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Xenith Solutions Secures Position on Missile Defense Agency SHIELD Contract, Advancing Role in National Missile Defense Modernization

Friday, December 26th, 2025

LEESBURG, Va., Dec. 22, 2025 — Xenith Solutions, a mission-driven government contractor supporting national defense and homeland security priorities, today announced it has been selected as an awardee under the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) multiple-award contract vehicle.

The SHIELD contract establishes a long-term acquisition framework to accelerate the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced layered homeland missile defense capabilities. Through this vehicle, Xenith Solutions will compete for task orders supporting research and development, systems engineering, prototyping, experimentation, modernization, and sustainment efforts, including the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled technologies where appropriate.

SHIELD supports the administration’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative and is structured to enable rapid innovation and scalable execution across geographically distributed mission environments. Work performed under the contract may occur nationwide, with an ordering period that could extend through December 2035 if all options are exercised.

“Being selected for the SHIELD contract vehicle meaningfully expands Xenith’s role in the missile defense ecosystem and accelerates our progression into larger, more complex mission environments,” said Lee Shabe, Chief Executive Officer of Xenith Solutions. “This award positions Xenith to compete, scale, and deliver across high-impact defense programs where speed, integration, and mission outcomes matter most. We see SHIELD as a platform for sustained growth and long-term partnership with the Missile Defense Agency.”

“SHIELD represents the type of opportunity which supports Xenith’s evolution into a recognized mid-tier defense partner where deep mission understanding, technical rigor, and speed of execution matter,” stated Mark Coleman, Chief Growth Officer at Xenith Solutions. “Our growth strategy is focused on delivering differentiated, cutting-edge solutions that solve our customers’ most complex challenges, not just responding to requirements. This contract vehicle positions Xenith to scale thoughtfully while continuing to lead with innovation and mission outcomes.”

Participation in SHIELD aligns with Xenith’s broader growth strategy to deepen its presence across the defense market while scaling delivery capabilities in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, data engineering, and systems integration. The award further reinforces the company’s ability to support mission owners with agile, resilient solutions designed to meet evolving threat landscapes and operational demands.

www.xenithsolutions.com

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, Space | No Comments »

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.

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

Cutting-edge Drone Defence Technology: Italy Receives Its First Skynex Air Defence System from Rheinmetall

Friday, December 26th, 2025

Handover to the Italian Army at the Sabaudia base has been completed

The Italian Army has received its first Skynex air defence system from Rheinmetall. On 18 December 2025, the first Skynex battery was handed over to the Italian Army at the Comando Artiglieria Controaeri (Air Defence Artillery Command) in Sabaudia. This gives the Italian Army the capability to defend against air attacks at close and very close range. In particular, it will enable effective countermeasures against drones, which – as seen in the war in Ukraine – are playing an increasingly important role in current and future conflicts and are bringing warfare into cities.

It was only in January 2025 that Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A., Rome, received the order to deliver the first system with a total value of €73 million. The contract also includes an option for three additional systems.

Italy is the first NATO member state to introduce Rheinmetall’s Skynex technology Skynex technology including the Revolver Gun Mk3 35mm. The order is thus an important corner stone in Rheinmetall’s strategy of establishing a new standard in the field of cannon-based air defence for international armed forces. NATO member Romania also recently opted for Skynex in combination with another type of gun already in service there (GDF-009 twin guns). Skynex air defence systems are already proving their quality to the Ukrainian armed forces in the harsh conditions of war, protecting people and property from airborne threats.

The Skynex Air Defence System

Skynex is a cannon-based air defence system and is therefore especially suitable for close-range protection where guided weapons cannot operate effectively. The 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3 cannons have a cadence of 1,000 rounds per minute and a range of up to 4 kilometres. The system uses programmable Ahead ammunition that is resistant to electronic countermeasures and ensures precise target engagement. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the ammunition is significantly more efficient than comparable missile-based systems.

Operational successes in the Ukraine underline the efficiency with which the cannon-based air defence system can defend against air targets – especially cruise missiles and drones.

Skynex is based on the concept of separating the airspace surveillance from the effectors. Italy has opted for the configuration with the XTAR 3D radar from Rheinmetall, which can monitor the airspace in a radius of up to 50 km.

Thanks to its existing modularity, the required resources can be connected to the command-and-control network depending on the mission. Skynex offers great autonomy in terms of sensors and effectors, as to integrating a wide range of modern air defence systems into the system. The only requirement is the presence of a dedicated tracking unit.

In addition to individual sensors and effectors, existing air defence systems such as Rheinmetall’s Skyshield and Skyguard families can also be integrated into the new architecture as firing units. The detected air situation is displayed in a remote command-and-control centre on a map with the sensors and effectors positioned in the field, thus easing a target assignment to the air defence assets connected to the system.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

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

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

Reinforcement of the Bundeswehr’s Puma Fleet: Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland to Supply 200 Infantry Fighting Vehicles to the German Army – Contract Value Around €4.2 Billion

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

It has commissioned Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM), a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland (KNDS), to supply 200 Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). The corresponding amendment to the existing framework contract has now been signed at the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) in Koblenz. The contract will take legal effect in January 2026. The total gross volume of the procurement is €4,2 billion gross of which KNDS will receive €2.1 billion and €2.1 billion will go to the Rheinmetall subsidiary Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. Both companies are implementing the project as subcontractors. The first vehicles are scheduled for delivery in mid-2028.

In May 2023, the BAAINBw awarded PSM GmbH a framework contract for the delivery of the Puma IFVs, with an initial order for the first 50 vehicles upon signing the contract. This contract has now been enlarged. In addition to the 200 combat vehicles ordered to date, the contract also includes the procurement of corresponding protection modules and storage containers. Furthermore, a contract amendment for the S2 construction status is planned for mid-2026. The aim is to eliminate obsolescence and implement additional capabilities such as drone defence, based on the turret of the Jackal armoured vehicle.

The Puma IFV is the primary weapon system of the German armoured infantry and is one of the world’s most powerful and modern systems of its kind. It can accommodate a crew of nine, including the commander, the gunner and the driver, as well as a unit of six soldiers. In addition to its highly effective modular protection, the Puma has a unique level of assertiveness and the capability to be deployed in networked operations.

Between 2023 and 2024, the BAAINBw commissioned the comprehensive modernisation of 297 Puma IFVs from the Bundeswehr’s stocks that do not yet comply with the S1 series standard. The retrofit, which will be completed in 2029, includes the integration of high-resolution day and night vision camera systems, the multi-role light guided missile system (MELLS in German) and the integration of digital radio equipment.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Largest Order for Laser-Light-Modules: Rheinmetall to Supply LLM-VarioRay Units for the Bundeswehr’s New Assault Rifle – Order Value Several Hundred Million Euros

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply Laser-Light-Modules for the German Armed Forces. Following the budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee on 3 December 2025, the first definitive call-off has now been made under the framework agreement concluded in June 2021. This agreement entails the delivery of ‘LLM-VarioRay’ Laser-Light-Modules, scheduled for delivery over the next seven years. In addition, there is the option to procure further LLM-VR modules. These can be delivered additionally within the agreed time frame. This fixed call-off has a net order intake of several hundred million Euro for Rheinmetall. The devices are manufactured by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach at Lake Constance. This is the largest order intake in the history of the Rheinmetall subsidiary.

“We are grateful for the trust that the Bundeswehr has placed in our battle-proven tactical combat enhancers”, said Erkan Yildirim, CEO of Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics. “The LLM-VarioRay is one of our most versatile devices. The largest order in our company’s history is an incentive for us to continue delivering cutting-edge technology. Provided that the customer places a corresponding call-off, we could also deliver the additional optional quantity within the agreed period of seven years. This would provide both the Bundeswehr and us at Rheinmetall with planning security”.
The Rheinmetall LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Module is part of the latest generation of devices of this type. The Laser-Light-Modules are primarily used on the handguns of the infantry and dismounted forces, and serve to detect, identify and mark targets.

Weighing approximately 250 grams, including its mount, the LLM-VarioRay can be attached to any assault rifle via a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and can be operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. The light source can be selected and adjusted stepless using a rotary switch. The device is equipped with a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block. This laser block allows for easy adjustment and alignment of the visor and the weapon.

Equipped with night vision and thermal imaging devices, the German Armed Forces can thus accomplish their missions throughout the entire spectrum of operations, regardless of day- or night-time and in all weather conditions.

The LLM-VarioRay product family is also part of the German soldier system ‘Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES)’ and is likewise used in the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and in the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.

Rheinmetall’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of infantry equipment, including various targeting and illumination modules. These were developed in order to increase the tactical value of modern handguns. The LM-VTAL (Laser Module – Variable Tactical Aiming Laser) has been in operation at the Bundeswehr’s special operation forces for several years.

Posted in Contracts, International, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Textron Systems’ Tsunami Autonomous Maritime Surface Vessel Sold To NIWC PAC

Sunday, December 21st, 2025

TSUNAMI™ Vessel Provides Capability for Scale, Maturity and Capacity

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Dec. 17, 2025 – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today that it has sold a 21-ft. TSUNAMI™ USV to the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific (PAC) to support the testing of the Maritime Digital Experimentation Federation (MDEF) – an Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) testing initiative to distribute testing of interoperability standards with uncrewed vehicles. The order includes the state-of-the-art TSUNAMI craft and engineering and training support.

The TSUNAMI family of autonomous maritime surface vessels are designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy and its allies for a readily available, versatile portfolio of multi-mission uncrewed assets to team effectively across the fleet. Utilizing Brunswick Corporation’s reliable, high-performance vessels, Textron Systems developed the TSUNAMI family of products with its trusted CUSV® vessel-based autonomy control system. The TSUNAMI family of vessels offer several variants to meet diverse mission requirements, including size, speed and range. Our solution leverages mature commercial technologies to deliver increased capacity and immediate scale.

“The TSUNAMI craft provide the Navy with a rapidly deployable, fully autonomous solution to support their missions,” said Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems David Phillips. “Our expertise in designing and fielding trusted autonomous solutions results in a family of small, uncrewed surface vehicles (sUSVs) that are scalable, modular in design and globally sustainable, allowing for maximum mission flexibility in an attritable system.”

The order follows the recent sale of a 24-ft. vessel to the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Division. The TSUNAMI family is a low-cost, rapidly deployable solution that pairs Textron Systems’ 40+ years of multi-domain autonomous vehicle experience with the capacity and maturity of the U.S. commercial shipbuilding industry’s manufacturing and design capabilities.

Posted in Contracts, Maritime, Press Release, UxS | No Comments »

CZ to Supply Pistols to the German Army

Friday, December 19th, 2025

Uhersky Brod, Czech Republic (December 19, 2025)

Ceska zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) has achieved one of the most significant milestones in its history. The German Army (Bundeswehr) has selected a CZ pistol as its new standard sidearm.

“We are honored that the German Bundeswehr has chosen CZ as itspartner. Our success in this rearmament tender is one of the most significant achievements in CZ’s modern history. It clearly confirmsthe outstanding reputation our firearms have earned through active deployment in real combat conditions. We look forward to a long-term cooperation with the Bundeswehr and to fulfilling all its requirements in line with the contract,” said Jan Zajic, CEO and Chairman of the Board of CZ.

CZ was awarded this contract following an open international tender, prevailing over several global competitors. The pistols designated as P13 for the Bundeswehr are based on the CZ P-10 C OR (Optics-Ready) model, featuring a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish. It is a modern striker-fired service pistol designed for professional use, renowned for its reliability, durability, and intuitive handling. It features excellent ergonomics, high magazine capacity, and precise construction, making it a preferred choice among military and law enforcement customers in many countries.

CZ will work closely with its authorized partner in Germany, POL-TEC GmbH & Co., to fulfil the contract and provide comprehensive support to the Bundeswehr.

A Tradition of Quality and Innovation

CZ is a leading European manufacturer of firearms for military, law enforcement, and commercial customers, with a tradition dating back to 1936. CZ products are exported to nearly 100 countries worldwide. Through close cooperation with experts and elitemilitary and police units, CZ develops its firearms to meet the evolving needs of modern military and law enforcement forces. CZis a proud member of Colt CZ Group SE.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | 5 Comments »