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Gentex Corporation Selected by Czech Ministry of Defence for Integrated Headborne Systems, Reflecting Global Trust in Proven Ops-Core Integrated Ballistic Helmet Solutions

Tuesday, October 28th, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, October 27, 2025 – Gentex Corporation has been selected by the Czech Ministry of Defence to deliver next-generation Ops-Core integrated ballistic helmet systems and AMP® Communication Headsets to soldiers across the Czech Armed Forces. This order was placed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) under the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) contract, which is available to all NATO member nations strengthening interoperability across allied forces. The contract valued at over 1 billion CZK is scheduled for completion by October 2026. The official announcement of the selection by the Czech Ministry of Defence can be viewed here, with additional Q&A information here.

“As a global leader of integrated headborne systems, this selection reinforces what all our NATO customers already know, that Ops-Core systems deliver unmatched modularity, reliability, and operational flexibility,” said Tom Short, Senior Vice President of Global Defense at Gentex Corporation. “The Czech Republic is investing in a combat-proven solution with a global pedigree and strong NATO user base. We’re proud to be a trusted part of that modernization effort.”

The contract includes Ops-Core’s lightweight ballistic helmets, engineered for modern tactical operations, paired with a full suite of advanced, interoperable accessories including AMP Communication Headsets with Push-to-Talk capability, ballistic visors, full-face shields, mandible protection, and SOTR respirators with integrated microphones for contaminated environments. Together, they create a fully modular headborne protection system that enhances soldier safety, communication, and mobility in demanding combat conditions and are trusted by elite forces worldwide. This acquisition marks a significant step in the Czech Armed Forces’ modernization efforts, replacing legacy helmets with Ops-Core’s state-of-the-art protective solutions that deliver the next level of mission readiness and battlefield performance.
“Gentex was selected for our proven ability to deliver reliable, mission-ready solutions that meet the highest standards of protection and performance,” said Jim Clarke, EMEA Ground Systems Sales Director, Gentex Corporation. “We offer more than just advanced equipment, we deliver confidence on the battlefield. Our systems are already fielded across multiple NATO forces, ensuring seamless interoperability, simplified training, and streamlined sustainment.”

The purchased helmets and accessories are designated for brigade task forces within the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade and the 7th Mechanized Brigade, as well as for personnel across the ground forces, support elements (including cyber and information forces, air forces, and medical units), special operations forces, the Military Police, and the Cyber and Information Operations Command. Their considerable variability ensures that each set can be adapted to the specific needs of the individual user, enhancing operational effectiveness across diverse mission profiles.

Program Highlights

• Customer: Czech Ministry of Defence (via NSPA competitive procurement).
• Products and Integrated Accessories: Ops-Core ballistic helmet systems in two color variants, AMP headsets, AMP PTTs and radio cables; Step-In® Visors; SOTR respirators; ballistic mandible protection; and additional compatible mission accessories.
• Operational Flexibility: Scalable from routine ground operations to contaminated/CBRN environments (compatible with protective masks and oxygen equipment).
• Delivery Timeline: Program completion targeted by October 2026.
• Procurement Transparency: Managed through NATO’s NSPA, which aggregates allied demand, runs international competitions, negotiates pricing, and addresses intellectual property considerations on behalf of member nations.

Fielding to the Czech Armed Forces will occur under the schedule coordinated by NSPA and the Czech Ministry of Defence. Gentex Corporation will support fit, training, sustainment, and lifecycle needs as defined in the program agreement. Organizations interested in similar integrated headborne solutions should contact Gentex Corporation.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Gentex Corporation Selected by Czech Ministry of Defence for Integrated Headborne Systems, Reflecting Global Trust in Proven Ops-Core Integrated Ballistic Helmet Solutions

EagleNXT Announces Sale of Advanced eBee TAC Drones to Defense Logistics Agency

Saturday, October 25th, 2025

Advanced Drones to Fulfill Varied Missions, Increase Flexibility and Capability with multiple sensor packages

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 23, 2025 — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (dba, EagleNXT) (the “Company” or “EagleNXT”) (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of advanced drone and aerial imaging solutions, is pleased to announce a significant sale as part of a larger Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) procurement, supplying two of its eBee TAC unmanned aerial systems to support the operational needs of a United States military unit.

This strategic procurement underscores EagleNXT’s growing role in delivering cutting-edge, NDAA-compliant technology for high resolution mapping, and tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions with the U.S. Government.

The eBee TAC, a lightweight, hand-launched fixed-wing drone, offers up to 90 minutes of flight time and a 15 km range, enables rapid deployment and secure data collection. Capable of generating 2D orthomosaics, 3D models, and thermal maps, the system is tailored for applications such as terrain analysis and situational awareness in complex environments.

“We are honored to support the Defense Logistics Agency and its mission to enhance national security through advanced UAV solutions,” said Bill Irby, CEO of EagleNXT. “The eBee TAC, capable of being equipped with multiple sensor configurations, represents the pinnacle of tactical mapping technology-delivering real-time, actionable intelligence to operators in dynamic environments. This award underscores EagleNXT’s expertise in high-performance unmanned systems for defense applications and reinforces our position as a trusted partner in strengthening U.S. operational capabilities and public safety infrastructure. Our focus remains on executing with discipline, and providing needed capability to the warfighter.”

The DLA is a combat support agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, and is responsible for providing comprehensive logistics, acquisition, and sustainment solutions to America’s armed forces and federal agencies. With a mission to deliver readiness and lethality through a global supply chain, DLA manages the procurement and distribution of critical equipment, supplies, and services to support military operations worldwide.

Advanced unmanned aerial systems like the eBee TAC, which is included on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Blue UAS Cleared list, enhance DLA’s capabilities by enabling rapid intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, delivering high-precision mapping, 3D modeling, and advanced situational awareness for multiple mission sets.

For more information about the full suite of EagleNXT UAS solutions, or to schedule a demo, visit EagleNXT.com

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222 Jackals (Schakal) for Germany and the Netherlands – order value at €3.4 billion

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

The European defense organization OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has commissioned Artec GmbH to deliver a total of 222 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles to the armed forces of Germany and the Netherlands. This new combat vehicle combines the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The main contractor for the Boxer is Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany. 150 Schakal vehicles are to be delivered to the German Armed Forces and 72 to the Dutch Army.

The total order for the German and Dutch armies is worth €3.41 billion gross, with Rheinmetall’s share amounting to almost €3 billion. The contract also includes a logistics package containing spare parts, training materials, and specialised tools. Furthermore, it covers optional additional services such as protection against anti-tank hand weapons, firing attack detection and firing attack identification as well as drone defence. The call-off of up to 248 additional vehicles is also included as an option.

Within the German Armed Forces, the Schakal armoured infantry fighting vehicle, consisting of the 8×8 Boxer platform and the 30mm Puma turret with Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, is the main weapon system for the Army’s newly established medium forces. The new armoured personnel carrier combines mobility, protection and firepower to the highest degree. This enables the medium forces to cover large distances at own pace within the shortest possible time. The 30mm turret allows a wide variety of targets to be effectively combated in dynamic combat situations.

Artec GmbH, a 64:36 joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS, is also to be the future main contractor for the RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 Millimeter), yet another combination of the proven drive module of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle and equipped with the weapon system of the Panzerhaubitze PzH 2000.

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AV Awarded US Army RCCTO Contract for Kinesis, Named Lead Software & Systems Integrator for HMIF

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va.,–AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a contract award from the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for its tactical mission planning and command and control (C2) software for the Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) Increment 1 program.

HMIF accelerates the fielding of robotic formations to leverage machines to offload risk and provides Soldiers with additional information for decision-making for armored and infantry formations. Each formation will include ground and air systems and enablers to aid in the human decision-making process to find, fix, and engage enemy targets. HMIF prototype development supports existing and future robotic programs of record by mitigating risk associated with enabling capabilities such as the common architecture, communications and networking.

AV’s software solution, Kinesis, will provide a unified interface to meet the needs of HMIF for mission planning, tactical awareness, autonomy management, and payload control to simplify complex operations and accelerate mission capabilities with unmatched scale and speed.

“AV’s Kinesis software is a true force multiplier that allows a single tactical operator to control a mixed fleet of autonomous systems developed by multiple OEMs, transforming military operations and accelerating our combat readiness,” said Jason Hendrix, AV Vice President and General Manager. “By leveraging the simplicity and scalability of our open and modular software ecosystem, RCCTO is developing HMIF for ultimate mission flexibility–helping warfighters quickly, easily, and safely carry out autonomous missions across domains.”

Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV, added: “We are delivering superior autonomous solutions to warfighters, not just through our trusted and proven platforms but with our advanced controllers and software capabilities that simplify sophisticated operations, augment force capacity, and drive mission outcomes. Together with U.S. Army RCCTO and an incredible team of industry partners, we are pushing the boundaries of the possible in multi-domain operations.”

Kinesis provides interoperability across tactical C2 platforms, including TAK/ATAK. Its built-in Software Developers Kit creates a collaborative development environment for expanded modularity and integrations of third-party software. To support the HMIF program’s software needs, AV is leveraging strategic partnerships with industry leading expertise from Applied Research Associates’ Neya Systems, Parry Labs, and QinetiQ. The team’s collective capabilities will provide robust solutions that offer unmatched operational efficiency and deliver a comprehensive solution for the U.S. Army’s HMIF requirements.

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Army, DIU Select Anduril to Advance Next-Generation Counter-UAS Fire Control Capabilities

Friday, October 17th, 2025

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, in coordination with Defense Innovation Unit, successfully completed the C-UAS fire control solution competition, selecting Anduril as the winner.

This result represents a critical step in identifying and integrating the most effective fire control solutions to counter the rapidly evolving threat of unmanned aircraft systems. “This competition allowed us to rigorously evaluate innovative technologies in a realistic operational environment, ensuring our Soldiers have the tools they need to maintain air superiority,” said Lt. Col. Adam Samiof, Product Manager, PdM C-UAS.

The Army will continue working closely with Anduril to refine and integrate this cutting-edge technology into its C-UAS architecture, ensuring the highest level of protection for our warfighters.

By Darrell Ames

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Contracts, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Rheinmetall to Supply Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 to Ukraine – Order Value in the Three-Digit Million Euro Range

Monday, October 13th, 2025

Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with further Skyranger 35 air defence systems based on the Leopard 1. The order is worth a three-digit million Euro figure. The systems are being financed by an EU country as part of the EU’s Windfall Profit Mechanism initiative. The production and integration of the systems will be carried out by Rheinmetall Italia SpA at its headquarters in Rome.

“We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We would also like to thank the EU country, for the support, which underlines our continued efforts to support Ukraine.”

The Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 combines the mobility and protection of a proven tracked vehicle with the outstanding effectiveness of a cannon-based air defence system. The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon in 35 mm x 228 calibre with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute. It has an effective range of up to 4,000 metres and a high degree of commonality with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3. Thanks to AHEAD technology, the Skyranger 35 is airburst-capable. In the future, it will also be possible to equip it with modern guided missiles.

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INVISIO Signs Framework Agreement Worth Up to SEK 365 Million with Netherlands MoD

Friday, October 10th, 2025

INVISIO has signed a framework agreement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defense that could be worth up to SEK 365 million. The agreement will run initially for five years, with an option for two one-year extensions. Orders are expected to start this year.

The agreement covers INVISIO’s personal communication systems for mobile users in the field and includes a wide range of products, including the new T30 and X7 headsets and several different control unit models and intelligent cables.

The customer estimates the value of the agreement for the first five years at approximately SEK 260 million, rising to SEK 365 million in the event of a two-year extension. The agreement includes no guarantees regarding volumes.

Lars Højgård Hansen, INVISIO CEO, said: “We are proud that the defence forces in the Netherlands have chosen INVISIO. This is a clear sign of the confidence placed in our solutions and proof that our significant investments in the product portfolio and organization in recent years are now yielding results.”

Mack Defense Receives Order for 86 Trucks for the US Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA – October 7, 2025 – Mack Defense announced it has received an initial order for 86 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from the U.S. Army as part of a new five-year contract awarded June 24, 2025, for up to 450 trucks with value up to $221.8 million. This order is the first under the new contract and follows the successful completion of Mack Defense’s original seven-year contract awarded in 2018.

Mack Defense announced it has received an initial order for 86 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from the U.S. Army as part of a new five-year contract awarded June 24, 2025, for up to 450 trucks with value up to $221.8 million.

“We are proud to continue supporting the U.S. Army with proven, reliable vehicles tailored to the demands of military operations,” said Derik Beck, senior director of sales, business development and marketing at Mack Defense. “This new order and the new contract overall both reinforce the critical role the M917A3 plays in sustainment missions and reflect the trust the Army has placed in our team, our truck and our American manufacturing operations. Leveraging a commercially proven platform like the Mack® Granite®allows the Army to benefit from an established supply chain, proven durability and easier lifecycle support across a wide operational footprint.”

Funding for the 86 trucks comes from the 2025 Department of Defense Budget, a signal of continued federal support for tactical vehicle modernization and U.S. industrial base readiness.

The trucks will be used across a wide range of operational environments in support of critical infrastructure and construction efforts, including airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools.

The M917A3 HDT is based on the Mack Granite commercial platform, enhanced to meet the U.S. Army’s rigorous requirements. Key modifications include all-wheel drive, heavier-duty rear axles, increased ride height and other ruggedized features for tactical use. Each truck is also equipped with modern control systems, ABS and advanced safety technology, providing operators with improved handling, performance and mission flexibility.

All vehicles are assembled at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where Mack Defense established a dedicated production line in 2021 following a $6.5 million investment. The facility has passed stringent government inspections and quality audits and represents a key component of Mack Defense’s support for the U.S. industrial base.

The M917A3 continues to serve as a core asset for the Army Engineer Regiment, delivering the durability, mobility and engineering capability needed to execute demanding missions across a broad range of environments.

Mack Defense remains committed to delivering high-performance, mission-ready equipment that supports the evolving needs of the U.S. military – today and into the future.

Production of the HDTs began in March of 2021. The productionline helps fulfill the M917A3 contract, while allowing Mack Defense to produce other vehicle variants.

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