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Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

Tesseract Ventures Selected by Defense Innovation Unit for Containerized Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) Prototype Project

Saturday, July 18th, 2026

TAMPA, Fla., July 14, 2026 — Tesseract Ventures announced today its selection by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to advance in the Containerized Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) prototype project. This highly competitive initiative aims to accelerate next-generation autonomous capabilities for rapidly deploying, sustaining, and managing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in contested and austere environments.

The CADDS project addresses a critical Department of War challenge: transitioning from a one-operator-per-aircraft model to scalable autonomous systems that deploy and sustain large drone fleets with minimal human intervention. The project prioritizes modular, open-architecture solutions that support distributed military operations and allow rapid technology integration.

Tesseract Ventures will demonstrate its modular autonomous platform, which simplifies the deployment, launch, recovery, and management of multiple drones from containerized systems. Leveraging open systems architecture, advanced autonomy software, resilient command and control, and scalable mission management, Tesseract’s solution increases operational flexibility while reducing operator cognitive workload.

“This selection is an important milestone for Tesseract Ventures and validates our vision of delivering scalable autonomous systems and drones that meet the evolving needs of the U.S. military,” said John Boucard, CEO and founder of Tesseract Ventures. “We are honored to support DIU’s mission of rapidly fielding commercial technology to the warfighter.”

The CADDS project requires solutions capable of transporting, storing, launching, recovering, refitting, and managing diverse autonomous aircraft across land and maritime environments with minimal personnel. The solicitation prioritizes the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to maximize interoperability, future upgrades, and rapid technology insertion.

Unlike traditional drone operations requiring heavy operator involvement, Tesseract’s approach uses intelligent automation to increase the operator-to-aircraft ratio, enabling persistent autonomous operations while reducing risks to personnel.

As part of this prototype effort, Tesseract Ventures will participate in demonstrations to validate operational performance. Under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process, successful prototypes may become eligible for follow-on production opportunities without further competition.

About Tesseract Ventures 

Tesseract is an American invention company building advanced hardware, software, and AI-driven systems for construction, defense, infrastructure, and agriculture. The company develops integrated platforms combining real-time sensing, digital twins, robotics, and automation to provide organizations a complete operational picture. Tesseract works with field teams, military partners, and enterprise clients to create practical, reliable technologies that improve safety, clarity, and productivity.

For more information, visit www.tesseractventures.io

Mack Defense Receives Additional Order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks Under US Army’s M917A3 Program

Saturday, July 18th, 2026

ALLENTOWN, PA (July 14, 2026) – Mack Defense today announced that the U.S. Army has placed an additional order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) as part of its M917A3 HDT program for the National Guard.

This latest order, combined with the 91 trucks ordered last month from the U.S. Army funded with the $47 million secured in the 2026 National Defense Appropriations Act, brings the total to 208 trucks with a combined value of more than $84 million. These recent orders are part of the new five-year contract awarded in June 2025 to Mack Defense for up to 450 trucks, with a total contract value of up to $221.8 million.

Based on the commercially available Mack®Granite® model, the M917A3 HDTs are manufactured at Mack Defense’s dedicated production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

“We are deeply appreciative of the U.S. Army and Army National Guard’s continued trust in Mack Defense and the M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck program,” said Derik Beck, senior director of sales and marketing for Mack Defense. “This latest order reinforces the critical value and importance of our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Army. These rugged, mission-ready Granite-based HDTs directly support the warfighter by enabling essential construction, infrastructure maintenance and disaster relief operations worldwide. We are truly thankful for this vote of confidence and remain fully committed to delivering the highest-performing heavy dump trucks that our soldiers and guardsmen rely upon.”

The order enables continued production of the vitally important M917A3 HDTs that support the U.S. military’s construction and infrastructure maintenance capabilities. The HDTs are essential to building and maintaining airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools, and they provide critical support during disaster?relief efforts in areas impacted by severe weather.

Spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. military, the M917A3 HDTs also feature advanced technology including ABS, modern control interfaces and active safety systems.

Mack Defense’s production facility at the Mack Experience Center has been in operation since 2021 following a $6.5 million investment to create a dedicated HDT production line, which leverages the capabilities and production work force of Mack’s main Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO), Macungie, Pennsylvania.

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.

Belgium Places First Order of Polaris MRZR D Tactical Off-Road Vehicles Through NATO Contract

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS – July 13, 2026Polaris Government and Defense, a division of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), has secured an order for MRZR D4 vehicles from the Belgium Ministry of Defence, leveraging the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. The contract is valued at $10.6 million and is the first call order from the NSPA framework contract, which was first awarded to Polaris in September 2025. This procurement approach fulfills competition requirements, streamlines the acquisition process and eliminates the need for additional, time-consuming and costly trials and competitions. In addition to bulk pricing benefits and expedited acquisition, NSPA enables interoperability, standardization and a reduced logistics footprint across NATO members and partners.

“The Belgium Ministry of Defence helped establish the MRZR D on the framework contract, with additional partner countries including the United Kingdom,” said Steve Canner, senior manager, EMEIA, Polaris Government and Defense. “The vehicle’s capabilities and commonality with other NATO nations will serve Belgium forces very well and we’re proud to support them.”

The Belgium MoD managed the acquisition of Polaris ATVs through the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) platform, considered as a secured, web-based marketplace application allowing the users to directly explore and order the purchase of systems and mission related configurable items. The NLSE platform provides NATO National Ministries of Defence access to validated and quality assured products easily, including cargo and transportation kits, parts and service kits and maintenance and operator training courses.

“With these new vehicles, we are significantly increasing our mobility and operational capabilities,” said Colonel Kristof Van Poecke, Commander, Belgium Special Operations Regiment. “They enable our operators to respond more quickly and flexibly in challenging conditions, where speed and manoeuvrability make the difference. This is an important step to maintain our operational capacity at the highest level.”

Belgium joins more than 50 other military and security forces worldwide who field MRZR D tactical off-road vehicles from Polaris to support expeditionary, rapid response and special operations missions. The MRZR D’s modular payload design, diesel powertrain, air and sea transportability make it a trusted platform for tactical mobility in complex terrain and contested zones. The acquisition of the MRZR D4 will support the replacement of Belgium’s aging Groundhog vehicle fleet which have been in service since 2009.

Polaris first introduced the MRZR platform in 2012 and has continued to enhance the vehicle to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, delivering gas and diesel variants to more than 50 allied forces worldwide. MRZRs feature a mission-flexible modular design, collapsible roll cage for internal tactical air transport, one meter fording capability, greater payload and extended range over commercial platforms. The MRZR D is combat-proven and transportable inside AW101 Merlin, CH-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and most in-service fixed wing aircraft, as well as maritime vessels, enabling rapid deployment and dispersal of forces from aircraft or ship-to-shore platforms into theater. It is a highly configurable platform that supports personnel transport, casualty evacuation, command and control and light cargo roles — all with a focus on speed, versatility and off-road capability.

Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), weapons and high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for medical and casualty evacuation, aircraft refueling systems and communication equipment.

The MRZR D is part of Polaris Government and Defense’s broader portfolio of off-road mobility solutions that include the MRZR Alpha, MV 850, DAGOR and militarized snowmobiles. 

Contract Worth Almost €1 billion: Rheinmetall Takes on a Key Role in the Digitalisation of British Army Combat Training

Monday, July 13th, 2026

Rheinmetall Electronics UK is playing a key role as a member of Omnia Training, the consortium selected to deliver the Army Collective Training Service(ACTS) as part of the British Army’s Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP). Led by Raytheon UK as the prime contractor, Omnia Training brings together a range of leading industry partners to deliver a transformative collective training capability for the British Army. Raytheon is an RTX business.

Rheinmetall, as the Land Collective Training Partner, supports the design and delivery of key elements of the programme. Rheinmetall’s share of the contract, worth just under €1 billion, The consortium will begin operational implementation in summer 2026, and the service contract is for 15 years.

The substantial project volume and extensive scope of services will enable Rheinmetall to expand its local sites, workforce, and industrial supply capacities sustainably in the United Kingdom. Over the 15-year contract period, the project will secure and create numerous skilled jobs. This applies not only to the Rheinmetall Electronics UK headquarters on the Isle of Wight and the Southampton site, but also to other key strategic locations such as Bristol and Warminster, where new employment opportunities will be created.

Omnia Training and its industry partners will be responsible for integrating and delivering modern live, virtual and constructive simulation systems. As the Land Collective Training Partner, Rheinmetall will support the delivery of these capabilities, as well as managing physical training infrastructure, system configuration and logistical aspects in support of Army Collective Training.

The UK is one of Rheinmetall’s core strategic markets in Europe, where the company has a strong presence through its subsidiaries and joint ventures. In addition to Rheinmetall Electronics UK, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land plays a key role in the British Army’s platform modernisation programmes. This strong local presence ensures the armed forces receive seamless support and strengthens local value creation.

US Army Selects Four Contractors for Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability to Automate Battlefield Breaching Operations

Friday, July 10th, 2026

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. – The Capability Program Executive Mission Autonomy announced today the selection of four companies for the Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability (EABC) initiative, a key effort to modernize engineer support for Soldiers on the battlefield.

This project will develop and prototype autonomous systems capable of rapidly breaching complex obstacles and minefields under direct observation and fire, minimizing personnel exposure and ensuring the safe passage of follow-on forces. The selected contractors will provide advanced robotic systems designed for beyond-line-of-sight autonomous control, directly enhancing the Army’s ability to conduct multi-domain operations.

The four selected companies – Caterpillar (Irving, Texas), Forterra (Clarksburg, Md.), IDV USA (York, Pa.) and Overland AI (Seattle) — were chosen for their innovative approaches to autonomous breaching. Their proposed technologies range from autonomous commercial equipment to purpose-built robotic platforms, both featuring modular payloads to support varied breaching requirements.

Formal contract awards for the EABC initiative are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Once awarded, the project will advance into a series of demonstrations and assessments, culminating in a Transformation in Contact unit assessment in early 2027. This rotation will allow the Army to collect direct, unit-level feedback to inform the production decision for the next generation of autonomous engineer systems.

By Ashley John

Major Order from Ukraine: Rheinmetall to Supply Artillery Ammunition – Contract Value in the High Double-Digit Millions of Euros

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

Ukraine has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply long range artillery ammunition. The order comprises 155-mm artillery shells and propellant charges in the low five-figure range. The contract value, which will be recognised in the second quarter of 2026, is in the high double-digit millions of euros. Production has already begun, and the contract is due to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

The ammunition is being manufactured at Rheinmetall Expal Munitions in Spain. The ER02A1 B/B projectiles and the M203 propellant charges are already in use by various NATO countries. They can be fired from a wide range of 155 mm weapon systems and offer a long range and high effectiveness.

Rheinmetall continues to invest heavily in expanding the capacity of existing facilities and establishing new production sites in order to meet the growing demand for modern 155-mm projectiles and propellant charges. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of large-calibre ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based technology group has been expanding its production capacity since 2022 and aims to produce around 1.5 million 155 mm artillery shells per year by 2030.

Lackawanna Police Department Visits Gentex Corporation to Take Delivery of Ops-Core FAST Helmet Systems

Monday, June 29th, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, June 29, 2026Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces and emergency responders, recently welcomed the Lackawanna Police Department at its headquarters in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. During the visit,officers took delivery of Ops-Core® FAST® helmet systems and participated in product familiarization and feedback sessions with the Gentex team.

“The Lackawanna County SWAT Team is extremely grateful to Gentex Corporation for their generous support over the years,” said Guy Salerno, Blakely Borough Police Chief, President of Lackawanna County Chiefs of Police Association, Lackawanna County SWAT team member. “They directly support the safety and readiness of our team. We sincerely appreciate their investment in the protection of our operators and the community we serve.”

The visit marks another step in Gentex’s ongoing commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies through direct partnership, product innovation, and engagement with the officers who rely on their equipment on the job. It also highlighted the company’s connection to the local community, where many Gentex employees live and work alongside officers who serve the region every day.

“Supporting the officers who protect our communities is something we take great pride in at Gentex,” said Fred Grimm, VP of Commercial Sales Americas at Gentex Corporation. “Hosting the Lackawanna Police Department at our facility gave us the opportunity to not only deliver and train on their new helmet systems but also hear directly from the officers about the challenges they face in the field every day. Those conversations are critical to ensuring we continue developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of law enforcement.”

The Ops-Core FAST helmet systems being fielded are designed to provide advanced ballistic protection, comfort, and modularity for a wide range of law enforcement missions. Built on a legacy of proven performance, these systems integrate features that support extended wear, communications equipment, and mission-specific accessories, helping officers operate effectively in dynamic and high-risk environments.

ThayerMahan’s Outpost Acoustic Intelligence Payloads Selected for Large-Scale Deployment

Sunday, June 28th, 2026

GROTON, Conn., June 25, 2026 — ThayerMahan, Inc. has been awarded a contract to deliver dozens of Outpost® acoustic intelligence payloads, along with TransparenSea® processing software, to an international defense customer. The award represents one of the largest fielded deployments of unmanned acoustic sensing systems supporting persistent undersea surveillance and USW (Undersea Warfare) missions.

ThayerMahan to deliver dozens of Outpost acoustic intelligence payloads to international defense customer.

The selection followed a rigorous, multi-phase evaluation that included controlled validation, extended at-sea deployments, and head-to-head comparative trials against multiple payloads under representative mission conditions. Testing focused on detection performance, tracking reliability, system endurance, power efficiency, and integration with unmanned platforms.

During multi-month deployments, Outpost® and TransparenSea® demonstrated continuous wide-area acoustic surveillance, detecting, classifying, and tracking targets of interest at operationally relevant ranges, with near-real-time delivery of actionable acoustic intelligence to shore-based Maritime Operations Centers. The systems met or exceeded performance expectations for both surveillance and USW missions while operating within constrained power and size profiles typical of small, unmanned platforms.

Key factors supporting selection included:

  • Persistent coverage: Continuous operation over extended deployment periods
  • Detection and tracking performance: Reliable target hold and classification at range
  • Low power consumption: Enabling long-duration unmanned operations
  • Ease of integration: Minimal platform modification required
  • Near-real-time data delivery: Actionable data landed in shore-based Maritime Operations Centers for rapid decision making
  • Analyst usability: Intuitive interface reducing operator workload and training burden

“Persistent, wide area acoustic sensing requires consistent performance over time, which is why we spent the last decade perfecting our capability,” said Mike Varney, President Products & Engineering, ThayerMahan. “ThayerMahan sets the global benchmark for unmanned acoustic intelligence. Outpost and TransparenSea have been repeatedly validated under operational conditions, which was a key factor in this selection.”

The contract reflects increasing demand for scalable, unmanned acoustic sensing solutions that can rapidly be deployed to extend maritime domain awareness without reliance on traditional crewed assets.

“This award aligns with the need for operationally relevant, fielded capability that delivers consistent surveillance and USW performance,” said Mike Connor, Chairman and CEO. “The focus is on systems that work as deployed – reliably, at scale, and with immediate mission impact.”

The awarded systems are exportable and production-ready, supporting rapid fielding timelines and broader adoption of distributed, unmanned sensing architectures for undersea domain awareness.