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DroneShield Secures $8.2 Million Contract Supporting Western Military Operations

Thursday, January 1st, 2026

DroneShield has received a contract totaling $8.2m for a western military end-customer.
This hardware is on-the-shelf with delivery expected to be completed prior to 2025 year end or in early Q1 2026, and payment expected in Q1 2026.

30 December 2025 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced it has secured an $8.2 million contract to supply counter-drone capabilities to a Western military end customer through an in-country reseller.

The contract, placed through an in-country reseller, includes handheld counter-drone systems, associated accessories and spare kits, and ongoing software updates. The reseller is a wholly owned subsidiary of a global, publicly listed defense and technology organization responsible for distribution to the military customer within the region.

The award builds on a long-standing relationship between DroneShield and the reseller, with multiple programs supported over the past seven years. The continued engagement reflects DroneShield’s ability to deliver reliable, field-ready counter-drone solutions that can be deployed quickly and integrated into existing force structures.

Image: DroneShield RfPatrol Mk2

Handheld counter-drone systems remain a critical capability for modern military operations, particularly for dismounted units operating in dynamic and contested environments. These solutions provide immediate situational awareness, identification, and protection against uncrewed aerial threats, supporting force survivability and operational freedom across a wide range of mission profiles.

The contract also highlights broader trends shaping military procurement, including the need for scalable counter-drone solutions, accelerated delivery timelines, and technologies that can adapt to rapidly evolving threat environments.

As DroneShield enters 2026, the company continues to see strong global momentum across defense and security markets, driven by increased focus on airspace protection, layered counter-drone architectures, and the growing role of unmanned systems in modern conflict.

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Interagency Senior Leaders Discuss Tactics on Advancing Counter UAS Efforts

Wednesday, December 31st, 2025

Joint interagency and law enforcement senior leaders met to establish a shared understanding of counter-small unmanned aerial system threat detection and mitigation best practices during a law enforcement symposium hosted by the Joint Task Force National Capital Region at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, Dec. 11.

The joint task force, in partnership with Joint Interagency Task Force 401, used lessons learned from a recent counter-small UAS exercise held at Fort McNair, Washington, to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen partnerships.&

The symposium brought together leaders from the War Department, civilian law enforcement and World Cup host cities to discuss counter-small UAS capabilities and limitations, as well as optimizing resource sharing and procurement.

“The goal of the day is to be able to share the lessons learned from our recent threat simulation exercise and work together to strengthen the law enforcement correlation, as required for high-profile events that are on the horizon,” said Army Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant, joint task force commanding general.

The joint task force remains committed to leading these efforts in the National Capital Region to ensure collaboration that is necessary to evolving and increased security challenges, Gant said.

“We must leverage the insights we gained today to enhance our small UAS capabilities and our operational readiness as we continue to break down barriers internally and externally to the military and interagency, state and local law enforcement partners,” the general said.

The increased use of small UAS, or drones, presents a rapidly evolving threat landscape that requires a coordinated approach and cooperation across all government agencies to effectively address everything from detection and tracking to mitigation and neutralization.

“The problem with a drone is it is completely indifferent to land boundaries, it’s completely indifferent to where federal property becomes state property, becomes a local monitor area, and the violence that can be inflicted is nearly limitless because of the low price,” said Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. “From the Army perspective, now is the time we have to [take on this challenge], we have to do it together.”

Effective counter-small UAS threat mitigation requires real-time information sharing between federal, state and local entities, and establishing clear command and control structures during incidents. This was expertly demonstrated in the recent exercise at Fort McNair, where the joint task force worked with local law enforcement to detect and mitigate simulated small UAS threats.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when we’ll have to exercise our counter drone defenses,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 director. “We all share the same sense of urgency to keep pace with this growing threat, and I believe that collectively in this room, we’ve got the resources, and the expertise to keep the public safe. Nothing is more important than the homeland, our people, our first responders, and supporting warfighters both at home and abroad.”

By Army SGT Tien-Dat Ngo, Defense Media Activity

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DroneShield Secures $6.2M Asia Pacific Contract

Friday, December 26th, 2025

Image: DroneShield DroneSentry-X Mk2 as part of NATO Exercise Bold Machina 25 in the Netherlands

DroneShield has received a $6.2 million contract for an Asia Pacific military end-customer.

Delivery and cash payment is expected in 2026.

DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield of the Company) is pleased to announce it has received a standalone contract for $6.2 million from an in-country reseller for delivery to a military end-customer in an Asia Pacific country. The reseller is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a multi-billion dollar, global, publicly listed customer that is contractually required to distribute solutions to a major Asia Pacific military government department. The solutions include selected 3rd party hardware, interoperable with DroneShield’s command-and-control software platform, DroneSentry-C2. DroneShield expects to complete the delivery and receive payment in 2026.

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AV Delivers JLTV-Mounted LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems to US Army

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va., December 18, 2025 –AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) technologies, today announced the successful delivery of two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted mobile C-UAS Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) to the U.S. Army as part of the second increment of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort. These systems were delivered to the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), now integrated into the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, reflecting the Army’s ongoing transformation and acquisition reform efforts.

In September, AV announced delivery of the first increment of AMP-HEL prototype systems–two LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform. This second-increment system on the Oshkosh JLTV platform features the same 20kW-class LOCUST LWS with a larger aperture beam director, improving lethality performance.

“AV continues to deliver proven, efficient, modular laser weapon systems that perform and protect in real-world threat environments,” said Mary Clum, President, Space, Cyber & Directed Energy for AV. “Integrated as part of these AMP-HEL systems, LOCUST is a cost-effective, rugged, precise, and scalable solution that is addressing the ever-evolving UAS threats our warfighters are facing on frontlines today. With the technology proven, we remain focused on advancing capabilities while scaling manufacturing to meet the growing demand.”

AV delivered its first LOCUST LWS to RCCTO as part of the Palletized-High Energy Laser (P-HEL) program in 2022. With more than three years of operational deployment outside the United States, these state-of-the-art LWS have demonstrated exceedingly high operational availability rates for prototype systems after first generation lessons learned informed necessary improvements now supporting current technology development efforts. During these deployments, the LOCUST-equipped P-HEL systems, now integrated on AMP-HEL, have performed their designed mission against UAS threats in real world combat.

“Directed energy is no longer a future concept—it is a proven force-protection capability,” said John Garrity, Vice President of AV’S Directed Energy business unit. “Since deployed, LOCUST-equipped P-HEL systems have actively protected warfighters, allies, and critical infrastructure against aerial threats. With LOCUST’s target acquisition, tracking and precision beam control, warfighters have an easy-to-use, reliable, trusted, and proven solution against the very real and evolving threats of modern warfare.”

Designed to be platform-agnostic and rapidly deployable, AV’s directed-energy systems integrate seamlessly with Army command-and-control architectures, providing a critical C-UAS capability that protects Soldiers and assets across a wide range of missions and environments. These systems have been successfully integrated in fixed-site base defense systems and on maneuverable platforms, including the ISV and JLTV, and mounted on the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle for increased mobility.

www.avinc.com

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US Marine Corps Fields MADIS to 1st LAAD

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – The U.S. Marine Corps took a major step forward with a state-of-the-art system designed for short-range detection, tracking and engagement of aerial threats. On Dec. 12, 2025, Program Executive Office Land Systems fielded two Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems (MADIS) to 1st Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). The fielding of these systems marks a pivotal step in enhancing expeditionary defense capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region.

The MADIS consists of two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), one focused on detection and the other oriented toward offensive action. Working together, they form a maneuverable ground-based air defense weapon system designed to defeat unmanned aircraft systems and manned fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft threats while on the move and at the halt.

The full-rate production configuration of the MADIS employs a powerful combination of 30mm cannons, Stinger missiles and multifunctional electronic warfare equipment. The 360-degree threat detection and protection allow the system to simultaneously engage and neutralize threats with both kinetic and non-kinetic forces.

“These systems will increase capabilities of counter-unmanned aircraft systems operations and provide automatic target recognition and weapon assignment to decrease engagement times and reduce the cognitive load on the Marine operator,” said Lt. Col. Mike Billings, product manager for Future Weapons Systems at PM Ground Based Air Defense. “The next step is to deliver the full rate production MADIS to all low altitude air defense battalions and littoral anti-air battalions across the Marine Corps, at a rapid rate.”

Since the reactivation of 1st LAAD Battalion in 2023, the unit has consistently advanced the U.S. Marine Corps’ force design initiatives. Key milestones include the activation of Firing Battery Alpha in August 2024 and Firing Battery Mike in December 2025. Most notably, the successful fielding of MADIS units, today, marks a pivotal step forward.

“Owning these systems gives us direct control capability,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Mario Guadarrama, battalion operations chief for 1st LAAD Battalion. “Reducing the gap between training and combat employment allows seamless integration with partners and allies throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”

Fielding the MADIS directly to 1st LAAD Battalion significantly enhances expeditionary ground-based air defense capabilities in support of 1st MAW. The primary mission of 1st LAAD Battalion is to provide close-in, low-altitude, surface-to-air weapon capabilities, and the MADIS is a strategic step forward for the battalion.

Story by 2nd Lt. Joseph Adcock, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

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Rheinmetall Successfully Demonstrates Drone Defence Capabilities in Finland

Thursday, December 18th, 2025

Rheinmetall successfully demonstrated its capabilities in counter measures against small unmanned aerial systems (c-sUAS) at the Ground-based Air Defence (GBAD) Demo Days at the firing range in Lohtaja, Finland. Representatives of Rheinmetall Air Defence AG were invited to participate by the Inspector of Air Defence of the Finnish Armed Forces.

Despite challenging climatic conditions in a remote forest area, Rheinmetall impressed with a powerful and professional demonstration. The demonstrated threats, ranging from jet drones to small quadcopters, as well as the frictionless cooperation with the organiser XD Solution and the Finnish Armed Forces underlined the operational readiness of the technologies on display. The main focus of the performance was on the detection, classification and tracking of a wide variety of drones in different airspaces and at different flight speeds.

At the core of the presentation was Skyspotter, Rheinmetall’s multi-sensory early warning and reconnaissance system for detecting, classifying and tracking airborne threats. Skyspotter is designed to protect critical infrastructure and secure large areas against drone attacks. The system features an open architecture that allows the integration of different sensors and effectors depending on the threat level. In close cooperation with employees of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH, a rapidly deployable version of the Skyspotter system based on the Rheinmetall HX Truck was presented on site. This underscores the flexibility of the system architecture as well as the capabilities of the corporation.

During the demonstration, Rheinmetall presented an integrated overall system consisting of the Skyspotter, several dislocated Passive Emitter Locator sensors and a rapidly deployable, specialised C2 shelter. This ensures optimum command and control capability at a safe distance from active components and increases the protection of operating personnel.

Skyspotter can combat directional jammers, interceptor drones and the highly flexible Revolver Gun 30mm, which is currently in the conceptional phase. It uses individually programmable KETF ammunition (kinetic energy time fuze), which acts solely with kinetic energy (so-called impact ammunition).

“The GBAD Demo Days 2025 have impressively highlighted the importance of partnership-based cooperation in the further development of modern air defence capabilities. We would like to thank the Finnish Armed Forces for the invitation and the excellent cooperation, as well as our industry partners and our Finnish partner Oy Telva. Their commitment and expertise have contributed significantly to successfully demonstrating the performance of our systems under realistic conditions”, explains Oliver Dürr, Head of the Electronic Solutions Division.

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DroneShield Secures $49.6M European Military Contract

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

DroneShield has received a contract totaling $49.6m for a European end-customer
A significant portion of this hardware is on-the-shelf with deliveries and payments expected to be completed in Q1 2026

16 December 2025 – DroneShield is pleased to announce it has received a contract for $49.6 million from an in-region European reseller that is contractually required to distribute the products to a European military end-customer. The contract is for handheld counter-drone systems, associated accessories, and software updates. DroneShield has a large portion of this stock on-the-shelf and expects to complete all deliveries in Q1 2026. Cash payments are also expected to be fully received in Q1 2026. No additional material conditions need to be satisfied.

Image: DroneShield DroneGun Mk4 and RfPatrol Mk2

Learn more at droneshield.com.

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CHAOS Industries Selected for US Army G-TEAD Marketplace, Expanding Counter-UAS Support to US and NATO Forces

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

Addition to the marketplace satisfies competition requirements and enables rapid acquisition of CHAOS systems across U.S. and NATO commands

LOS ANGELES — CHAOS Industries, the defense technology company building Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™) systems that give warfighters time to act against border and autonomous threats, today announced its addition to the U.S. Army’s Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) Marketplace following its participation in Project Flytrap 4.5 in Putlos, Germany. The G-TEAD Marketplace enables any Army Service Component Command and NATO partners to rapidly acquire emerging technologies and capabilities.

Project Flytrap 4.5 brought together U.S. soldiers and NATO partners in Germany to test a range of low-cost, portable sensors and shooters designed to counter unmanned aerial systems and strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Line posture. The systems showcased during the event were evaluated and tested through a competitive evaluation process focused on quickly identifying solutions that can be deployed at the tactical edge.

“We applaud the Army in creating a marketplace to allow ASCCs to quickly acquire emerging technology,” said John Tenet, co-founder and CEO of CHAOS Industries. “The addition to the G-TEAD Marketplace represents a significant step forward in making our Coherent Distributed Networks capabilities available to commanders across the theater who need them, and we look forward to working with the Army and our NATO partners throughout 2026 and beyond.”

CHAOS’s addition to the G?TEAD Marketplace reflects the Army’s assessment of the company’s expeditionary sensing architecture and stay-behind capabilities, including its VANQUISH™ distributed early warning radar. VANQUISH™ provides low-SWaP, short- to mid-range detection and tracking of unmanned aerial systems, missiles, and aircraft. This Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™)-enabled system gives air defenders more options to detect, track, and respond to unmanned aerial systems while complementing existing command and control and effector architectures.

CHAOS will support continued Army experimentation with a VANQUISH™ system in 2026, providing on-site training, integration support, and rapid iteration in response to operator feedback. This forward presence is intended to tighten the feedback loop from field use to product updates, ensuring the technology evolves in lockstep with soldier needs and emerging threats.

About CHAOS Industries

CHAOS Industries creates time. The company is redefining modern defense with omniscient systems that give the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. CHAOS Industries’ products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.

CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com.

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