Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

CACI to Strengthen US Army Readiness and Spectrum Dominance with Next-Gen Electronic Warfare

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026

RESTON, Va.-CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it has been awarded a five-year task order valued at up to $250 million to enhance spectrum dominance for the U.S. Army Capability Program Executive – Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors (CPE IEW&S).

“At CACI, we are making bold investments in battle-proven, software-defined EW solutions that allow us to stay one step ahead of the enemy and drive decisive action,” said John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer. “We empower warfighters to achieve and maintain spectrum dominance, especially when their lives are on the line in highly contested environments.”

CACI will leverage its intrinsic knowledge to provide comprehensive integration and sustainment of the technology to advance the Army’s multi-domain EW and spectrum dominance capabilities.

Gentex PURSUIT Helmet System Selected as US Navy Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, January 21, 2026 – Gentex Corporationannounced today that its PURSUIT Helmet System has been selected by the US Naval Aircrew Systems program office (PMA-202) as the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet(NGFWH).

The Navy NGFWH awarded contract is a 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to deliver over 5,000 NGFWH systems and associated spares to support the fielding of the next generation helmet across all Navy fixed wing aircraft, including E-2D, F/A-18, E/A-18G, T-45, T-6, and the in-development Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS),and is anticipated to total approximately $22M during the period of performance, representing one of the most significant modernization efforts for US Navy aircrew flight equipment in recent years. Awarded under PMA-202’s Helmet Mask Regulator (HMR) program and covering both Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and Full-Rate Production (FRP), the selection underscores Gentex’s proven commitment to delivering next generation protective technologies that evolvewith the modern warfighter’s needs. It also further solidifies Gentex’s position as the global leader in advanced personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, aircrew, emergency responders, and industrial personnel.

“This contract award from the US Navy is a significant milestone for Gentex and demonstrates our unwaveringcommitment to advancing the world’s most innovative protection solutions for warfighters,” said Robert McCay, Vice President of Aircrew Systems at Gentex Corporation. “The PURSUIT system delivers meaningful advancements in aircrew safety, comfort, and mission performance, ensuring NavalAviators and Naval Flight Officers are equipped withtechnology that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving demands of modern aviation. We are honored to continue our trusted partnership with the US Navy and look forward to providing the US military and international allies with the PURSUIT Helmet System for decades to come.”

The Navy’s decision reflects the PURSUIT Helmet System’ssuperior performance, enhanced safety features, and modern, future-proof architecture, purpose-built to support emerging mission requirements. PURSUIT directly addresses long-standing aircrew concerns identified across the services, including neck strain from poorly balanced helmets due tosuboptimal HMD/NVG integration and heightened ejection seat injury risk. The helmet’s modular, lightweight design with an optimized center of gravity and Gentex’s collaboration with various HMD OEMs allow the delivery of advanced technology solutions that provide aircrew with an immediate, tactically relevant helmet solution that ensures 600 KEAS protection.Building on 70+ years of military partnerships, Gentex delivers a mature helmet solution that enhances warfighter capability across multiple platforms.

The PURSUIT Helmet System was developed through extensive collaboration with US Navy and US Air Force stakeholders, HMD OEMs, and international partners. Its architecture directly supports the performance attributes emphasized in the USAF’s NGFWH initiative, including improved weight distribution, enhanced HMD integration, and reduced aircrew physiological burden.

This award also signals broader readiness for adoption across US and allied military aviation communities that often look to Navy procurement decisions as a benchmark for modernization, reinforcing Gentex’s leadership role in shaping the future of aircrew protection.

About the PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet System

A modern helmet for the modern fighter, PURSUIT is designed to support advances in aircraft helmet-mounted display systems.Its lightweight carbon shell reduces neck and spine strain, lowering the risk of short and long-term injuries from extended missions and high-G maneuvers. The helmet’s optimized balance and center of gravity provide aircrew with a secure,stable fit during dynamic maneuvering in all HMD/NVG configurations.

The PURSUIT helmet is also engineered for the future. Fully compliant with USN and USAF performance standards, it incorporates a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA),enabling seamless integration of current and future HMDs, advanced communications systems, and optical and respiratory protection. The result is a highly adaptable, mission-ready platform built to meet evolving warfighter needs for decades to come.

About Gentex Corporation

With a history of innovation that spans 130 years, Gentex Corporation is the leading supplier of high-performance flight equipment for military, law enforcement, aircrew and aircraft maintainers worldwide. The company’s comprehensive line of durable and innovative helmet systems for fixed wing, rotary wing, and cross-platform applications allows for the easy integration of advanced capability upgrades without sacrificing protection. An equally comprehensive line of hearing protection and communication solutions provide these users with superior hearing protection and precise, intelligible communications in the most extreme noise environments.

Click here for more information on the Gentex PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet System.

NAVAIR Public Release SPR-2025-0058. Distribution Statement A – “Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited”

BlackSea Technologies Awarded SHIELD IDIQ Contract

Monday, January 19th, 2026

BALTIMORE, Md., Jan. 15, 2026 — BlackSea Technologies is pleased to announce it was awarded a contract for the Missile Defense Agency Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with a ceiling of 151 billion dollars. This contract encompasses a broad range of work areas that allows for the rapid delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter with increased speed and agility. 

“BlackSea’s history is defined by taking innovative maritime concepts and proving them at speed in operational environments,” said Tim O’Connor, BlackSea’s chief strategy officer. “That record of success as an innovative maritime defense producer positions us as a critical enabler for programs focused on strengthening homeland defense and delivering new capabilities with urgency and discipline.” 

BlackSea Technologies is a maritime and autonomous systems company specializing in the design, production, and deployment of unmanned surface vessels and modular mission solutions in support of U.S. and allied defense requirements. The company has delivered hundreds of platforms to the U.S. Navy, and provides direct waterfront support to operations, maintenance and open architecture integration for employment in permissive and contested environments. 

Headquartered in Baltimore, BlackSea Technologies partners closely with government and industry to accelerate the transition of emerging technologies from concept to operational capability, supporting national security priorities across multiple mission domains. 

For more information about BlackSea, please visit www.blacksea.tech and follow us on LinkedIn. 

Anduril Awarded $23.9 Million Contract for US Marine Corps Organic Precision Fires-Light Program

Monday, January 19th, 2026

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Anduril a $23.9 million contract to deliver more than 600 Bolt-M systems for the next phase of the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) program beginning in February 2026. The USMC’s OPF-L program is designed to provide dismounted Marine infantry rifle squads with a man-packable, easy-to-operate precision strike capability to engage adversaries beyond line of sight.

The contract award comes after 13 months of rigorous testing. During that phase, Anduril delivered an initial tranche of more than 250 Bolt-M systems and validated Bolt’s performance against a variety of safety, environmental, and performance requirements. Across hundreds of flights, Bolt-M demonstrated its category-leading range, endurance, and payload capacity against multiple target sets. Following that successful testing, the U.S. Marine Corps selected Bolt-M for initial fielding.

Under the next phase of the program, Anduril will deliver more than 600 Bolt-M systems – and associated ground control and ancillary equipment – to the USMC between February 2026 and April 2027. Bolt-M will be fielded into the first operational Marine units beginning in the summer of 2026, where end users will train and employ organic, loitering, precision strike capabilities in tactical formations.

In parallel, Anduril has been investing internally to scale production capacity and processes for Bolt-M to meet the needs of the OPF-L program, and others. Anduril has refined its Bolt production process – across design engineering, supply chain, quality, manufacturing engineering and operations – and the Bolt production facility itself, scaling production capacity to more than 100 all-up-rounds per month. This year, Anduril plans to scale production across Bolt variants to a sustained rate of more than 175 systems per month.

Anduril recently built and delivered more than 300 Bolt systems to another customer within just five months of contract award. That effort validated Anduril’s production ethos: develop, manufacture and deliver category-defining, reliable products at unprecedented speed and scale.

Rheinmetall to Supply Lynx to Ukraine – Order Value for the First Batch in the Mid Double-Digit Million Euro Range

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with additional systems for national defence. The country is set to receive its first Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles as early as the beginning of 2026. A contract to this effect was signed in December 2025. The order value for the first five combat vehicles is in the mid double-digit million euro range, with the systems being financed by the Federal Republic of Germany.

The decision in favour of the Lynx KF41 was made after extensive testing of the next-generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The IFVs will feature the two-man Lance turret and be configured specifically for the Ukraine’s armed forces. The next step is to procure additional batches, including production in Ukraine. 

‘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 German government for its support. This order is a fundamental success that underscores our continued efforts to support Ukraine.’

The Lynx KF41 combat vehicle family has been developed to meet current and future requirements. The Lynx KF41 stands for maximum modularity. Thanks to its open electronic architecture and the largest protected interior volume in its class, the vehicle offers exceptional growth potential for future technologies and mission profiles. With a scalable weight concept, a highly efficient drive system and state-of-the-art protection technology, it combines mobility with maximum safety. At the same time, the Lynx impresses with its high level of ergonomics for the crew, which enables efficient and comfortable operation even during long missions.

RENK America Awarded US Army Contract with Potential Value of Up to $75.5 Million

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

Muskegon, Michigan, January 12, 2026 – RENK America today announced the award of a U.S. Army contract with a total potential value up to $75.5 million over a five-year period.

Under the Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, RENK America will provide System Technical Support (STS) services for the Hydro-Mechanical Powered Transmission (HMPT), supporting multiple critical U.S. Army platforms including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer System (SPHS). The scope of work includes engineering and technical services, program management, and worldwide field service representative support to enhance operational reliability and sustainment.

The contract establishes a long-term framework vehicle, with work authorized incrementally through individual tasking over the five-year contract term.

“The Army recognizes the need to continue sustaining proven ground combat vehicles that are critical for defending the United States,” said Ian Pain, CEO of RENK America. “RENK America’s team, including our strong cadre of Veterans, have decades of experience to help the Army keep these vehicles available and reliable. We are proud to stand ready for our warfighters whenever and wherever needed.”

RENK America has long served as a trusted supplier to the U.S. Department of War and allied forces, delivering advanced transmission, engine, and powerpack solutions backed by a resilient, U.S.-based manufacturing and support footprint.

Blackhawk Wins Landmark Contract to Equip German Military with Advanced Holster System

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

The new deal highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and growing presence in the international defense market.

CHESAPEAKE, Va.— Blackhawk, a leader in tactical gear and carry solutions and a Revelyst Inc. brand, today announced it won the contract to supply the Bundeswehr Holster Carry System for the German armed forces. This significant win, achieved in partnership with Helmut Hofmann GmbH, highlights Blackhawk’s commitment to innovation and its growing presence in the international defense market.

“We deeply appreciate the trust placed in Blackhawk and look forward to supporting the German military with a modular system that empowers end users to carry in the way that best suits their mission.”

The Blackhawk Bundeswehr Carry System was engineered to meet the demanding requirements of the German military. The system offers unmatched versatility, allowing soldiers to carry their holster on the belt (high or low), chest or thigh. Each platform comes with quick-detach adapters and is compatible with both Blackhawk and G-Code RTI components, ensuring seamless integration with existing gear. Designed and built in the USA, this system delivers rugged reliability and mission-ready performance, born from real operational experience.

“We are honored and excited to be chosen by the Bundeswehr for this prestigious contract,” said David Hein, Vice President & General Manager, Revelyst Project Freedom, the special initiative within Revelyst that houses Blackhawk and the company’s other military, law enforcement and first-responder brands. “This opportunity is a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and reliability. We deeply appreciate the trust placed in Blackhawk and look forward to supporting the German military with a modular system that empowers end users to carry in the way that best suits their mission. Our partnership with Helmut Hofmann has been instrumental, and we are proud to work alongside such a respected leader in the industry.”

The Blackhawk Bundeswehr Holster Carry System’s key features include four platforms for all common holster carry locations: High Ride Belt Loop, Jacket Slot Belt Loop, MOLLE/PALS Adapter and Micro Leg Platform. Quick-Detach Adapters are included with all platforms. The system is compatible with the Blackhawk QD Adapter (NSN 1005-12-381-5528) and the RTI Hanger (NSN 1005-12-400-3967).

This contract represents a significant step forward in modular carry technology for military applications. The system’s flexibility allows soldiers to maximize comfort and operational effectiveness. The collaboration between Blackhawk and Helmut Hofmann demonstrates the value of combining American engineering with German precision and logistics.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Blackhawk on delivering this advanced carry system to the Bundeswehr,” said Peter Hofmann, CEO of Helmut Hofmann. “The innovation and adaptability of this solution set a new standard for military equipment, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve the German armed forces together. This partnership highlights the strength of international cooperation and our shared commitment to excellence.”

OMI (Outdoor Marketing International GmbH), Blackhawk’s dedicated agency in Europe, played a pivotal role in securing this contract. The company’s expertise in navigating the European defense market and strong relationships with key stakeholders were instrumental in advancing the Bundeswehr Holster Carry System project to completion. OMI’s commitment and local insight ensured that Blackhawk’s innovative solutions were positioned for success with the Bundeswehr.

“We are truly excited to partner with Blackhawk on this landmark contract for the Bundeswehr,” said Lisa Hofmann, Managing Director at OMI. “This opportunity underscores the strength of our collaboration and our shared passion for delivering best-in-class solutions to those who serve. We look forward to supporting the German armed forces and building on this success together.”

To see the Blackhawk Bundeswehr Holster Carry System in person, visit us during SHOT Show at booth 10518 on Venetian Expo Level 2. To learn more about Blackhawk or Project Freedom, contact David Hein, david.hein@revelyst.com. To learn more about Revelyst, contact Eric Smith, eric.smith@revelyst.com.

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.