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Germany Buys Eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPA Through NSPA

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

NSPA Supports NATO Countries in the Acquisition and Sustainment of GA-ASI’s Advanced Multi-Domain RPA

SAN DIEGO – 12 January 2026 – Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have announced the procurement of eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The program includes four Certifiable Ground Control Stations. First delivery is expected in 2028.

Germany joins a growing list of NATO countries that have selected GA-ASI’s advanced MQ-9B RPA for its multi-domain capabilities with exceptionally long range and endurance. The platform provides pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capabilities to enable missions in cold climates. SeaGuardian features two multi-mode surface-search radars that deliver wide-area maritime surveillance, with an option to add Anti-Submarine Warfare capability. Additionally, MQ-9B’s in-house-developed Detect and Avoid System aids its ability to fly in unsegregated airspace for domestic civilian operations, making it highly versatile for operations from Germany.

In 2025, MQ-9B became the first large RPA to obtain a Military Type Certificate from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, certifying its safe operation without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas.

“We’re thrilled that Germany has joined the list of NATO countries that have selected MQ-9B SeaGuardian,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “The proliferation of MQ-9B in Europe delivers commonality between NATO countries and for Germany, it will provide opportunities for interoperability with their fleet of P-8As.”

The acquisition negotiation was executed on behalf of Germany by NSPA, which has developed a contractual framework through the MQ-9 Support Partnership (MIC SP) for supporting cooperation amongst its member nations and enabling the procurement of MQ-9B for NATO Allies and Partners. NSPA has added MQ-9B to its portfolio of defense systems to contract on behalf of NATO nations, with the goal of enhancing interoperability for joint training and operations.

“This Support Partnership demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational acquisitions for advanced, interoperable capabilities. We are proud to support Germany in this strategic investment for maritime surveillance and security,” said Ms. Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA General Manager.

MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the Protector RG Mk1 that is currently being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF). GA-ASI also has MQ-9B procurement contracts with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, India, Japan, Poland, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command and is looking forward to welcoming Germany to that group. MQ-9B has also been featured in various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.

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

Integrated Multi-Threat Headborne System Prototype to be Funded and Developed for US ARMY

Monday, January 12th, 2026

Under a U.S. Army-funded initiative, Team Wendy Ceradyne and Theon International partner to develop an Integrated Multi-Threat Headborne System (IMHS) prototype set to enhance soldier protection and situational awareness.Salem, New Hampshire – January 12th, 2026 – Team Wendy Ceradyne, a leading US-based developer and manufacturer of advanced combat helmets for the Department of Defense, and Theon International, a global company specializing in electro-optical systems including night vision, thermal imaging, and augmented reality (AR) technologies, have announced a strategic partnership under a US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center (SC)-funded initiative. Together, the companies are developing a next generation Integrated Multi-Threat Headborne System (IMHS) designed to enhance Soldier protection, situational awareness, and lethality across multi-domain operations.

“With Army support and strong industry partnerships, we’re advancing head protection into a fully integrated helmet system — combining ballistic protection with enhanced situational awareness,” said Erik Cobham, President of Team Wendy Ceradyne. “This shift fundamentally changes how Soldiers perceive, decide, and respond on the battlefield.”

Conducted under a shared-cost model between the US government and industry partners, the program integrates Team Wendy Ceradyne’s proven ballistic protection technologies with Theon’s advanced electronic systems. The result will be a modular head borne architecture capable of delivering tailored, mission critical technologies – including seamless communications integration – adaptable to future operational requirements.

“We are honored to partner with the exceptional Team Wendy Ceradyne on this critical US Army initiative,” said Dr. Michalis Kolotos, Director of US Operations for THEON. “This collaboration is a prime opportunity to integrate our advanced THEON NEXT opto-electronic solutions, which are a direct result of our technological knowhow and our strategic investments in the US. We are focused on delivering head borne power and data solutions that could enable next-generation capabilities, such as advanced day-and-night Head-Up Displays (HUDs) and Augmented Reality (AR), all seamlessly connected to the soldier’s Power and Battle Management System. This integration is key to enhancing situational awareness and decision-making for the US warfighter.”

The DEVCOM SC-sponsored team also includes Invisio, providing lightweight tactical communications and hearing protection, and Revision, contributing ballistic and laser protective eyewear. The IMHS prototype developed in this project will be evaluated by the DEVCOM Soldier Center in Fourth Quarter, FY26, during a Soldier Touchpoint to assess performance and gather user feedback for future design phases.

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Rheinmetall to Supply Nine State-of-the-Art Puma Training Simulators to the Bundeswehr – Order Value €118.5 Million

Monday, January 12th, 2026

Germany’s armoured infantry will soon receive nine training systems for firing and combat training (AGSP in German) for the Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has awarded a corresponding delivery contract to Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM), a joint venture between KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall, on 19 December 2025. The total gross volume of the procurement is €119.5 million, of which €118.5 million are assigned to Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH is playing a key role as subcontractor in the project. The first firing and combat training devices are scheduled for delivery in mid-2027. Additionally, the existing AGSP development model will be upgraded to the new series standard, and transportion containers will be provided for all systems.

Rheinmetall developed the AGSP as a completely new training system for mechanised infantry forces. In September of 2025, the Office for Army Development declared its readiness to take-over the new AGSP training system.

The AGSP is a highly realistic simulator that recreates the battlefield experience for armoured infantry platoons. Its precise replication of key elements, such as vehicle logic, ballistics, haptics and aiming behaviour, enables highly realistic training in line with the ‘train as you fight’ concept.

Each system consists of a control, evaluation and monitoring station (LAKS in German) as well as of four authentically replicated vehicle cabins, which are housed in twelve 20ft containers. The facility is fully relocatable. Its modular architecture allows for maximum flexibility: all central components, such as server racks and driver cabins, are mounted on rail systems and can be easily replaced or updated as required. Maintenance and repair work have also been greatly simplified, as central systems are now accessible from the outside. This eliminates the need for costly return to the plant as well as downtime and logistical effort.

The AGSP provides comprehensive tactical training for armoured infantry troops without having to move an IFV, thereby making a significant contribution to the training of additional armoured infantry soldiers in less time and with less effort on the PUMA IFV. The AGSP has been designed to enable networking with another AGSP. This allows armoured infantry troops to train simultaneously with two AGSPs, i.e. two platoons of PUMA IFVs, or even to incorporate a compatible simulator for main battle tanks into their training. This allows armoured infantry troops to exercise mutually with main battle tanks at company level.

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

New Carbine Options for UK Firearms Units – Updated

Friday, January 9th, 2026

Over the last week several press releases have come out claiming that their company’s rifle has been selected for use United Kingdom Police Firearms Units. Since there are more than one, it has naturally led to some confusion.

The truth of the matter is that six models in 5.56mm from different manufacturers were approved for purchase in a framework which allows the the 50 individual units or so, to select the firearm from a list which they feel is best for their use.

The carbines approved are:

– KAC ~~KS-1~~ KS-3

– Glock AR

– Beretta NARC

– IWI ~~Tavor~~ ARAD

– Colt Canada C8

– FN ASR

If the individual unit would like something else, they’ll have to run their own competition.

Finally, the framework did not include optics so units will have to either adapt what they already have or purchase new models.

update – we based the list on data we had received from industry sources in the UK and updated it once we were notified the list was inaccurate. No official announcement has been made.

Posted in Contracts, International, LE, weapons | 8 Comments »

Glock GR-115 Selected as the Weapon of Choice for UK Firearms Units

Friday, January 9th, 2026

London, UK — 9th January 2026 — Following the most extensive weapons trial conducted in UK policing in the past two decades, the GLOCK rifle GR-115 has been officially selected as the firearm of choice for specialist armed policing units across the country.

This decision marks a significant milestone in the evolution of armed policing capabilities in the UK. The GR-115 rifle outperformed a field of leading global manufacturers, achieving the highest scores for accuracy both supressed and unsuppressed.

A Legacy of Trust and Support

Glock has been a trusted partner to UK law enforcement since the 1990s, when GLOCK pistols were first adopted by police forces nationwide. Today, Glock continues to stand firmly behind UK policing, providing not only advanced firearms and long-term service but also training and logistical support.

Engineering at Its Core

The GR-115 rifle represents the culmination of years of intensive research, development, and refinement of the AR platform. Its superior accuracy, reliability, and adaptability are the result of rigorous testing and collaboration with end-users to ensure operational effectiveness in the most demanding environments.

Availability

The GR-115 rifle is only available to selected law enforcement and military customers at this time.

– Via Viking Defence

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

Framework Contract Extended: Bundeswehr Orders 30mm Ammunition for Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles from Rheinmetall – New Order Worth Several Hundred Million Euros

Tuesday, January 6th, 2026

The Bundeswehr has once again placed an order with Rheinmetall for 30mm ammunition for Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). The German Armed Forces placed the order for additional cartridges as part of an extended framework contract concluded in 2022. The new order is worth several hundred million euros.
In December 2022, the Bundeswehr signed a framework contract with Rheinmetall for the supply of 30mm x 173 ammunition for the Puma IFV. This framework contract, which runs until 2029, has now been extended in terms of delivery quantity and order volume. It provides for the delivery of several hundred thousand cartridges worth around €1 billion. At the same time, a medium six-figure quantity of ammunition was retrieved. The order intake amounts to several hundred million euros.

To strengthen its Puma fleet, the German Armed Forces recently commissioned joint venture partners Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland to supply 200 additional IFV’s. The Puma is equipped with Rheinmetall’s MK30-2/ABM (Airburst Munition) machine gun. It combines a high rate of fire with programmable state-of-the-art ammunition technology. This makes the MK30-2/ABM an extremely reliable and uncompromising weapon system. With an effective range of over 2,000 metres, the MK30-2/ABM is extremely powerful against land, air and sea targets.

Rheinmetall is a key supplier of combat ammunition to the Bundeswehr. The corporation produces and supplies two types of combat ammunition for the Puma IFV: KE-TF DM21 and KE DM33 in 30 mm x 173 calibre. Both types of ammunition have been developed and certified in accordance with the latest standards, offering unrivalled reliability, effectiveness, penetration and precision worldwide. The programmable KE-TF (Kinetic Energy Time Fuse) ammunition is highly reliable and enables the Puma IFV to engage larger soft and semi-hard surface targets, as well as drones.

The order underscores Rheinmetall’s position as a leading supplier of 30mm medium-calibre ammunition to the Bundeswehr. It reflects the armed forces’ efforts to replenish their stocks and increase their ammunition reserves in light of the current security situation. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of medium-calibre ammunition.

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

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 »