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Contract Awarded for Modernized Equipment for the Canadian Army’s Light Forces

Friday, May 23rd, 2025


Dismounted infantry soldiers test Logistik Unicorp’s protective and load carriage equipment during trials for the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement trials. (Cpl Peter Grieves)

On March 18, 2025, Canada awarded a contract with an initial value of $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply the Canadian Army’s (CA) light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment. This contract includes the provision of ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, pack systems and associated pouches, as well as options for additional systems and services.

The current equipment used by CA soldiers offers excellent ballistic and blunt impact protection but requires modular capabilities for modern dismounted infantry operations. The Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE)initiative aims to improve the form, fit and function of this equipment, to enable a full range of motion for soldiers performing demanding tasks.

User trials were conducted from October to November 2024 with active dismounted infantry soldiers that provided detailed data and individual feedback, that were in turn analyzed carefully against the contract requirements. The result is that soldiers will be equipped with the modern and effective equipment needed to do their jobs, at the best value to Canadians. To address past concerns about fit, especially for women, the trials included soldiers of different sizes and body types, with female participation at 13.3 percent,higher than the 0.3 percentrepresentation in dismounted infantry units.

The new equipment was exhaustively tested to ensure that it fits various bodies and forms, with soft armour available in two distinct cuts. Ballistic plates will be offered in a greater range of sizes to maximize comfort and protection. While protection remains the priority, the new equipment significantly improves overall fit and coverage.

The new equipment is expected to be delivered starting in fall 2025 and will be used in conjunction with the contract awarded to Galvion in March 2023 for new helmets (known as the “Helmet High Cut Ground Troop”). While that initial contract was for 2,100 helmets and spare parts for the light forces, the Department of National Defence (DND) has since exercised its options to obtain more, bringing the total number of helmets to 10,500, for a total contract value of $14.9 million.

The DICE is working in parallel with the Soldier Operational Clothing Enhancement Modernization (SOCEM)initiative, which provides all CA units with a full range of modernized equipment and clothing. The DICE initiative allows DND to purchase smaller quantities of equipment for specific groups, and to trial procurement methods that can be applied to the larger SOCEM initiative. This approach helps to deliver new equipment quickly and effectively by applying best practices from smaller procurements.

By Nancy Cook

The Maple Leaf

Photo and article via CANADA DND

Rely on Noble to Provide the Latest Gear Through DLA’s SOE TLS Program

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

About 30 years ago, the military diving community realized that commercial diving technology was moving at a much faster rate than the equipment in the standard stock system. As a result, the Navy Experimental Diving Unit began evaluating and approving commercial equipment as well as items developed or adapted for military use. In order to avoid stockpiling outdated gear, they turned to the Defense Logistics Agency which used their “preferred vendor” program as a procurement vehicle to quickly purchase commercial items directly from the vendor. As many of the diving units within the Department of Defense have special operations missions, they realized that they could use this program to buy other specialized equipment.

Over time, DLA adapted the program and renamed it the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistic Support Program and awarded contracts to several companies to provide a wide breadth of emerging specialized individual and unit equipment.

Many don’t understand that this program is a standing contract from DLA and that unit purchases are actually through DLA and can be accomplished using multiple payment means including Government Purchase Cards, Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP), and Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR). Even through the contract is fulfilled by a commercial contract holder, the transaction remains within DoD.

The Special Operational Equipment tailored logistics support program enables customers to order commercial, off-the-shelf part numbered items within the scope of the contract. Since multiple vendors are solicited for prices, customers benefit from a competitive business model that will ensure best value for the customer.

DLA

The advantages to using TLS are many. For example, the unit can acquire commercially available items not offered through the stock system. Additionally, a unit can submit a laundry list of multiple items and have everything fulfilled by a single supplier who will work with vendors to assemble the items required and even kit them, if required.

As an example, let’s take a look at the needs of a unit requiring various equipment for an upcoming training event. These are just some of the types of equipment Noble can provide.

Dynamic Lethality Training: TOAST

Noble offers the Tactically Offensive Automated Systems Target or TOAST, a lightweight and portable system built to boost warfighter lethality. At under 30 pounds, TOAST mimics human motion with variable speeds and 20 preprogrammed patterns to replicate real combat scenarios like ambushes and close quarters battle. Battery powered for 3 to 4 hours, remote controlled via tablet, and weather resistant, it includes hit detection for over 1000 high caliber rounds and thermal integration for realistic optic training. Developed with combat veterans, TOAST drives rapid skill progression for special operations and conventional forces.

Arctic Edge: OSM-COMBAT-ASSAULT Skis for Tactical Mobility

For Arctic operations, Noble provides the OSM-COMBAT-ASSAULT skis, made in the USA by DPS for fast and efficient dismounted mobility over flat to rolling terrain. Designed for special operations, conventional forces, and recon units, these short and maneuverable skis excel in tight quarters, brush, and forests. With a fishscale base and permanent PHANTOM Glide, they outperform snowshoes and require minimal ski experience. Available in 153 and 163 centimeter sizes, they pair with standard cold weather or Vapor Barrier boots and for mission ready performance.

Signature Management: Precision Stealth for Any Battlefield

Signature management is vital to evade detection across thermal, visual, and digital spectra in modern combat zones. Noble’s team, with decades of operational experience, thoroughly validates cutting edge solutions for environments from urban to arctic. They focus on multispectral camouflage and counter surveillance gear, ensuring Berry and TAA compliance while tailoring solutions to specific mission profiles, whether special operations insertions or conventional patrols. From low observable fabrics to advanced thermal suppression, Noble delivers gear that keeps operators concealed and mission ready. Contact Noble for customized recommendations.

Seamless Procurement for Any Mission

As a prime vendor on TLS for special operations and FED SLED, with over 150 BPA, IDIQ, and other contract vehicles, Noble simplifies acquisition. No mission is too small and no project is too complex. They make it Mission Possible.

Noble’s Tactical Team offers over 60 years of combined experience in global tactical operations. They stay sharp through constant collaboration with end users and program officials, focusing on mission ready solutions for lethality, Arctic and Jungle operations, SIGnature MANagement, SuBT/ HTD , Human Performance, Remote Controlled and Autonomous Vehicles, and Training and Simulation.

Contact:

Roger Knight, VP, Rknight@noble.com

Orin Brown – Army, Air Force, Obrown@noble.com

Tom Kerr – SOCOM, Marine Corps, tkerr@noble.com

Drew Turner – Strategic Partners & Vendor Management, Dturner@Noble.com

Milrem Robotics to Provide Six THeMIS UGVs to CNIM Systèmes Industriels Intended for Ukraine

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, will supply the French company CNIM Systèmes Industriels with six THeMIS UGVs, which will be integrated with route clearance systems and delivered to Ukraine.

CNIM Systèmes Industriels will provide Ukraine with six ROCUS (Route Clearance Unmanned Systems). Financed by the French government, ROCUS UGVs will be delivered to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) for rapid ground clearance.

The ROCUS was developed based on the THeMIS platform and includes a route clearance payload developed and adapted by CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

ROCUS UGVs extend the stand-off distance from threats and improve operational effectiveness in high-risk environments. They enable units to remotely inspect, confirm, and neutralise a broad spectrum of explosive threats, thereby ensuring the safety of deminers.

ROCUS’ will help SESU secure civilians’ movement, protect the environment, revive agriculture in the country, and rebuild residential areas.

“We are proud to continue to support Ukraine through the contract with CNIM Systèmes Industriels. THeMIS UGVs have already proven their versatility and reliability in various operational scenarios in Ukraine and elsewhere,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Our continuous partnership with CNIM Systèmes Industriels to provide the ROCUS system demonstrates the strength of European defence cooperation and the commitment to supplying meaningful capabilities to Ukraine.”

The six UGVs will join the first seven ROCUS systems deployed in Ukraine in 2022. In total, 15 unmanned systems from Milrem Robotics have been deployed to Ukraine.

Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV is part of robotics programmes or is in service in 19 countries, making it the most widely used UGV in its size class.

Cubic Awarded U.S. Air Force Production Order for Encrypted Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI)

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Delivering proven solutions for real-world operations, training and test

SAN DIEGO September 9, 2024 – Cubic Defense, the world’s leading provider of advanced air combat training, announced the first production order for its encrypted Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) upgrade from the U.S. Air Force. The modernization allows 4th Gen aircraft to train seamlessly with 5th Gen aircraft, enhancing the overall operational readiness for the Combat Air Force.

“ACMI delivers “Truth in Training,” allowing aircrew to perform mission exercises from anywhere while generating ultra-precise information on their performance.,” said Paul K. Averna, VP and GM, Advanced Training Solutions for Cubic Defense. “The successful completion of the System Security Upgrade (SSU) contract and the subsequent production order for encrypted ACMI is a testament to the expertise of our team and dedication to the warfighter.”

The first-ever production order for SSU kits marks a significant achievement for Cubic Defense. These kits represent a significant leap providing a vital capability to encrypt sensitive maneuvering data for a substantial percentage of the U.S. Air Force P5 pod fleet assets, ensuring that country-specific proprietary material can now be protected.


U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. (Air Force photo by Daniel Asselta, www.dvidshub.net). Cubic’s P5 pod tucked under the F-15E’s wing.

Cubic was awarded the firm-fixed-price contract for the P5 Combat Training System (P5CTS) SSU program in 2022 and executed on ‘First Time Right’ engineering process. The team was able to complete software and firmware integration within two months. This was achieved through Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) testing without white wires or redesign. The team completed Factory System Integration Test (FSIT) and Physical Configuration Audit (PCA) in month nineteen of the program. The customer’s comment: “it was the smoothest FSIT I’ve ever witnessed.”

For more information, visit: www.cubic.com/industries/training/air-combat.

Mack Defense Wins Prototype Phase of Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) Development for U.S. Marine Corps

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (May 19, 2025) – Following the initial development contract awarded last year, Mack Defense today announced they won the contract to produce two prototype vehicles for the next phase in the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program with the U.S. Marine Corps. The new family of vehicles will replace the Marine Corps’ Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement fleet (MTVR), which includes cargo, dump, wrecker, tractor and re-supply trucks supporting air-ground task force combat support missions.

The Marine Corps’ initial development requirements for the MTT fleet focused on cargo variants consisting of 10-, 15- and 20-foot cargo bed configurations with hybrid-electric technology for reduced fuel consumption, extended range and reduced noise for silent watch capabilities. A 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile will be supported by a 60-inch fording capability to traverse through deep water typically encountered during Marine Corps missions.

The prototype phase includes the development of two variants: a 4×4 configuration featuring a 10-foot cargo bed and a 6×6 configuration with a 20-foot cargo bed. The trucks share DNA with the Mack® Granite® but are specially designed to meet the specific requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps. The MTT prototypes incorporate significant technological advancements in driver safety and operational capability. These include advanced driver assistance features such as collision avoidance, blind-spot detection and vehicle dynamic control systems incorporating enhanced traction control and anti-lock brakes. The vehicles also feature hybrid-electric technology delivering improved fuel efficiency while enabling critical tactical advantages such as silent watch capabilities using extensive onboard power storage and generation and exportable power for other military systems.

“These prototypes represent the next generation of purpose-built, specialty vehicles for the Marine Corps,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “By leveraging our commercial vehicle technology expertise and adapting it for military applications, we’re delivering a highly capable platform that can perform in the most challenging terrains, while incorporating advanced safety features and hybrid propulsion systems that meet the Marine Corps’ rigorous mission requirements.”

The MTT program emphasizes enhanced off-road mobility with vehicles designed for cross-country operation while maintaining optimal weight for improved fuel efficiency and payload capacity. The purpose-built design incorporates an open systems architecture that enables future autonomous capabilities and technology integration.

Construction of the prototypes will begin in the second half of 2025, with completion targeted for early fall. Following assembly, the vehicles will undergo comprehensive contractor performance testing at the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) in the first half of 2026 before delivery to the Marine Corps.

Following the initial development contract awarded last year, Mack Defense today announced the production of two prototype vehicles for the next phase in the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.

NAVAIR IZLID Ultra Airborne Kit Initial Fielding Deliverables Complete

Monday, May 5th, 2025

MAY 1, 2025 (Redmond, WA)B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions and Laser Aiming Devices for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications worldwide,has completed their contract with Naval Air Systems Command (PMA-242, NAVAIR). Under this contract, the company deliveredtheir IZLID® Ultra Airborne Kits (NSN: 5860-01-697-2989) as the new standard infrared laser aiming and illumination system for USN and USMC aviation fleet weapons platforms in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The congressionally funded $7 million contract for new aviation infrared laser aiming devices (AILAD) supports the GAU-17 (M134), GAU-21 (M3M), M240D, and other weapons across equipped rotary wing, tilt rotor,and other aircraft platforms. B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. supported NAVAIR in partnership with ADS, Inc., a Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) provider in the fall of 2024.

NAVAIR, the managing logistics and support entity for the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy aviation fleet, has determined that its currently fielded Infrared Laser Aiming Devices have exceeded their service life. These Infrared Laser Aiming Devices are critical tools that support Aerial Gunnery, Targeting, Obstacle/Hazard Identification, and help facilitate Air-to-Ground Integration missions.

The IZLID Ultra, Airborne Kit, (NSN: 5860-01-697-2989) is suited for greater visibility by ground elements as well as providing greater target identification at increased ranges. This allows USN and USMC aviation assets to identify and target battlefield threats across the full spectrum of operations and a range of environmental conditions. Additionally, the increased power allowed for improvements in laser aiming capability when paired with crew-served weapons that emit a high photonic barrier, allowing the operator to maintain visibility of their reference laser on target.

This agreement generated a significant impact to production and manufacturing capabilities of B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. and 41 other suppliers across the nation. Providing hundreds of US job opportunities and technological advancements that support national security.

Features and Specifications
The IZLID® Ultra Airborne Kit is based on a the IZLID® Ultra high-power infrared laser device most notably used in air-to-ground integration roles, with up to 1-Watt of near infrared power for on target marking and for long-range communication while using night vision devices. Powered by (2) CR123 batteries, the IZLID Ultra Airborne Kit has low-power, high-power, and pulse settings and can be configured as either a pointer or narrow divergence illuminator dependent on end-user requirements. This system can be mounted to any MILSTD-1913 rail and comes with two remote activation options.

The IZLID® Ultra series of laser systems, like all B.E. Meyers & Co. products, are proudly Made in the USA.  This system is currently in production available for sale to MIL/GOV entities in the US and internationally and is ITAR-controlled.

For more information on the IZLID® Ultra Airborne Kit (NSN: 5860-01-697-2989) and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or email sales@bemeyers.com.

KOPIN Awarded Soldier Color MicroLED Contract by US Army Aimed at Extended Reality Applications

Monday, April 28th, 2025

Initiative aims to define ideal ultra-bright, full-color MicroLED display performance and requirements for Extended Reality

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays for defense, training, enterprise, industrial, consumer and medical products, proudly announces a significant U.S. Army contract that underscores its pivotal role in advancing warfighter vision.

The contract involves a Soldier Display Trade Study to define the optimal MicroLED characteristics for Extended Reality (XR) heads-up displays (HUDs) for warfighter XR solutions. The initiative reaffirms Kopin’s commitment to revolutionizing military operations through cutting-edge display technology.

The Soldier Display Trade Study focuses on identifying ultrabright MicroLED tradeoffs to optimize see-through XR applications, prioritizing daytime-readable displays that are brighter, more energy-efficient, and capable of delivering clear visibility across diverse lighting conditions-from intense daylight to overcast starlight. The trade study will culminate in a comprehensive “Microdisplay Requirements and Performance Matrix,” setting the standard for next-generation soldier vision systems.

MicroLED technology offers distinct advantages over traditional solutions including superior brightness, enhanced power efficiency, and long operating lifetimes and eliminates the temporal artifacts associated with Laser Based Scanning (LBS). These attributes ensure daytime readability and reliable operation while minimizing nausea and discomfort often associated with earlier XR systems-a critical advancement for soldiers relying on extended use of HUDs in high-stakes missions.

This new contract will illustrate what microdisplay will be needed for next-generation soldier vision systems, including head-mounted see-through displays, handheld devices, platform-mounted systems, and advanced weapon sights like the Next Gen Squad Weapon Fire Control (NGSW-FC).

“With over 40 years of expertise and more than 400,000 defense vision products delivered, Kopin is a trusted partner in advancing microdisplay technology for the warfighter,” said Michael Murray, CEO, President, Chairman of Kopin. “This contract marks a transformative moment in defining the potential of MicroLED technology and establishing a clear blueprint for production that meets rigorous standards for performance, reliability, and cost in high-volume applications.”

By defining benchmarks and delivering cutting-edge hardware, Kopin is paving the way for MicroLED-based augmented reality (AR) systems, equipping soldiers with unparalleled visual capabilities for a wide range of critical applications.

For more information, please visit Kopin’s website at www.kopin.com.

MATBOCK, LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, Is Awarded $17.3m Phase 4 Contract Modification to Further the Advances from the Previous Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle pOTA Contract

Monday, April 28th, 2025

Virginia Beach, VA: MATBOCK, an industry leader in bringing paradigm shifting technologies to the market, is excited to announce the 4th phase and partnership with the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) to develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV) prototype that will utilize a Heavy Gun Carrier JLTV as the base platform.

On 16 September 2024, MATBOCK started the 4th phase in developing and building the battlefield changing JLTV HEV. MATBOCK was awarded a modification to a previously awarded contract to develop and deliver a JLTV HEV.  The primary purpose of the 3rd phase of this project was to validate or negate the feasibility of prototyping a tactical HEV. The goals of the project were to increase the overall automotive performance and operational range, increase the availability of on-board and off platform power, and increase the vehicle’s overall operational effectiveness by adding additional capabilities.

During the 4TH phase of this contract, MATBOCK will refine and deliver two (2) additional JLTV HEVs to the Army for extensive testing. The design and build phases will require the MATBOCK team to design and deliver technology and parts that have not yet been developed for today’s use in this application.

MATBOCK has used the time between phases to redesign its facility to accommodate the additional personnel and equipment required to deliver battle ready JLTV HEVs.  The MATBOCK Team of professionals dedicated to this project have been brought together from a diverse range of backgrounds to deliver the most innovative technology yet. Leading the charge is an experienced program manager who has delivered complex projects under tight timelines to the DoD.  The team is comprised of former military personnel and EV / automotive professionals bringing a unique blend of overseas experience and industry thought leaders.

MATBOCK President Zach Steinbock said, “We are all extremely excited and proud to continue the development of the JLTV HEV.  Overcoming the challenges of the last phase showed true resilience from our engineers and mechanics, and the lessons learned will be critical in the future successes of making this technology truly operational in combat scenarios.  The capabilities of a hybrid electric allow for a redefinition of what combat vehicles can achieve in the battlespace.”

www.matbock.com