Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

United States Air Force Awards Gentex Corporation Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) Ballistic Day and Night Spectacle Contract

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, June 18, 2025 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, aircrew, emergency responders and industrial personnel, announced today that it was awarded an additional United States Air Force Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) contract to develop and produce its laser protective eyewear for aircrew, the Block 3 Day and Night Ballistic Spectacles.

This order includes more than 3,800 Block 3 Day and Night Ballistic Spectacles over the next 18 months, including development and full rate production. The new ballistic spectacle joins the unique USAF Block 3 product line and follows Gentex’s five previously awarded delivery orders for the USAF Block 3 Contract, which include the Ballistic Day Spectacle, Ballistic Night Spectacle, Day Spectacle, Aircrew Night Vision Goggles Joined LEP (ANJL) and Night Spectacle, totaling 29,400 pieces of state-of-the-art laser protective eyewear. The Block 3 LEP eyewear provides the warfighter a variety of form factors to best suit their mission profile and replaces the Block 2 spectacles with a higher performance product line.

“Gentex is proud to continue to serve the USAF team and warfighters by providing the best ocular protection available to maintain their mission effectiveness while staying safe,” said John Cueva, Senior Director of Optics at Gentex Corporation.

shop.gentexcorp.com/optics/eyewear

Mehler Protection to Supply 1,800 Operational Waistcoats to Stadtpolizei Zürich

Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

FULDA, GERMANY (17.06.2025)

Mehler Protection, a leading provider of personal ballistic protection and part of Mehler Systems, is set to equip the Zurich City Police with the latest generation of operational waistcoats. Over the next four years, Mehler Protection will supply 1,800 waistcoats with integrated soft armour packs (SAP), providing enhanced protection, visibility, and modular adaptability for officers on duty.

The project spans a period of 60 months and highlights the strong synergies within Mehler Systems, with thewaistcoats being complemented by advanced beltssupplied by Lindnerhof, the Group’s specialist in load-bearing systems and tactical equipment.

The new waistcoats provide Zurich City Police officers with improved visibility. Lemon-coloured lettering is applied to the chest, back, and shoulders, making officers more easily identifiable in various operational scenarios. Additional visibility elements can also be attached as needed, enhancing both officer safety and public reassurance.

In addition to greater visibility, the waistcoat is engineered to meet the complex demands of modern police work. The waistcoat can be easily reinforced with ballistic plates, ensuring protection against both long- and short-barrelled weapons. It can also be fitted with arm protectors to provide extended coverage during spontaneous law enforcement operations. Depending on the mission profile, additional tactical equipment can be attached as required.

Mehler Protection has been working in partnership with the Zurich City Police since 2016. The new contractonce again reflects Mehler Protection’s position as a trusted partner of leading European law enforcement agencies. Alexander Mahr, Key Account Manager Mehler Protection | Body Armour, underlines the importance of this collaboration:

“Successful projects are the result of strong partnerships. Together, we have implementedcustomised requirements—efficiently, solution-oriented, and on the basis of a trusting collaboration that has already proven itself since 2016.”

The agreement also underscores the added value of theintegrated expertise within Mehler Systems, which enables the Group to deliver comprehensive solutions that combine personal ballistic protection, tactical load-bearing systems, and mission-specific adaptability.

For more information about Mehler Protection please visit: mehler-protection.com

SERT Awarded HALO/HAHO Parachute Contract for Indonesia’s KOPASSUS

Monday, June 16th, 2025

SERT Secures Contract for HALO / HAHO Parachute Systems for Indonesia’s KOPASSUS (Army Special Operations)

Date: June 2nd, 2025

SERT is proud to announce that it has been awarded a contract to supply HALO/HAHO parachute systems for Indonesia’s KOPASSUS (Army Special Operations Command). The contract covers Complete Parachute Solutions’ (CPS) Military Silhouette Series, marking a significant upgrade to the operational free-fall program for the tip of the spear of Indonesia’s military.

This partnership underscores SERT’s continued commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions to military and law enforcement agencies across Southeast Asia. The award follows a comprehensive evaluation process that began in December 2024, made possible through the close collaboration and unwavering support of our trusted partner, Complete Parachute Solutions.

The timing aligns perfectly with SERT’s presence at Indo Defence 2025, taking place June 11–14 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Visit us at Booth A025-B, where we will be showcasing the parachute system along with related accessories—including a new military parachuting oxygen system.

www.sert.us

FBI Awards Colt Replacement Carbine Parts IQID Contract to Arms Unlimited

Friday, June 13th, 2025

Arms Unlimited Inc., a leading supplier of firearms and accessories, has been awarded a $9 million Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for Colt Replacement Carbine Parts. Announced on June 12, 2025, the contract follows a competitive procurement process where Arms Unlimited’s proposal was selected as the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable among five small business offerors. With a total evaluated price of $164,699.02, Arms Unlimited earned a Technically Acceptable rating and a Fair and Reasonable price assessment, solidifying its position as a trusted partner to the FBI. This significant award underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable components to federal law enforcement.

The FBI contract opens new opportunities for federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Homeland Security, ATF, DEA, and others, to procure Colt replacement parts through Arms Unlimited under the same agreement. This streamlined access ensures that agencies can efficiently maintain their Colt carbine inventories with authentic, brand-name components. Arms Unlimited is poised to support these critical needs and invites federal procurement officers to contact their team for purchasing inquiries at sales@armsunlimited.com. An orientation and kick-off meeting with the FBI is forthcoming, marking the start of this impactful partnership.

UK MOD Signs Protector Support Contract with GA-ASI

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 09 June 2025 – The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has signed a support and sustainment contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for logistics and maintenance of the Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system. The contract — known as the UK Protector Availability and Support Solution or UK PASS — will provide ongoing support for the new Protector RPA systems supplied by GA-ASI and now being operated by the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF). The Protector RPA is based on GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian®.

UK PASS is a Direct Commercial Sale contract and includes support for the Protector program’s RPA, the Certifiable Ground Control Stations and the Synthetic Training Systems.

“This contract marks an essential milestone in the fielding of the Protector RPA system for the RAF,” said Chris Dusseault, Vice President of MQ-9B in Europe. “With the UK PASS contract in place, we can now transition from the test and development phase of the program to training the RAF flight crews for operations.”

UK PASS is part of GA-ASI’s SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions (SGSS), which provides support for the entire MQ-9B customer base. SGSS is a shared Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) model, with resources such as labor, material, and overhead for maintenance, supply management, and other support functions required to sustain the RPA system, pooled together for use by the entire customer base. This approach provides efficiencies and a lower cost for customers.

“The awarding of the PASS contract marks three years of intensive work between GA-ASI and UK MOD multidisciplinary teams to turn a concept in to a reality. This has generated a first-in class sustainment solution for the Royal Air Force Protector fleet, that exploits contractor owned inventory from a global common spares pool. This contract differs from a traditional spares and repairs contract, achieving economies of scale via a multi-customer common operating model,” said Group Captain Rich Cameron – Uncrewed Air System 3 Team Leader.

GA-ASI’s MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced RPA system, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, with multiple deliveries made to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force (Protector), as well as orders from Canada, Poland, the Japan Coast Guard, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

L3Harris Providing Additional Vampire Counter-UAS Systems to Department of Defense

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

MELBOURNE, Fla., June 9, 2025 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has received a new contract through the U.S. Department of Defense for additional VAMPIRE systems, which neutralize unmanned aerial threats. The new order builds on the first delivery and installation of the VAMPIRE systems in 2023 in support of European operations.

VAMPIRE, or Vehicle Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment, delivers advanced reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities against drones and remotely piloted aircraft, enabling European ground forces to protect allied infrastructures from enemy attacks.

“L3Harris’ VAMPIRE has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective response to the growing counter-UAS threat on the global battlefield,” said Tom Kirkland, Vice President and General Manager, Targeting and Sensor Systems, L3Harris. “We will continue to work closely with the Department of Defense and our allied partners to provide formidable counter-UAS technology domestically and abroad.”

VAMPIRE integrates L3Harris’ rugged WESCAM MX™-10D RSTA targeting and sensor system with its weapons station to allow operators to identify and engage targets quickly. The system also combines the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System rocket with the L3Harris proximity fuze and Widow® mission management software for increased system lethality for engaging ground and aerial targets.

VAMPIRE has shown potential for multi-domain applications with capabilities that can extend to the sea, offering a solution for maritime operations against UAS, fast inshore attack crafts and low-slow flyers.

US Army Selects Ultra I&C to Provide Archer Troposcatter Technology

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

AUSTIN, TX—June 10, 2025— Ultra I&C has been selected by the U.S. Army to provide its troposcatter system. This initial award will get Archer into the hands of U.S. Army soldiers for training and evaluation to enhance network resiliency by adding an additional form of secure communications.

Archer™ Troposcatter technology represents a critical communications capability in contested environments where satellite access may be denied or degraded. Archer delivers high- throughput beyond-line-of-sight communications exceeding U.S. Army range requirements by maintaining secure links without relying on satellites or ground-based infrastructure. Enhanced with advanced encryption and anti-jamming features, Archer deploys in under 20 minutes and meets all required Military Standards (MIL-STD) for operations in the most challenging environments. Through rapid innovation cycles, Ultra I&C developed Archer to outperform legacy systems while significantly reducing size, weight, power and cost.

“The Army requires resilient communications solutions to meet mission requirements while operating in the most demanding operational environments,” said Jeffrey Wrobel, vice president of business development for Ultra I&C’s Communications division. “In the landscape of congested modern warfare and the real possibility of a day without satellites, troposcatter is an essential technology.”

Archer is built on a modular, upgradeable platform and is interoperable with existing U.S. Army systems, ensuring seamless integration.

Ultra I&C delivers defense technology solutions including a comprehensive suite of high- capacity tactical communications systems spanning line-of-sight, troposcatter, and satellite technologies—providing resilient, multi-layered communications networks for modern warfighters across all operational domains.

Galvion Awarded FBI Contract for Their Hellbender FE Helmet

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

Galvion, a leading manufacturer in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, announces the successful award of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contract for their Galvion Hellbender™ Federal Edition (FE) helmet (previously identified as the Hellbender R7/TE). This 5-year, $10 Million indefinite- delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract represents a significant milestone in delivering Galvion’s advanced head systems to authorized buyers, which include Department of Justice agency components, including but not limited to FBI, DEA, and US Marshals.

Galvion’s Hellbender platform has been developed and refined over multiple years, with feedback from some of the world’s most demanding teams and is currently fielded across various international programs. The proprietary geometry of the Galvion Hellbender system maximizes comfort, fit and stability with a unique helmet profile and features the best-in-class APEX™ liner system. Advanced platform options include modular upgrades such as maxillofacial protection, integration of Galvion’s E.D.G™ power and data management system, as well as a suite of accessories, including helmet covers, strobes, task lights, and NVG mounts.

The winning Hellbender FE ballistic helmet model is wholly molded, assembled and built in Newport, Vermont, USA and meets the stringent requirements of the DEA and FBI Ballistic Testing Helmet Protocol 2024. Prioritizing backface deformation performance; the helmet offers protection against pistol caliber threats, environmental hazards and meets enhanced backface deformation limits. Featuring Galvion’s Universal Bonded Anchor System (UBAS), which was developed as part of the United States Marine Corps IHS program to eliminate bolt penetrations for seamless coverage and ballistic integrity. The helmet platform is available in hi-cut as well as a unique mid/full cut, features single-sized components and provides unmatched flexibility for integrating equipment. Configurable to meet rapidly evolving threat and operational needs, the Hellbender system has been specifically designed to support upgradeability, maintenance and refurbishment paths. Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion, said: “Our team worked tirelessly to develop a solution to meet the FBI’s high ballistic performance protocols, and we are excited to see this work come to fruition with the award of this contract. Our head systems are renowned for delivering a unique combination of customized performance, thoughtful design and unparalleled comfort, and we are proud to be able to offer the FBI and wider agency network this latest Hellbender system. We have close to 100,000 of the Hellbender geometry in service around the world, and we are continually incorporating end- user feedback into the platform design to ensure that it can support the ever-evolving needs of our users.” He added: “This new Hellbender system makes a great addition to our rapidly expanding suite of solutions for the law enforcement user community. Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for our team, and we look forward to offering our integrated system and customized solutions approach to the broader federal and law enforcement user communities.”