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Defense Innovation Unit Selects Four Companies To Provide Long-Range, One-Way Unmanned Platforms Prototypes for Evaluation

Monday, March 17th, 2025

Mountain View, CA (March 14, 2025) –The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) announced that four companies were awarded contracts for Artemis, a project to operationally evaluate long range, one way platforms. DIU is partnering with the Department of Defense Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (A&S) to execute a FY24 Budget line item directing operational testing of platforms in relevant Electronic Warfare (EW) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) denied environments.

Congressional direction for this effort had a goal to provide loitering munitions capable of operation in an electromagnetic contested environment, at a price point that allows for mass deployment.

“We are excited about the non-traditional companies who are providing low-cost, adaptable, long-range, UAS platforms with the potential to maximize operational flexibility for the Joint force,” said Trent Emeneker, DIU program manager for the effort and contractor. “This was the intent of Congress’ direction to rethink how to get capabilities to the warfighter at speed and scale that can deliver much faster than traditional Programs of Record.”

The four companies on contract include Swan, a U.S. software company partnered with a Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems (UAS) firm; Dragoon, a U.S.-based firm; Aerovironment, a U.S. based firm; and Auterion, a U.S. software company partnered with another Ukrainian UAS firm.

In just over four4 months, DIU and A&S developed a problem statement, launched a solicitation, evaluated 165 proposals, conducted flight demonstrations to verify stated capabilities of down-selected companies and entered into contract negotiations.

In order to have a successful prototype by the end of FY 2025, the next step is meeting an aggressive testing and integration schedule to complete prototyping and demonstrate success by the end of May 2025. Project Artemis goals are directly tied to observations of current real world combat conditions as well as feedback from end users across the DoD on what capabilities may be needed in this space to face near peer threat capabilities around the world. With Artemis, DIU and A&S are moving rapidly to provide an option for Services and Combatant Commands to choose from, delivered years in advance of current Program of Record timeframes.

The final Artemis capabilities will be ground-launched, affordable one-way UAS platforms that operate at ranges from 50-300 km+, launch quickly and expeditiously, navigate at low altitudes, carry a variety of payloads, are rapidly updatable and upgradable, and functional in disrupted, disconnected, intermittent and low-bandwidth and Global Navigation Satellite System denied environments.

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

USSOCOM’s Curious Unmanned Aerial System Procurement for SOCCENT

Monday, March 17th, 2025

In a rare move, USSOCOM in support of Special Operations Command Central, a Theater Special Operations Command, has released an intent to a award a single source contract for a combat capability to be used by forces which rotate into their theater.

The actual commercial system is never named, but specifically, the requirement is for First Person View drones. Those of you who have been following the Soldier Systems Digest newsletter know how supportive I am of fielding these systems en masse, so any requirement gets me excited.

FPV drones are not new to Special Forces. They’ve begun to integrate the capability into their formations and conduct a course at the JFK Special Warfare Center and School called Robotics and Unmanned Systems Integration Course (RUSIC) to train operators to use these drones. Additionally, many receive training from Oak Grove Technologies in the specialty. In the photo above by SGT David Cordova, a 10th Group Green Beret prepares to launch an FPV drone to be used for a raid operation during Exercise Trojan Footprint last year in conjunction with Greek special operations forces near Nea Peramos, Greece. Soon, there will be a new Warrant Officer MOS in USASOC which specializes in robotics, drones, and other new warfighting technologies.

A few things stick out about this procurement.

First, it’s not normal for a TSOC to procure systems which will be used by gained forces. It happens, but it’s generally rare cases such as communications or command and control. TSOCs aren’t manned and equipped to operate and maintain ISR and lethality systems. Those are provided by gained forces from the SOF service components as well as conventional units with unique capabilities.

In fact, the J&A used to substantiate the procurement points out that the command has limited UAS capabilities and is reliant upon external agencies to provide specialized assets.

Below are several points of interest in the J&A:

Currently, the absence of dedicated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for cave clearing operations forces reliance on Military Working Dogs (MWD) or partner forces, significantly increasing risk to both personnel and mission success. This approach presents several challenges:

Hazardous Environments: Caves present confined, complex spaces with limited visibility and unpredictable terrain, increasing the danger to personnel and potentially hindering MWD effectiveness.

Specialized Threat Detection: Identifying hidden threats like explosives, booby traps, and concealed enemy combatants requires specialized equipment and expertise, limitations that UAS technology can address.

Communication and Coordination: Maintaining clear communication and coordination within a cave environment is crucial but challenging, potentially leading to delays and miscommunication.

To mitigate these risks and enhance operational effectiveness, we propose the acquisition and deployment of a dedicated UAS solution.

Enhanced Situational Awareness: FPV UAS provide real-time visual intelligence from within the cave, enabling operators to assess the environment, identify threats, and make informed decisions.

Reduced Risk to Personnel: Deploying UAS instead of personnel for initial reconnaissance and threat assessment significantly reduces the exposure (redacted) and MWD teams to potential hazards.

Improved Communication and Coordination: UAS equipped with communication relays enhance coordination between teams inside and outside the cave, facilitating smoother operations and faster response times.

This equipment enables ODAs to gain a visual on the risks present on an obscured objective, prior to engagement. Without this capability, ODAs accept undue to risk to the force by entering an objective without detect and defeat capabilities.

This heavy-lift capability, combined with its compact drone body, enables the system to operate effectively in confined spaces, such as those encountered in cave clearing operations. The system’s First-Person View (FPV) guidance system provides real-time video feed, allowing for precise navigation and control, which is essential for safe and effective operation in complex environments.

The other issue is the use of a Sole Source Contract. The drafter of the requirement certifies that the desired system is the only single source which is reasonably available and further asserts that the “JUAS platform presents a distinct combination of capabilities that make it the only viable solution for our specific needs.”

There are loads of ways to acquire the exact capability they desire without going for a J&A which will assuredly receive lots of scrutiny from industry.

Lastly, by publishing an open notice, it alerts everyone (bad guys included) that they currently have a capability gap and that they are closing it.

I’m glad they are getting the gear. Hopefully, they’ll come up with a means to train forces in its use and sustain the capability with manning and training as well as material life-cycle management. In the end, it would be great to see this capability grow across the SOF enterprise as well as into General Purpose Forces, but that means a serious look at force structure as well as the full DOTMLP-F spectrum.

Posted in Contracts, SOF, UAS | No Comments »

Saab Receives Order for Additional Live Training Equipment from U.S. Marine Corps

Friday, March 14th, 2025

Saab has received a contract modification award from the U.S. Marine Corps for additional Marine Corps Training Instrumentation Systems (MCTIS) equipment. The order value for this award is USD $37 million (SEK 375 million) with deliveries taking place from 2025 to 2027.

This award ensures the U.S. Marine Corps will continue implementing Saab’s deployable and expeditionary MCTIS capability. This advanced, interoperable live training solution helps Marines train in the most realistic environments, significantly improving their performance and survivability on the battlefield.

The system focuses on developing and reinforcing effective tactics, techniques and procedures, while also facilitating joint training with NATO allies during multinational exercises.

“We are honored that the U.S. Marine Corps continues to rely on us as their training partner for the next generation of Marine warfighters,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S. “Our training capability enhances combat readiness by immersing Marines in realistic scenarios and rigorously analyzing their decision-making and actions, ultimately delivering on the objective of saving American lives. We take pride in providing the premier interoperable, land-based live training capability in the world.”

Saab’s collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps began with a contract awarded in June 2021, marking the transition from the previous Instrumentation and Tactical Engagement Simulation System II (ITESS – II) to the MCTIS training system.

Posted in Contracts, Training, USMC | No Comments »

US Army Issues Intent to Sole Source Procurement of M4/M4A1 Carbines from Colt

Friday, March 14th, 2025

The Army Contracting Command – New Jersey, in support of Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PMSL), intends to issue a request for proposal (RFP) W15QKN-25-R-0016. This solicitation is to procure M4 Carbines (NSN: 1005-01-231-0973/Part Number 9390000) and M4A1 Carbines (NSN: 1005-01-382-0953/Part Number 12972700) built to print using the Technical Data Package (TDP). Due to Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC’s sole ownership of the M4/M4A1 TDP and the license agreement between Colt and the United States Government, this procurement action will be a sole source award to Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC.

This action should come as no surprise as pointed out on the notice that Colt owns the Technical Data Package for the M16 rifle / M4 carbine and the Army has previously awarded similar sustainment contracts in the past. Colt was purchased by CZ Group in 2021.

What many don’t understand, with almost a million M4(A1) carbines in service, the Army must continue to procure new rifles to replace weapons as they wear out. I expect this process to continue until the last M4 is pulled from service sometime in the 2040/ or beyond. This will continue to be the case as long as the weapon remains in service, somewhere in the Total Force, regardless of procurement of Next Generation Squad Weapon. This is a reality of almost every program of record.

The M4/M4A1 Carbines provide the Department of Defense with compact, lightweight weapons that fire NATO 5.56mm ammunition from a 30-round magazine, mount the latest generation of fire control accessories and enablers, and provide increased protection and firepower in close quarters. The period of performance (POP) of the contract(s) will be for five (5) one-year ordering periods to cover FY25-FY30 Army and Department of Defense (DoD) M4/M4A1 Carbine requirements. The anticipated contract minimum guarantee of 90 M4/M4A1 Carbines will be met with the first delivery. The Army expects to issue task orders with up to a maximum quantity of 30,000 units of any combination of M4 or M4A1 Carbines.

Posted in Army, Contracts, weapons | 41 Comments »

FBI Seeks Concealment and Tactical Holsters

Friday, March 14th, 2025

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a solicitation for Concealment and Tactical Holsters.

The FBI is seeking two (2) different holsters for wearing on a belt. One (1) for daily wear in plain clothes (“Concealment Holster”) and (2) a holster capable of different mounting orientations for use while wearing outer carriers (“Tactical Holster”). The FBI is seeking up to two (2) contract awardees.

The opportunity is a small business set aside in which up to two (2) contracts may be awarded. Both will be Firm Fixed Price (FFP), five (5) year Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts with a base year and four (4) option years.

The holsters must be Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant.

Requirements:

All holsters shall present a 0-10 degree vertical draw. The capability to slightly cant the pistol, not to exceed 15 degrees, through attachment options is acceptable.

Holsters must fit their respective Glock 17M Gen5 MOS and Glock 19M Gen5 MOS pistols in the following configurations:

– Equipped with the Aimpoint ACRO P2 optical sight, Aimpoint adapter plate AP-200520, and AmeriGlo Custom Pistols suppressor height sight set (GL-815, GL-814, GL-813)

– Equipped with the Trijicon RMR Type 2 optical sight, C&H Precision Glock MOS V4 Plate (GL-RSH), and Ameriglo Custom Pistols suppressor height sight set (GL-815, GL-814, GL-813)

– Equipped with the Trijicon RMR HD optical sight, C&H Precision Glock MOS V4 Plate (GL-RSH) or Forward Controls Design Adaptor Plate, (part number OPF-G) and Ameriglo Custom Pistols suppressor height sight set (GL-815, GL-814, GL-813)

Tactical and Concealment holsters must also accommodate pistols which will have a pistol mounted light attached to the accessory rail. Presently, the FBI issues the Streamlight TLR-7A and TLR-7X.

Holsters shall be designed for either the Glock 17M Gen 5 MOS or the Glock 19M Gen MOS. Holsters that are designed to accommodate both pistols may be submitted; however, if their design requires any modification, i.e. an adapter to allow either pistol to fit in the same holster, it will not be considered.

The Tactical Holsters will have an active retention device. Concealment holsters are not required to have an active retention device, but will be considered if so equipped.

All holsters and hardware shall be corrosion resistant.

Holsters must be produced in both left- and right-hand versions and shall be designed to be worn on the strong side of the shooter. For the purposes of this solicitation, the “strong side” is defined as the dominate hand side at either the 3 o’clock (right hand dominate shooter) or 9 o’clock (left hand dominate shooter).

Holsters must be black in color as a minimum.

Additional requirements are available here.

This small business set aside will award to the two highest technically rated Offerors with fair and reasonable pricing, in accordance with the evaluation procedures outlined in this solicitation.

If vendor is not the OEM of the product, vendor must provide docum

Vendors have until Apr 18, 2025 11:59 pm CDT to respond. Visit sam.gov for more info.

Posted in Contracts, Holsters, LE | No Comments »

Envision Technology Selected to Produce Squad Aiming Laser Systems for the US Marine Corps

Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

On February 24th, 2025, Envision Technology, LLC (Envision) was awarded a $249M firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract by the US Marine Corps for the procurement of Squad Aiming Laser (SAL) systems, Spare and Repair Parts, Contractor Logistics Support, and Test Article Refurbishment. The work will take place at Envision’s headquarters in Manchester, New Hampshire, and will continue until February 2030.

“We are proud and honored to have the opportunity to provide the United States Marine Corps with their next generation of aiming lasers,” said Mark Belanger, Envision’s President. “As an American manufacturer and small business, we take pride in designing and delivering innovative products to meet the needs of the Marines.”

Founded in 2019, Envision Technology specializes in the development and production of advanced electro-optical and uncrewed systems for military applications. Envision operates on the principle of listening to the user’s needs, developing innovative products with an understanding of those needs, and focusing on a streamlined development and manufacturing philosophy. Envision recognizes that our success depends on the mission success of our customers, and they strive to deliver cutting-edge solutions designed for real-world battlefield effectiveness. To learn more about Envision Technology’s mission and products, visit: www.envision-tek.com.

Posted in Contracts, Lights, Press Release, USMC | 5 Comments »

Additional Details on the Royal Marines MCX Carbines and a Statement from Edgar Brothers

Monday, March 10th, 2025

Over the weekend, the Royal Navy released a statement about the SIG SAUER MCX LT carbines they procured under Project HAY, named after renowned WWII Royal Marine Ace fighter pilot Commander Ronnie Hay, DSO, DSC & Bar.

I’m going to share a few things I know about the program. The actual decision was made almost two years ago, with delivery well over a year ago. It is my understanding that the MCX carbines were purchased for maritime operations as part of the Royal Marines Future Commando Force operational concept with a renewed emphasis on amphibious raids and a fast-paced modernization of weapons and equipment.

The MCX carbines were procured chambered in 5.56 NATO and 300 BLK (7.62×35 for our European readers). However, it’s important to point out, how modular the system they purchased is. Due to the availability of upper receivers in 7.62×39, the Royal Marines could easily adapt if the need arises to add that caliber such as during operations with allied forces still using that caliber. Likewise, the Reduced Signature Assault Rifle (RSAR) configuration is also available and has been procured by USSOCOM as well as other friendly nations, in all three calibers.

As you can imagine, it can be a challenge operationally when you have one common platform and magazine that accepts two different cartridges. The Royal Marines have overcome this by purchasing 300 BLK carbines in all Black livery and 5.56 NATO chambered carbines featuring FDE accessories.

Every rifle comes fully equipped with suppressor, and optic (including magnifier).

The firm which served as the system integrator for the procurement, Edgar Brothers, has provided us with a statement which provides even more details:

Royal Marines Adopt SIG SAUER MCX Under Project HAY

The Royal Marines Commando Force has taken another significant step forward in its ongoing modernization with the adoption of the SIG SAUER MCX rifle under Project HAY, a program named after Ronald “Ronnie” Cuthbert Hay DSO, DSC and Bar, the only Royal Marines fighter ace. This follows the introduction of the Knights Armament Stoner 1 (KS-1) under Project COMACCHIO, which began replacing the SA80 as the primary weapon for the Royal Marines Littoral Response Groups under Project HUNTER (named in honor of Corporal Thomas Hunter, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery at Lake Comacchio). However, Project HAY focuses on specialized roles, replacing the venerable L119A1/A2 rifles produced by Colt Canada and ensures force-wide transition to AR controls.

The Legacy of Ronnie Hay

Ronnie Hay, a legendary fighter pilot and Royal Marine during World War II, epitomized the adaptability and daring that today’s Commando Force strives to embody. As the only Royal Marines fighter ace, Hay flew numerous combat missions in the Fleet Air Arm, earning multiple decorations for his aerial victories and ground-attack missions. His distinguished service included pivotal roles in the Dunkirk evacuation, the Battle of Britain, the Mediterranean campaign during Operation Torch, and the Far East, where he led one of the Fleet Air Arm’s largest operations and supported the assault on Okinawa. Hay’s remarkable legacy now inspires the cutting-edge capabilities delivered through Project HAY, as the Royal Marines continue to redefine their role as an advanced, multi-domain force.

Project HAY and the SIG SAUER MCX

The SIG SAUER MCX brings a level of versatility well-suited to the unique requirements of the Royal Marines’ maritime special operations-capable unit. This unit specializes in tasks such as ship interdiction, training partner forces overseas, and close-quarters engagements during boarding operations. Unlike Project COMACCHIO’s KS-1, designed for general issue, the MCX is tailored for specialized operations. Its design allows operators to switch between different configurations, making it highly adaptable to varying mission profiles. This capability is particularly valuable for training teams operating overseas, where non-standard ammunition may be the only viable option.

Compact and Mission-Ready

The shorter barrel lengths make the MCX ideal for confined spaces, such as ship interiors and urban environments. Both systems can be configured for suppressed or unsuppressed use, offering flexibility during sensitive operations where noise in confined spaces can produce challenges. It is understood that other variations made possible by the MCX’s flexibility are being considered and trialled. Other natures may be used that are more suitable for close-quarter battle or working with partner forces.

A further feature is the addition of RailScales’ custom Monomount, which raises optic height to improve compatibility with night vision goggles (NVGs). This feature enhances the weapon’s effectiveness in low-light environments while supporting ergonomic aiming. The Monomount also facilitates the top mounting of the LLM Mk3 laser, further enhancing the MCX’s versatility. Additionally, the MCX’s extensive stock options enable seamless integration with protective gear, including helmets with mandible attachments if required.

Training and Simulation

To ensure safe, realistic training, the MCX is equipped with dedicated Simunition kits for force-on-force exercises and blank-firing adapters for practice. These tools allow boarding teams to train under realistic conditions without compromising safety. The design of the MCX also ensures that operators can train extensively on one platform before transitioning to another for specific missions.

Lessons Learned from the HUNTER Programme

The Royal Marines’ evaluation of the MCX benefited greatly from Project HUNTER, which enabled extensive small arms experimentation. This initiative allowed units to field-test systems and provide valuable feedback on their performance. For Project HAY, the results of these trials were instrumental in shaping the final configurations of the fielded MCX.

A Purpose-Built Tool for the Future Force

The adoption of the SIG SAUER MCX marks another milestone in the Royal Marines’ transformation into a special operations-capable maritime task group. The MCX, with its design and adaptability, gives the Commando Force a purpose-built tool for modern operations. Whether conducting training missions in remote regions or executing high-stakes maritime interdictions, the weapon’s compact size, suppressor compatibility, and flexibility make it an invaluable asset for deployed teams.

Mike Newman, Director PMD at Edgar Brothers, commented on the collaboration: “It was a great effort between ourselves, UK Commando Force, and SIG SAUER to provide the MCX and associated ancillaries. Edgar Brothers are hugely proud to provide another weapon system into the Royal Marines arsenal.”

Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER, Inc., added: “SIG SAUER is proud that our rifles, suppressors, and optics are entering service with the UK Royal Marines. This system of cutting-edge products is designed for proven performance and reliability to withstand the rigors of the battlefield. We are honored to support the Royal Marines with our products and their commitment to mission readiness.”

Under Project HAY, the Royal Marines continue to honor the legacy of Ronnie Hay by equipping specialist units with the tools to thrive in all domains, just like Ronnie Hay.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Guest Post, weapons | 1 Comment »

Mach Industries Selected by Army for Contract to Develop Strategic Strike Aircraft

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

Huntington Beach, CA, March 4th, 2025 – Mach Industries, a defense manufacturing company that develops advanced aircraft, was selected by the Army Applications Laboratory to develop Strategic Strike, a vertical takeoff (VTO) cruise missile, enabling a precision strike for maneuver units. The contract for Strategic Strike, awarded in Q3 of 2024, will enhance the strike capabilities of Company through Brigade-level maneuver elements.

Since winning this contract, Mach has rapidly developed the Strategic Strike program, locking Strategic Strike’s design by the end of September 2024, and successfully testing vertical takeoff into full-performance wingborne flight by mid-January 2025. Work is currently underway to rapidly integrate AI visual and RF sensing techniques to allow Strategic Strike’s operation in GPS and comms-denied environments.

Strategic Strike has a range of 290 km, carrying a 10+ kg warhead. The combination of VTO, high speed and range/payload is radically novel for the current fighting force. At the culmination of the contract, Mach will provide the warfighter with a VTO asset that has HIMARS range, cruise missile speed, and Hellfire effects.

The emergence of low-cost, man-portable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets has resulted in a new challenge: maneuver elements are now able to sense farther than they can shoot. Presently, the elimination of high-payoff targets is a collaborative effort requiring the coordination of several services or levels of organizations.

Strategic Strike, by contrast, is designed to dramatically improve a maneuver force’s ability to engage high-payoff targets beyond the forward line of troops. This product refinement will produce a versatile strike vehicle to deliver a mission-relevant payload at range.

The primary objective for Strategic Strike is to launch from beyond enemy radar range, reducing the probability of detection, and increasing launch team survivability. Tactical maneuver units will be able to engage and prosecute high-payoff targets, such as radar arrays and artillery pieces, well beyond the forward line of troops.

“I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to deliver a war-changing capability to our military, and impressed by the engineering and manufacturing team’s hard work–taking Strategic Strike from design kickoff in September to flight just 14 weeks later,” said Ethan Thornton, CEO and Founder of Mach Industries. “I truly think the product team we’ve assembled here will drive generational value to the U.S. at this critical time, and I’m excited every day to see the rate of product development continue to accelerate. The entire Mach team is eagerly awaiting the day when the factory we’re prototyping Strategic Strike in turns on production and deploys them by the thousands to deter wars.”

machindustries.co

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