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Ghost Robotics Exhibits Production Manipulator Arm for Vision 60 QUGV

Friday, May 29th, 2026

Just a year ago I showed you the new Manipulator Arm accessory for the Vision 60 Quadraped Unmanned Ground Vehicle which is often referred to as a “Robotic Dog.” During this week’s visit to Canada I ran across an updated version.

The version I originally showed you was a production prototype and in the ensuing year Ghost Robotics has made a couple of small improvements and transitioned into serial production. According to company representatives, most of what is happening now are software improvements.

As before, the Arm offers seamless integration with 6 Degrees of Freedom and will extend up to 1 meter. Despite 25 lbs of gripping force, with cameras in the pincers and force feedback, it won’t crush what it’s holding unless you want it crushed.

In Canada, Ghost Robotics systems are available through Millbrook Tactical.

Posted in Advertiser, CANSEC, Robotics | No Comments »

NP Aerospace Canada Celebrates Over 30 Years of Successful Business Growth

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

NP Aerospace, the defence multinational, located in Canada and the UK, has risen to the defence industrial challenge, building Canadian capability and reporting strong growth in revenues and workforce as it marks over 30 years of Canadian operations. This announcement coincides with CANSEC in Ottawa this week (27-28 May) where NP Aerospace is showcasing its latest survivability solutions at booth 1729.

NP Aerospace Canada, based in London, Ontario, specialises in armour technology and vehicle engineering and has built a reputation for delivering complex military survivability programs working with the Canadian Department of National Defence and law enforcement agencies. Over the past two years, the business has reported significant growth in revenues, doubling its facility floorspace and achieving a five-fold increase in its Canadian workforce.

The company began trading in Canada in the mid-1990s, entered the defence market in 2009, and was acquired by Canadian entrepreneur James Kempston in 2018. Since then, it has expanded with new London facilities and secured major defence contracts including Armoured Personnel Transport Modules through Marshall Canada as part of the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program, Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) ballistic plates and the Canadian Department of National Defence Land Equipment (LEP-ETSS) Program, alongside specialist armour and vehicle contracts across Canada and the U.S. In 2022, NP Aerospace was one of the first to supply life-saving protection equipment to support those at risk in current global conflicts.

According to James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, the company is well placed to support Canada’s rapid growth in military capability. He said: “The focus right now is on products made in Canada, for Canada and our allies. As a multinational armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator partnering with some of Canada’s largest defence primes,

NP Aerospace has risen to the challenge, increasing manufacturing and engineering capacity and accelerating recruitment and financial investment. Since acquiring NP Aerospace in 2018, we have seen consistent growth in both domestic and export programs and this is set to continue at pace.”

A key contract driving incremental improvements for the Canadian Armed Forces is the Department of National Defence Land Equipment Program. As prime contractor on the program, NP Aerospace has delivered multiple ongoing equipment and vehicle support tasks building supply chain capability, and expertise in testing and evaluation, prototyping and fabrication and field support.

Elizabeth Spear-Goble, Business Operations Manager at NP Aerospace Canada, said: “2026 is one of the most dynamic periods the defence industry in Canada has seen in decades. The Government is investing billions of dollars to ramp up Canadian sovereign capabilities and NP Aerospace Canada is rising to the challenge and ‘answering the call’ with hiring, expansion, and innovation. As we mark 30 years of operations in Canada, we are focused on the next phase of growth, continuing to deliver improvements to life-saving equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and export customers.”

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CANSEC 2026: Rheinmetall to Showcase Its Innovative Solutions Supporting Canadian and Arctic Sovereignty

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

Rheinmetall is once again exhibiting at CANSEC, reinforcing its 40-year commitment as a trusted partner delivering Canadian grown solutions to the Canadian Armed Forces, including its globally recognized Rheinmetall Mission Master Autonomous Uncrewed Ground System (A-UGS), offering delegates an opportunity to discover capabilities designed to protect Canadian and Arctic sovereignty.

On display for the first time in Canada will be the Mission Master SP2 with advanced amphibious capabilities, accompanied by the Mission Master XT2 arctic edition.

Additional Rheinmetall displays will include submarine training and simulation capabilities and a model of the BOXER vehicle. Vehicle solutions jointly presented with partnering companies will also be on display at the outdoor booth.

Rheinmetall Mission Master Family:

The leading force in Canada’s autonomous defence industry, Rheinmetall will showcase its deep expertise in next-generation ground systems that have driven exports of Canadian-developed solutions. Using image recognition, environment mapping, complex terrain analysis, and obstacle detection and avoidance, Rheinmetall’s PATH guides the Mission Master suite of vehicles and places Canada’s innovative edge on the global stage.

Successfully deployed from a naval ship last fall, the Mission Master SP2 operates in multi-domain environments and autonomously exercises coastal defence and critical infrastructure protection.

The larger Mission Master XT2 was designed for extreme terrain. Its amphibious capabilities allow it to cross bodies of water while maintaining full payload capacity in the world’s harshest environments.

Submarine training and simulation capabilities:

With systems becoming increasingly complex, armed forces demand cost-effective training solutions throughout the entire life cycle of the original systems. Rheinmetall offers tailor-made solutions for the targeted training of sailors, ranging from basic e-learning to sophisticated simulators and training centres. This includes a submarine platform simulation with virtual testing & analysis, submarine motion with hydrodynamics & control and electrical system with control & automation.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall will showcase a range of solutions aligned with the Canadian defence industrial strategy, showcasing Canadian innovation and reinforcing sovereignty with our closest allies for upcoming Canadian programs.

Indirect Fires Modernization (IFM) project

Rheinmetall Canada will collaborate with companies that reinforce interoperability amongst Canada’s closest allies for the Indirect Fires Modernization project, a program designed to redevelop indirect fires capabilities for the Canadian Army.

As a member of the ARTEC joint venture with KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall will display models of the highly mobile, combat-proven BOXER vehicle and the Howitzer RCH 155 from KNDS at its indoor booth. This joint display will offer visitors the chance to see the competitive advantage of a wheeled armoured vehicle with an automatic and remotely controlled artillery system. This joint display is expected to showcase potential cooperation between Canada and the rising list of BOXER user nations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project

Designed and manufactured in Quebec, by UTV International, the Voyager D12 is a hybrid all terrain personnel & logistics carrier that will empower the Canadian Armed Forces with a homegrown capability for the DAME project. This vehicle can transport up to 12 passengers, equipment, and resources across rivers and difficult terrain encountered by operations in the Arctic. Made in Canada, The Voyager D12 will be on display at Rheinmetall Canada’s outdoor booth.

Rheinmetall Canada

Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada, says, “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in Canada, I invite delegates to visit the booth to see the advanced solutions Canada’s finest engineers have designed. With four decades of engineering excellence, Rheinmetall Canada is based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and employs nearly 400 people across Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta. Rheinmetall Canada is proud to hold the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Level 2 Committed certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.”

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Allen-Vanguard and Hyperion Showcase Their Configurable Joint Fires Training Solutions at CANSEC

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

Allen-Vanguard, leaders in the design, development and delivery of integrated, platform-agnostic systems, in collaboration with Hyperion Defence Solutions, is showcasing a novel integrated approach to Joint Fires training and simulation at CANSEC. This approach focuses on configurable, accreditable systems tailored to meet the specific operational, facility, battlespace and training requirements of the end user. Allen-Vanguard will be at CANSEC on Stand #800 to discuss this and all their advanced Radio Frequency (RF) solutions for electronic warfare, counter-RCIED and counter- UAS operations.

Hyperion has deep expertise in Joint Fires support and training, simulation and the establishment and delivery of modern training solutions for defence organisations. Together, they are showcasing this bespoke digital joint fires, fully immersive, mixed reality training environment to efficiently and effectively deliver complex Joint Fires training. Instead of presenting a single off-the-shelf product, the partnership combines Canadian defence presence, Joint Fires domain expertise, simulation integration experience and mature training technologies.

Solutions range from fixed projected facilities to deployable mobile systems and mixed-reality training options. The design supports realistic, networked Joint Fires training, including individual and collective proficiency development, scenario-based training, sensor-to-shooter workflows, target correlation, fires coordination and integration with wider digital Joint Fires environments.

The solution architecture is configurable around end-user requirements, including facility constraints, existing systems, accreditation pathways, operational workflows and future upgrade requirements. This scalability spans classroom and mission rehearsal systems to higher-fidelity projected or mixed-reality environments.

Bobby Strawbridge, President of Allen-Vanguard said, “Combining Allen-Vanguard’s Canadian defence presence and systems integration experience with Hyperion’s Joint Fires training and simulation expertise ensures that this partnership can support Canada’s next phase of Joint Fires modernisation with a practical, scalable, accreditable and affordable training solutions.”

Posted in CANSEC, Fires, International, Press Release, Training | 1 Comment »

Thirteen Canadian Companies. One Sovereign Platform.

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

Convergence Design Services to Launch the MIL-V at CANSEC 2026

OTTAWA, ON — On May 27, at Canada’s largest annual defence and security trade show, a new chapter in Canadian sovereign defence capability begins.

The MIL-V is a fully sovereign electrically powered military vehicle platform, built entirely in Canada, owned entirely by Canada, with every line of IP staying right here. But what makes the MIL-V more than a product launch is the story behind it: thirteen Canadian technology and engineering companies who chose to build something together, brought together and integrated by Convergence Design Services as the platform prime.

“Canadian defence companies are the backbone of future technology innovation,” said Ben Seaman, President at Convergence Design Services. “This collaboration of thirteen Canadian companies on one sovereign electric platform showcases what our industry is capable of across a multitude of missions. One hundred percent Canadian-built. Canadian IP. Canadian owned. This is what sovereign defence capability looks like in practice.”

A PLATFORM BUILT BY CANADA, FOR CANADA

The MIL-V is a mission-ready, electrically powered autonomous vehicle platform. It can operate with or without a driver, adapt to any mission in the field, and deploy across any terrain or climate. Its electric powertrain delivers a near-silent acoustic signature and reduced thermal profile, making it well suited for operations where stealth and low observability are critical. Its open modular architecture allows rapid reconfiguration for breaching, CASEVAC, resupply, ISR, and protection missions without returning to base, supported by an internal power distribution system capable of powering multiple mission systems simultaneously. Sensors are fused across multiple domains to give operators and autonomous systems a unified, real-time picture of their environment.

The platform’s IP, integration, and supply chain are entirely Canadian-owned. What sets the MIL-V apart is not only what it is, but how it was built: thirteen independent Canadian companies, each contributing sovereign technology, brought together under one Canadian prime.

As Canada invests in building its domestic defence vehicle capability, the MIL-V represents a new model for how that capability can be developed, with Canadian IP, Canadian partners, and Canadian integration from the ground up. In an era of global supply chain disruption andgeopolitical uncertainty, that matters. A domestic supply chain is not subject to export controls, foreign policy shifts, or global conflict disruption. Every component, every partner, and every line of IP on this platform remains accessible and entirely within Canadian control.

THE THIRTEEN

Convergence brought together twelve Canadian partner companies, each integrating their own sovereign technology directly onto the platform, with Convergence serving as the thirteenth as platform prime and systems integrator:

• Agile Electromagnetics: Counter Drone Systems

• Bubble Technology Industries: Advanced Radiation and Explosives Detection

Technologies

• Calian: Resilient and Anti-Jamming GNSS

• Canimex Group: Electric Powertrain System

• Guardian Mobility: Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications

• Kontron: Powering Autonomous Edge AI with Rugged Servers

• North Vector Dynamics: Counter-UAS Precision-Guided Missile System

• Ottawa Infotainment: Rugged Vehicle Domain Controller and Display Interface

• Pleora Technologies: Rugged Vision Switcher

• STL Engineering: AVRO Mission Critical Distributed Computing

• Tessellate Robotics: GNSS-Denied Autonomous Navigation with LiDAR

• Volthium: Canadian Lithium Battery Systems and Energy Storage

• Convergence Design Services: Sensor Fusion and Vehicle Platform

Each of these companies is Canadian. Each made a deliberate choice to invest their technology in a sovereign Canadian platform. Together they have built something Canada’s defence community has been calling for.

WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS

Canada is at an inflection point. The federal government has committed to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces through the Defence Investment Strategy, raising the share of defence acquisitions awarded to Canadian firms to 70%, prioritizing domestic supply chain resilience, and streamlining procurement. The MIL-V is purpose-built for this moment, and with a fully domestic supply chain, production can scale rapidly when Canada needs it most.From the Prime Minister’s office to the Department of National Defence to Invest Ottawa, the message has been clear: Canada needs to build and own its own advanced defence technology.

For the last six years, Convergence has been investing in developing the sovereign technology that directly aligns with this strategy. The MIL-V is not a reaction to the current moment. It is evidence that Canadian industry was already there.

“The MIL-V demonstrates the strength of Canadian collaboration in advancing sovereign defence capability. Bringing together Canadian organizations and technologies designed and developed here at home reflects the kind of innovation and partnership needed to strengthen Canada’s industrial capability. We are proud to support this effort with our precision and resilient GNSS technology alongside Convergence and other Canadian companies.”

— Darrell Wellington, VP and GNSS GM, Calian

“Being demoed inside an autonomous vehicle at CANSEC with Convergence is a real glimpse of how integrated, mission-ready autonomy is moving from concept to reality. Pleora plays a critical role in enabling this shift by delivering secure, high-performance video connectivity and sensor data transport that defence platforms depend on for real-time situational awareness, autonomy, and mission-critical decision-making.”

— Ed Goffin, Vice President, Product Marketing, Pleora Technologies

ALSO AT CANSEC 2026

Convergence will also showcase the Arctic OWL, a distributed edge-AI sensing network that delivers persistent spatial awareness in remote and austere environments without relying on existing infrastructure. Designed for Arctic conditions and proven in harsh environments, the Arctic OWL addresses Canada’s growing need for sovereign sensing capability across the north.

ABOUT CONVERGENCE DESIGN SERVICES

Ottawa-based Convergence Design Services has over 30 years of experience delivering critical engineering across defence, aerospace, space, and advanced mobility. Formerly known as Blue Systems, the company is 100% Canadian owned, CGP-certified, and has been recognized multiple times as one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing companies by the Ottawa Business Journal.

Backed by a 100% Canadian venture capital firm, Convergence is making a multimillion-dollar investment in defence product innovation and engineering growth.Convergence Design Services will be exhibiting at CANSEC 2026 at booth 4015, EY Centre, Ottawa, May 27-28.

Posted in CANSEC, Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Logistik Unicorp – Extreme Cold Weather Mittens

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

As an internal R&D project, Logistik Unicorp has developed an extreme cold weather mitten which combines traditional materials with new high tech features. Designed to protect the wearer to -50°C and beyond, they are worn as part of a handwear system.

I bought up with the design team at last week’s CANSEC in Ottawa. The team explained that after having evaluated numerous materials, they found that beaver pelts are the optimal material for this application. They looked at several animal hides, including seal, but nothing held up to the Arctic temperatures quite like beaver pelts. In fact, the skins add Canadian content to the system, the pelts harvested and prepared by First Nation craftsmen.

While First Nation tribes live in the far north, they concentrate on survival, avoiding raising a sweat as much as possible. A Soldier on the other hand, isn’t going to be able to avoid moving and other hard work that causes sweat. Beaver not only insulates, but it is inherently waterproof. What’s more, it is extremely comfortable meaning you can use it to warm your face and if you wipe a runny nose, the frozen mucus just slides away, with no build up.

Although the beaver is combined with a Cordura shell and synthetic insulation, the team continues to consider other sustainable materials such as salmon skin, although there are currently challenges to keeping the material supple in such extreme conditions.

According to Logitik Unicorp designers, you might yet see salmon skin integrated into future iterations if they can get the material processing down to meet the challenge.

Editors Note: First paragraph updated to remove reference to DND Operational Clothing contract and clarify that the mittens are being developed in-house.

Posted in CANSEC, Clothing, International, Mountaineering | 4 Comments »

Ghost Robotics’ Manipulator Arm Debuts at CANSEC

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

During last week’s CANSEC conference in Ottawa I had the opportunity to observe the new Manipulator Arm in action.

A payload accessory for the Vision 60 Quadraped Unmanned Ground Vehicle, it offers seamless integration with 6 Degrees of Freedom. The arm will extend up to 1 meter.

It is designed to be back-driveable, mirroring the robot’s leg robustness while enabling direct force-sensing through the motors. This allows precise manipulation and even door opening. Despite 25 lbs of gripping force, with cameras in the pincers and force feedback, it won’t crush what it’s holding unless you want it crushed.

The control system automatically coordinates the arm with the body and legs to increase the reach and force capabilities of the combined system. This integrated arm finds applications in EOD, manufacturing, disaster response, and hazardous environments, enhancing productivity and safety.

In Canada, Ghost Robotics systems are available through Millbrook Tactical.

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Canadian Army’s New Advanced Protective and Load Carriage Equipment from Logistik Unicorp

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

In March, the Canadian Army awarded a $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply its light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment under the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) initiative.

At last week’s CANSEC, Logistik Unicorp exhibited the equipment. Some of the gear is based upon Logistik Unicorp subsidiary Australian Defence Apparel while the packs are from US manufacturer Stone Glacier.

Armour Carrier with 360° Protection

Mounted together, these components form a single vest that delivers both ballistic protection and load carriage capability. The PALS attachment system secures the user’s pouches as needed.

Designed to reduce total system weight, the Armour Carrier offers optimal protection while maintaining soldier mobility in both operational and training contexts.

Armour Carrier

Available in straight and contoured cuts
Breathable interior for optimal thermoregulation
3-action quick-release system for swift removal
Front and back modular configuration: ballistic panels only, ballistic plates only, or both
Micro-adjustable Cummerbunds at front and back
Cummerbunds allow insertion of ballistic panels or stiffeners for a stable pouch platform

Modular Accessory Protector Panels

Deltoid Protector Panels adjustable to bicep circumference and height
Neck Protector Panel offers side and rear ballistic protection; shoulder bands ensure the proper positioning of the Deltoid Protector Panels
Throat Protector Panel offers front ballistic protection

3-IN-1 Combat Belt Modular System

Designed to provide the soldier with the benefits of a padded belt, as well as those of a traditional inner-outer tactical belt rig. It features independent PALS webbing for versatile configuration and accepts non-PALS attachment pouches when required.

The system distributes the weight of pouches at the waist rather than the shoulders. This configuration particularly benefits users carrying multiple pouches, reducing the load on the upper body and preserving mobility.

Light Belt Comforter

Reinforced pad to carry large pouches and heavy equipment
Channel system ensures a snug fit around the waist

Light Battle Belt

Two configurations: can be worn stand-alone or inserted into the Light Belt Comforter
Compatible with MOLLE system

Light Trouser Belt

Attaches to pants belt loops for added support of the Combat Belt

R3 Bag and Pack System

R3 3300 Bag

The R3 Frame System features a modular design with an integrated load shelf for carrying gear between the bag and frame, or directly on the frame. When paired with the R3 3300 Bag, it functions as a 72-hour assault pack with PALS webbing for customizable load configurations. The optional R3 Radio Harness secures the AN/ PRC-117G radio and allows quick battery access, ensuring both functionality and comfort in all operational conditions.

R3 Frame

Supports loads over 150 lb (68 kg)
Shoulder straps can be angled inward or outward to accommodate various shoulder widths, angles and additional environmental layers
Hip Belt attaches to the frame at five points for optimal load transfer to the hips
Two lumbar pad options for compatibility with the Armour Carrier

R3 3300 Bag

Capacity: 55 L
Top-load access and clamshell-style zippered opening
Communication port for antenna and cable routing

R3 Radio Harness

Two configurations: mounted on the R3 Frame and placed inside the R3 Bag

R3 7000 BAG

The R3 Frame System features an integrated load shelf, allowing gear to be carried between the frame and the bag, or directly on the frame. The R3 7000 Bag functions as a rucksack for missions up to 96 hours. R3 Side Bags can be mounted on either the R3 Bag or Frame, extending load capacity while preserving the mobility required for demanding operations.

R3 Frame

Supports loads over 150 lb (68 kg)
Adjustable shoulder straps and a 5-point hip belt attachment to the frame ensure optimal load transfer
Two lumbar pad options for compatibility with the Armour Carrier

R3 7000 Bag

Capacity: 90 L
Top-load access and clamshell-style zippered opening
Top hook-and-loop communication port for antenna and communication cable routing

R3 Side Bags

Capacity: 25 L (set of 2)
Expand the R3 3300 and R3 7000 Bags using non-PALS attachments

Modular Platform System

Chest Rig

The Chest Rig configuration allows access to munitions and mission-critical equipment over environmental dress. Designed to keep pouches low on the front of the torso, it preserves the soldier’s upper-body mobility. An optional Top Front Platform can be added to expand the PALS attachment surface.

Chest Rig

Front PALS webbing
Internal pocket for cable management, storage of 5.56 x 30 Rd magazines or miscellaneous equipment

Chest Rig Harness and Backstrap

Cable routing via webbing or hook-and-loop fasteners; excess cables may be stowed in the front pocket
Back rescue handle supports the soldier and equipment up to 227 kg

Combat Belt and Light Harness Modular System

When combined with the Light Harness, the Combat Belt System supports the carriage of heavy equipment or loads over environmental dress. The slim and discreet design of the Light Harness does not impede mobility or performance, while enabling 360-degree pouch attachment. Its adjustable webbing straps allow the user to position the Combat Belt at the desired height, ensuring proper integration with the R3 Frame System.

Light Harness

Slim webbing design prevents bulk and excess layering
Adjustable front and back webbing straps

Light Belt Comforter

Reinforced pad to carry large pouches and heavy equipment
Channel system ensures a snug fit around the waist

Posted in Armor, CANSEC, Load Carrying, Packs | 21 Comments »