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Army Awards the First Two Production Contracts Using the Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare & Signals Intelligence (REWSI) Call for Solutions

Monday, September 14th, 2026

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The U.S. Army awarded nearly $196 million in production contracts to two defense technology companies to deliver advanced electromagnetic spectrum situational awareness, direction finding, geolocation, signal identification, and other advanced capabilities directly to Soldiers.

The awards mark the Army’s first production contracts executed under the Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare and Signals Intelligence (REWSI) Call for Solutions, an initiative under the Army Open Solicitation (AOS) and Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) framework. Both contracts include a five-year ordering period and were awarded by Army Contracting Command–Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG).

The contracts include:

Heaviside Industries Inc.: A $99 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded Aug. 27, 2026, for the procurement, fielding, upgrades, and sustainment of the Heaviside MOTH spectrum analyzer. The device provides a small form factor distributed electromagnetic sensor that detects and reports sources within the electromagnetic spectrum at the tactical edge.

Research Innovations Inc. (RII): A $96.9 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded Sept. 3, 2026, to procure capabilities supporting the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) Characteristics of Need (CoN) to the AI-driven RII Dragonfly sensors integrated aboard the Menet Aero Intrepid 1200 unmanned aircraft system.

“The first two awards represent an innovation in defense acquisition – transitioning the enterprise from a reactive posture of developing proprietary systems to match emerging threats, to a proactive strategy of leveraging market velocity to consistently outpace them,” said Col. Scott Shaffer, Project Manager for Electromagnetic Warfare and Collection (PM EW&C).

Led by PM EW&C, this rapid acquisition effort supports the Army’s EMSO CoN. The initiative streamlines the acquisition process, delivering capability faster across a diverse range of technologies to meet formation and echelon needs.

The Call for Solutions (Army Open Solicitation – W9128Z-26-S-A002), released on the VULCAN portal, supports a broader effort to establish a collection of commercial capabilities. Evaluations are currently being conducted on a rolling basis throughout the open period of the CSO.

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Army Awards Production Contract for Enduring-High Energy Laser System

Saturday, September 12th, 2026

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army announced today the award to AeroVironment, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico, of an other-transaction-agreement for production under the Enduring-High Energy Laser program. This is the Army’s first production contract for a high energy laser weapon system.

“This first of its kind directed energy program will enable our formations to defeat unmanned systems and dominate from the outset. Pairing human ingenuity with advanced technology is what ensures our Army will continue to outpace America’s adversaries,” stated General Christopher LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.

Directed-energy weapons, such as E-HEL, can be used to take out drones at a much lower cost than using more expensive kinetic weapons like missiles. Powered by electric energy, E-HEL generates a lethal high-energy laser beam, offering a low cost-per-shot against critical unmanned aircraft system threats, and a magazine that regenerates with the system’s power supply.

“The key to successfully countering all levels of drones is a layered defense of sensors and effectors. AV and the Army have worked for years to develop directed energy solutions, and we are proud to give our soldiers a decisive edge against drone threats,” said the Honorable Mike Obadal, Under Secretary of the Army.

Developed using a modular open systems approach design consisting of 11 major interfaces, E-HEL is not locked into a single platform or vehicle. The system is designed for operational flexibility, capable of deployment from fixed bases, semi-fixed tactical sites, and mobile combat vehicles, ensuring broad applicability across the operational spectrum. This approach will enable onboarding of cutting-edge capabilities and continuous technology upgrades as they mature to address emerging Army requirements.

“The E-HEL program is an example of how the Army has successfully utilized MOSA, a key element of acquisition reform, as part of our efforts to field technology quickly with an interface to upgrade in the future,” said the Honorable Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology and Army Acquisition Executive. “Directed energy weapons have been considered S&T projects, and I’m proud that the Army is moving at speed and scale to deliver this first time capability,” he concluded.

The E-HEL program represents a significant step forward in the Army’s effort to deliver scalable, affordable, and adaptable directed energy capabilities to Soldiers. By transitioning from prototype development to production, the Army is establishing a foundation for continued capability growth and integration across the force. As E-HEL moves toward operational fielding, the program will continue to mature the technology and expand its ability to defeat evolving aerial threats while providing commanders with an additional layer of protection for critical assets and maneuver forces.

By US Army Public Affairs

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Italy Orders Two More MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Additional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Grows Italian Air Force Fleet of MQ-9A

SAN DIEGO – 08 September 2026 – The Italian Air Force (ItAF) has ordered two new MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). When the new aircraft are delivered at the end of 2027, they will increase the size of the ItAF fleet. The purchase is part of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the U.S. Air Force that also includes Ground Control Stations.

“Italy has been a very important partner for GA-ASI for more than 20 years,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The Italian Air Force has continued to be a leader in the utilization of MQ-9A to support a wide range of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in support of NATO operations.”

MQ-9A Block 5 has endurance of up to 26 hours and can operate up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters). It has a 4,600 pounds (2,087 kilogram) of payload capacity that includes 3,750 pounds (1,701 kilograms) of external stores. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capability with Full-Motion Video, Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Radar, and auto takeoff and landing. An extremely reliable RPA, MQ-9A Block 5 is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

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Elbit Systems UK Plays Key Role in Landmark Live Virtual Constructive Training Exercise

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026

Colchester, UK 08 September 2026 – Elbit Systems UK (ESUK) has partnered with the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team to use its in-service training systems to undertake one of the largest live virtual constructive training exercises in the UK. The exercise, which included over 300 soldiers ranging from dismounted close combat to logistics, used the full suite of ESUK’s integrated Recce Strike Training System (RSTS). This includes the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer (JFST), Deployable Virtual Constructive Simulator (DVCS), and Interim Indirect Fires Simulation (IIDFS). The partnership approach saw ESUK tailor each system to meet the soldiers’ needs.

The Live Virtual Constructive Training, known as Exercise Pegasus Athena, was undertaken over three days with JFST, DVCS and IIDFS integrated for the first time with the British Army. Soldiers were able to find targets using JFST and call in fires from the teams using IIDFS to strike these targets with the effect seen across all the simulators. DVCS was used to provide the synthetic layer where all virtual and live events were recorded, as well as providing the system for drone pilot operations. Alongside the integration of the three in-service training capabilities, ESUK was also able to collect data to measure outcomes and assess performance.

As well as the use of synthetic training, the exercise included realistic operational situations, including ammunition resupplies, dismounted combat operations and vehicle manoeuvres. Air assets were also deployed throughout the week, with Chinook helicopters being used to reposition the light guns during the exercise.

This training exercise was the first demonstration of ESUK’s integrated Recce Strike Training Solution, showcasing the value of integrated high-tech solutions provided to the British Army. It represents a step change in capability for the Armed Forces, allowing troops to conduct live and virtual training without the need for external assets and at a much lower cost than live fire exercises, without using ammunition stockpiles.

An Elbit Systems UK spokesperson said: “This exercise demonstrated what is possible when our training systems operate as an integrated capability, delivering the high-fidelity and operationally realistic training that our Armed Forces demand. As the first use of our integrated RSTS offer, it validates the concept and the technology, and we are looking at future opportunities to deploy this capability with the UK, as well as potential opportunities internationally.”

A 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team spokesperson said: “The integration of live and virtual constructive training has added a level of realism to our training that would be unachievable on a normal field exercise. ESUK’s support was important to the success of the exercise.”

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Safran Selected to Supply MOSKITO and SHARPCROW Observation Systems for the Bundeswehr

Tuesday, September 8th, 2026

As the prime contractor of the Infanterist der Zukunft program on behalf of the Bundeswehr, Rheinmetall Electronics has placed a major order with Safran Electronics & Defense, building on the long-standing and successful collaboration between the two companies. Under this contract, Safran Electronics & Defense will deliver a significant volume of optronic systems, including over a thousand MOSKITO systems and several hundred SHARPCROW systems to equip the Bundeswehr’s medium and heavy infantry forces.

?As part of this program, Safran Electronics & Defense has been selected to provide advanced portable observation systems that enable German infantry forces to better understand their environment, detect and identify targets, and quickly share critical information on the battlefield.

The MOSKITO is a compact, lightweight multifunction observation system combining day and night vision, laser range-finding and precise target geolocation. It enables rapid detection, identification and localization of targets across a wide range of operational environments.

The SHARPCROW is a handheld electro-optical observation system integrating thermal imaging, low-light imaging, a direct optical day channel, target location capabilities and digital reporting functions. Together, these features provide enhanced situational awareness and support faster, more informed tactical decision-making.

“This new order underscores the Bundeswehr’s confidence in our technologies and in our ability to equip the modern soldier with the advanced capabilities required for today’s land operations. We are proud that these systems will be manufactured in Germany by Safran Electronics & Defense, further strengthening our partnership with the Bundeswehr and the German defense industry.” said Marzell Schiller, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense Germany.

The Bundeswehr is accelerating the modernization of its dismounted forces through additional procurements under the proven Infanterist der Zukunft (“Infantryman of the Future”) soldier system. As the German Armed Forces’ flagship infantry modernization program, Infanterist der Zukunft aims to enhance soldiers’ effectiveness, survivability, command and control, mobility and endurance by equipping them with advanced, digitally connected capabilities.

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US Army Awards $13M Contract to Global Military Products for Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar Systems Integrated on Infantry Squad Vehicles

Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

TAMPA, FL – (Sept. 3, 2026) – The U.S. Army has awarded Global Military Products a $12.9 million contract for the procurement and integration of Scorpion Light mobile mortar systems under the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) framework. The award supports the integration of Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar systems with U.S. Army digital fire control technologies and government-furnished M253 mortar barrels onto the Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle–Utility (ISV-U) platforms.

Designed to enhance expeditionary indirect fire capabilities, the next-generation Scorpion Light system delivers a highly mobile, digitally enabled mortar platform capable of rapid emplacement, autonomous targeting and precision engagement in support of distributed operations. The integration of advanced fire control architecture significantly accelerates the sensor-to-shooter kill chain, enabling faster target acquisition, digital fire mission processing, and rapid engagement of multiple targets with reduced crew workload and increased survivability.

“The enhanced capabilities provided by the next-generation Scorpion mobile mortar system directly support the Army’s Transformation Initiative and its transition toward smaller, more agile and highly lethal combat formations prepared to address emerging threats in complex operational environments,” said James Knight, director, Global Military Products. “Over the past two years, we have worked closely with Army stakeholders and soldiers to continuously evaluate, iterate and refine the Scorpion platform based on operational feedback. This contract award reflects the success of that collaboration and our commitment to delivering a fully integrated mobile mortar capability that increases lethality, improves operator safety, and provides unmatched tactical mobility for the warfighter.”

Over the past two years, the U.S. Army and Global Military Products have collaborated through Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) initiatives and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) efforts to refine, test, and incorporate direct soldier feedback into the development of the Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System. These iterative efforts have significantly advanced the platform’s mobility, lethality, survivability, and operational effectiveness.

The latest evolution of the system integrates advanced digital fire control capabilities and the Nett Warrior (NW) networked communications architecture, enabling rapid target acquisition, precision fire missions and near instantaneous re-aiming with minimal crew intervention. This fully digital architecture streamlines and accelerates the sensor-to-shooter kill chain by enabling seamless target handoff between systems, digital fire mission processing and autonomous mortar engagement capabilities. For the first time, soldiers can rapidly prosecute multiple targets with a highly mobile, digitally enabled autonomous mortar platform, significantly increasing responsiveness, accuracy and operational tempo in contested environments.

Most recently, soldiers assigned to the Multi-Purpose Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, evaluated the ISV-based 81mm Scorpion Autonomous Engagement System during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines. During live-fire operations, soldiers successfully fired 20 rounds from two separate systems in under two minutes, demonstrating the platform’s speed, precision, and ability to deliver responsive indirect fires in support of distributed combat operations.

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Anduril to Deliver Hardware and Shelter Integration for Army’s TITAN Program

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026

The U.S. Army has awarded Anduril a $65 million delivery order for production in support of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program. The award was made through the Army Enterprise Agreement, which provides a streamlined contracting mechanism for the Army to procure Anduril products and capabilities. Under the delivery order, Anduril will produce and integrate hardware subsystems and mission shelters for TITAN, with Palantir serving as the program team lead.

Army units pull sensor data from a variety of satellites, aircraft, and ground systems. Processing and combining different forms of data traditionally relies on large, fixed infrastructure that is difficult to move and vulnerable to detection or attack. TITAN brings that capability into a mobile ground station.

TITAN fuses diverse sources of data into a common intelligence picture while in the field with combat units. This allows Soldiers to receive and act on real-time data in austere environments, rather than routing it back to a fixed command post. TITAN is designed to accelerate targeting and strike, freeing dependencies on older data processing methods.

Under the award, Anduril will deliver hardware for eight TITAN systems—four TITAN Advanced and four TITAN Basic. TITAN Advanced offers greater processing and integration capability, while the Basic variant provides greater mobility for rapid deployment.

Anduril will manufacture the ruggedized, vehicle-mounted systems and integrate the power, thermal, control, and operator subsystems that enable TITAN to function in the demanding environments in which Soldiers operate.

This award marks TITAN’s transition from prototyping to production.

Anduril has supported the program since 2021, serving as the lead hardware systems architect and incorporating Soldier feedback throughout the design and testing process. TITAN hardware is built at Anduril’s facility in Costa Mesa, California.

As the Army plans additional TITAN orders in FY27, Anduril is prepared to scale production and meet growing demand.

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Gentex Corporation Strengthens Allied Readiness, Equipping 20 NATO Nations Through NSPA Contract

Tuesday, September 1st, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, September 1, 2026 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in advanced personal protection and situational awareness solutions, today announced its continued support of Allied Forces worldwide through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract, equipping military personnel in more than 20 NATO nations with proven, mission-ready headborne systems and capabilities. The contract reinforces Gentex’s commitment to delivering trusted, high-performance solutions that enhance protection, interoperability, and operational effectiveness for allied partners.

Recent program awards further accelerate this momentum, reinforcing Gentex’s Ops-Core® brand’s position as a trusted partner to allied forces worldwide. Gentex’s Ops-Core was selected by the Czech Ministry of Defence to deliver next-generation helmet systems through an NSPA-managed procurement program, advancing modern headborne protection capabilities for deployed personnel. In parallel, a new order supporting the Canadian Army’s Soldier Systems Program includes the delivery of various helmet accessories, highlighting the growing global adoption of Ops-Core technologies designed to enhance survivability, connectivity, and mission effectiveness for today’s operators.

“The continued success we’ve seen through the NSPA contractshows the trust that Allied Forces place in our integrated headborne systems,” said Jim Clarke, Sales Director EMEAGround Systems at Gentex. “From ballistic protection to advanced communications and respiratory solutions, we are delivering scalable, mission-adaptable capabilities that support the evolving needs of the modern warfighter. We are proud to equip NATO nations with systems that enhance survivability, situational awareness, and overall mission effectiveness.”

Gentex headborne systems continue to be fielded across the Five Eyes alliance, supporting some of the world’s most demanding operational units. In the United States, systems are deployed with U.S. Special Operations Forces, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Marine Corps. Allied deliveries extend to the United Kingdom’s Special Forces and Royal Marines, the New Zealand Army and Special Forces, and Australia’s Army and Special Operations. Designed for modern mission requirements, these systems provide operators with trusted protection, optimized weight, and seamless integration of critical capabilities across joint and coalition environments.

Through the NSPA contract, NATO and partner nations gain a streamlined pathway to procure Ops-Core headborne solutions – trusted, fully integrated systems designed to meet the highest operational and performance standards.

“Soldier protection, and ballistic helmets in particular, is becoming decisive in modern ground warfare, combining proven ballistic performance with low weight, adaptability and a high degree of configurability. Through the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) and standing long-term agreements, we give COMMIT nations access to some of the most advanced and combat-proven helmets and accessories on the market, at the speed of relevance, preparing their soldiers for a contemporary and highly lethal operational environment. NLSE places world-class product solutions within reach of the users, at no more than the distance of the production lead time,” said Céline Danielli, Programme Manager, General and Cooperative Services.

About the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)
NSPA is the lead organization for multinational acquisition, support and sustainment to NATO nations in all domains. NSPA is a customer-funded agency, operating on a “no profit – no loss” basis. The Agency employs around 1,550 staff and is based in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with main operational centers in France, Hungary and Italy.

The COMMIT Support Partnership is comprised by 28 nations. Through its secure, web-based NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) platform it offers acquisition, inventory management, logistics and mutual emergency support services to its customers.

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