:

11.2 oz (317.5 g) (EXPS3)

9.0 oz (255 g) (XPS3)

Water Resistant:

33ft (10m) depth (NV)

Mount:

1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail

Zero Adjustments: