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BLADE’s Hunter WOLF Robotic UGV Scheduled for Evaluation with the 82nd Airborne Division (TiC)

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Third Army training event demonstrates Hunter WOLF adaptability and utility across diverse mission requirementsFREDERICKSBURG, Va., Aug. 17, 2026 — The U.S. Army is expanding the evaluation of the Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) from HDT Robotics, LLC dba BLADE, through a Transition in Contact (TiC) event with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The training and evaluation is taking place August 20, 2026.

The Hunter WOLF from BLADE (formerly HDT) continues to prove its maturity with TiC event with the 82nd Airborne.

The Hunter WOLF is a robotic multi-mission ground vehicle designed to reduce the physical burden on soldiers. With a payload capacity of up to 2,800 lbs, it supports logistics and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) missions while helping to solve the military’s “last tactical mile” of supply challenge. By carrying critical equipment, supplies, and personnel, it extends operational duration, keeps soldiers in the field longer, reduces fatigue, and allows them to operate at safer distances. Built specifically for dismounted military operations, it delivers mobility, payload, and power in a compact system engineered to perform in demanding environments where commercial vehicles fail.

The training event will provide hands-on experience for soldiers from one of the Army’s premier rapid-response units. Known as the “All-American” Division, the 82nd Airborne can deploy worldwide within 18 hours and specializes in parachute assault and other key military operations.

“No two Army units operate the same way,” said Tom Van Doren, President of Robotics, BLADE. “The value of these evaluations is seeing how the Hunter WOLF supports different mission sets, environments, and operational priorities. Every event helps validate the flexibility of the platform and identify new ways it can reduce workload and help keep soldiers out of harm’s way.”

During the training, soldiers will operate and evaluate the Hunter WOLF in real-world scenarios, gaining experience in system operation and mission integration. The vehicles will be configured to support a variety of mission requirements, including communications, logistics, casualty evacuation, mobile power generation, and equipment transport.

Specifically, configurations include:

Two Vehicle-mounted Tactical Radios (AN/VRC-158)
Autonomy
Five Universal Battery Chargers (UBC)
Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
15kW Mobile Power Export (120/240VAC inverter offload)
Extended Cargo Rails for Equipment Transport

“The 82nd Airborne brings a unique operational perspective centered on agility, mobility, and rapid deployment,” said John Conway, VP of Business Development, Robotics, BLADE. “Training units like this help demonstrate how the Hunter WOLF can integrate into light / mobile infantry operations while delivering the support soldiers need to stay focused on the warfighting mission.”

This event follows previous Hunter WOLF training and evaluation activities conducted with U.S. Army units earlier this year, including the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. Collectively, these engagements are providing valuable soldier feedback while demonstrating the platform’s adaptability across multiple mission requirements and operational environments.

www.hdtglobal.com

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Rheinmetall Successfully Demonstrates Launch of the FV-014 Loitering Munition System from Containerized Missile Launcher

Friday, August 14th, 2026

Rheinmetall has successfully launched its FV-014 loitering munition system from the Containerized Missile Launcher, a modular multi launcher for guided missiles and loitering munitions. Both the Containerized Missile Launcher and the FV-014 loitering munition system are in-house developments. The product demonstration took place in July 2026 at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems at the German Aerospace Centre in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt.
As part of a customer demonstration, the
FV-014 was launched from a Rheinmetall HX truck, both from a stationary position and whilst moving. During the demonstration, the system carried out various simulated operational profiles and attack flights. This successful test underlines Rheinmetall’s expertise in the field of modern loitering munition systems and marks another important milestone in the expansion of its portfolio of unmanned weapons for various ranges.

The FV-014 was developed for highly mobile operations on the modern battlefield. It combines reconnaissance, target identification and precision strike capabilities within a single system and is designed for operational ranges of up to 100 kilometres. State-of-the-art sensor technology, network capability and strong resilience to GNSS interference through a high degree of autonomy enable deployment even in demanding operational scenarios. The system is suitable for engaging both armoured and unarmoured targets.
Launching takes place from a transport and launch container using a booster. These launch containers can be integrated into the Containerized Missile Launcher on a modular basis. Depending on the selected container model, this launcher can accommodate up to 18 FV-014. After ejection, the aircraft unfolds its folding wings and transitions to aerodynamic flight. With a flight duration of up to 70 minutes, the operator has sufficient time for reconnaissance, target selection and decision making for the attack.

The system is controlled via a user-friendly ground station with permanent human-in-the-loop control. This enables the operator to identify and track targets, launch precise attacks and abort the mission, if necessary in order to respond to changing operational conditions.

The FV-014 is a modern loitering munition system with a launch weight of around 22 kilograms, including a payload of approximately six kilograms. The integrated HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) warhead has a penetration capacity of more than 600 millimetres of solid armour steel and is equally effective against armoured and unarmoured targets, as well as infrastructure.
An electrically powered propeller guarantees a quiet approach. Furthermore, the FV-014 is designed for a reduced radar and infrared signature. In addition to precise single strikes, the system supports swarm operations to simultaneously engage multiple targets or to ‘saturate’ by deliberately overstraining enemy defence systems. Future deployment from mobile land vehicle platforms and seagoing units is planned.

The Containerized Missile Launcher is a highly flexible, modular designed launch platform, amongst other things, for the FV-014loitering munition system. It is based on a standardised ISO container of any size. It can be deployed both in a stationary configuration and on mobile platforms, such as a Rheinmetall HX truck, as well as on naval vessels. In the 20-foot configuration, a Containerized Missile Launcher can accommodate up to 18 FV-014 and is fully compatible with existing transport, logistics and operational platforms. Connection to command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) systems enables flexible launch by a local operator, via radio link or satellite communication. An integrated power supply ensures reliable long-term operation, even in remote operational areas. The consistent use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components reduces life-cycle costs. Furthermore, the system features an integrated ‘sleeper’ capability for remote activation.

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US Army Announces Vendors for Infantry Last Tactical Mile Operations

Friday, August 14th, 2026

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. – Today, the U.S. Army announced the selection of six vendors for the Infantry Last Tactical Mile (ILTM) initiative, a key effort within our mission autonomy portfolio to modernize infantry support for Soldiers on the battlefield.

“This project will deliver production-ready prototype autonomous systems supporting manned close combat formations through rapidly deployable logistical resupply platforms capable of performing casualty evacuation operations and network extension to the forward line of own troops,” said Col. Ken Bernier, the Army’s project manager for Autonomous Robotic Capabilities.

The selected vendors 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 six identified companies – Maren-Go (Vancouver, Wash.), Overland AI (Seattle), Forterra (Clarksburg, Md.), Hendrick’s Motorsports (Concord, N.C.), American Rheinmetall (Auburn Hills, Mich.), and HDT (Solon, Ohio) – were chosen for their innovative approaches to logistical resupply to the forward line of own troops (FLOT). Their proposed technologies range from proven autonomous commercial equipment to novel purpose-built robotic platforms designed to meet the logistical needs of the infantry.

Formal contract awards for the ILTM 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 an Operational Assessment with an Army unit 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 infantry systems.

By Ashley John

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Federal Ammunition Awarded Contracts to Provide Rifle and Shotgun Ammunition to the Canadian Government

Thursday, August 13th, 2026

Federal Ammunition was recently awarded contracts to supply two Canadian law enforcement organizations with rifle and shotgun ammunition for duty and training purposes. These agreements will supply the Department of National Defense (DND) with 300 Blackout duty and training rounds, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with 12-gauge slugs and buckshot duty loads.

“We are pleased to provide these organizations with our product lines,” said Randall Watkins, Sales Director, Law Enforcement and Government at Federal. “We look forward to growing our trusted ammunition product lines within Canada’s DND for use both domestically and abroad.”

Federal’s 110-grain Tactical Bonded 300 AAC Blackout cartridges will fulfill the DND’s requirement for supersonic rounds with a maximum round count of 330,000. Federal’s 108-grain Semi-Jacketed Frangible 300 AAC Blackout cartridges will fulfill their training rounds requirement with a maximum round count of 530,000.

The RCMP’s contract is for Federal’s 12-gauge, 1-ounce Slug, Reduced Recoil Ammunition with a quantity of 51,000 cartridges and 12-gauge, 00 Buckshot, Reduced Recoil Ammunition with a quantity of 120,250. This contract has a 1-year base with a 1-year possible renewal option.

“We previously serviced a 12-gauge duty contract with the RCMP,” Watkins said, “and we are proud to continue supplying them with our dependable products.”

Federal Ammunition products are available at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on all Federal products and to sign up for notifications about new product availability, rebate promotions, and other brand news via email, visit www.federalpremium.com.

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Mistral Inc and Uvision Receive an Additional Order Under US Army Lethal Unmanned Systems Program

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

More than $50 million delivery order expands HERO 120 systems and ancillary equipment in support of U.S. Soldier training, readiness, and mission successBETHESDA, Md., Aug. 5, 2026 — Mistral Inc. and Uvision announced today that they have received an additional order under the U.S. Army’s Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS) program in support of the Capability Portfolio Executive (CPE) Mission Autonomy, Precision Strike Reconnaissance Systems (PSRS).

Valued at more than $50 million, this order will increase the quantity of HERO 120 loitering munition systems and ancillary equipment provided to U.S. Warfighters. The award supports the Army’s continued effort to equip Soldiers with advanced, reliable, and mission-ready capabilities that enhance training, readiness, and operational effectiveness.

HERO 120 systems are being domestically manufactured in support of the U.S. Army Lethal Unmanned Systems program.

This additional order represents an important milestone for Mistral Inc. and Uvision as they continue supporting the U.S. Army’s LUS program. The additional systems and equipment will help soldiers train, build proficiency, and prepare to employ a precision strike capability designed for the demands of the modern battlefield.

Under the LUS program, Mistral Inc. and UVision work together to deliver the HERO 120 to the U.S. Army. Uvision is the design authority for HERO 120 and is a major partner in the development, manufacturing, and delivery of the system. Mistral Inc. and Uvision remain focused on providing the DOW with proven capability, responsive support, and reliable delivery as the program continues to advance.

“This is an important step forward for Mistral Inc., UVision, and the U.S. Army’s LUS program,” said Yoav Banai, Senior Vice President at Mistral Inc. “This award increases the number of HERO 120 systems and ancillary equipment available to our Soldiers, allowing them to train, build confidence, and prepare for mission success. Mistral Inc. and Uvision are proud to continue supporting the Army and remain committed to providing warfighters with the tools they need to win the fight.”

The HERO 120 loitering munition system supports precision strike capability for modern tactical formations.

“Uvision is proud to support the U.S. Army’s LUS program,” said Jarmin Blanton, Vice President of Business Development, Sales & Marketing at Uvision Inc. “As the design authority for HERO 120, UVision remains committed to delivering a mature, effective, and reliable system that supports soldier training, readiness, and mission success. The continuation of the LUS contract reflects the continued strength of the partnership between Mistral Inc. and Uvision Inc. and our shared commitment to supporting the Army’s precision strike requirements.”

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Aquaterro Secures Over $160m in Survivability and Lethality Contracts with ADF

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026

The Australian Government today announced two major Department of Defence contracts signed with Aquaterro for arms and armour. It is one of the largest Defence contract-value announcements to any Australian company of 2026.

Founded 32 years ago, Aquaterro is 100% Australian owned and employs around 70 Australians, working in close cooperation with world-class US OEM partners.

Aquaterro supplies, integrates, supports, maintains, and manufactures products and systems for: defence, law enforcement, first response, and rescue, for Sea, Land, and Air domains.

“The confidence and trust the Commonwealth has shown in Aquaterro, is incredibly rewarding for our team.” said Aquaterro Founder and CEO, Graeme Bulte.

“These vital elements of the Integrated Soldier System, combining both Arms and Armour, with total integration, engineering, support and sustainment being provided by Australians, in Australia, is a great example of what can be accomplished with an Australian owned company delivering on major contract requirements for Australians in uniform.”

Bulte went on to say; “The long-standing partnerships we have with SIG SAUER and Team Wendy Ceradyne are critical to the success of the work we do and these programs in particular; supporting the Australian Warfighter with the very best equipment in the world.”

The two Soldier Systems contracts the Australian Department of Defence has signed with Aquaterro are;

The Combat Helmet Contract an investment by the Australian Department of Defence of up to AUD$160 million (US$115m), for supply and support of the Combat Helmet and Combat Vehicle Crewman-Enhanced Helmet, as well as enabling advancements in technology to be adopted throughout the contract term. Aquaterro has invested in the only Combat Ballistic Helmet Refurbishment Facility outside the United States, a multi-million dollar sovereign capability which provides through-life complete refurbishment of the fleet to ensure protection and life-of- type value is maximised.

Aquaterro has supported the ADF with headborne protection systems for 10 years, supplying over 75,000 Team Wendy ballistic helmets, as well as Armor Source/Peacemaker CVC-E helmets, and conducting refurbishment maintenance services on over 30,000 helmets from the ADF fleet.

Graeme Bulte said; “The close working relationship we have had for over a decade with Team Wendy Ceradyne, is the key to the success of the program to date, and behind our selection by the Commonwealth to continue this capability provision.”

The new contract also includes the provision of 100% Designed and Made in Australia Peacemaker® camouflage helmet covers for Combat and CVC-E Helmets. Aquaterro and its’ Peacemaker® design and manufacturing enterprise, is one of the very few entities licensed to manufacture with AMCU (Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform). The first purchase order under the new contract for Peacemaker® Helmet Covers has been published, valued at AUD$2.45m (US$1.72m).

Peacemaker® has become Australia’s premier domestic brand of tactical textile products, with widespread major contract supply to Australian state and federal law enforcement, as well as Defence.

The Aquaterro Services Contract, a versatile “Support” contract (similar in many ways to a US IDIQ contract) in support of the Australian Army’s Integrated Soldier Systems LAND300 Program, will provide recurring-services direct support for SIG SAUER small-arms systems, as well as enable future provisions and next generations of technology and support. The work will be centred at Aquaterro’s 4.5 acre, high-security defence precinct, including, its armoury, range, secure warehouse, advanced manufacturing workshops, and integration facility. The contract includes the joint capabilities of Aquaterro and SIG SAUER working together collaboratively to directly support the Australian Defence Force.

Graeme Bulte said; “The collaborative partnership Aquaterro and SIG have developed over many years, is best described in SIG’s stated mission: to be a reliable, long-term partner to our customers, recognized for the quality and value of our products and the reliability of our commitments. This newly executed contract will provide the Australian Defence Force with the direct benefit of that commitment, and the vertical capability SIG and Aquaterro can deliver.”

Aquaterro has invested over $25m in specialised high-security defence infrastructure to support Integrated Soldier Systems, including small arms, ammunition, and ancillaries. All SIG small arms systems supplied to Defence to date, have completed their manufacturing and final checks at Aquaterro’s facility, where specialised laser marking to meet ADF requirements is conducted.

Australian Federal Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP said;

“This investment is about keeping Australian soldiers, sailors and aviators safe and supporting local defence industry and jobs. Aquaterro’s work will play an important role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign domestic supply chains and supporting the sustainment of critical ADF capability.”

The two contracts represent a substantial investment by the Australian Government to support the individual men and women of the Australian Defence Force – the most important of all defence platforms – with world leading integrated soldier systems.

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »

EOTECH Supplies Electro-Optics to the US Army

Monday, August 3rd, 2026

Plymouth, MI (July 2026) – EOTECH, a division of American Holoptics and leader in advanced electro-optic sighting systems, today announced the recent sale of its OGL® (On-Gun Laser) systems, HWS® (Holographic Weapon Sights), and compatible magnifiers to the U.S. Army, totaling 14,000 units. The procurement was executed through multiple Transformation in Contact (TiC) buys to directly support the PAE Maneuver Ground portfolio’s surrogate optics project for M7, XM8 Carbine, and M250 Automatic Rifle.

This delivery provides critical day/night aiming, illumination, and engagement capabilities to Soldiers participating in the surrogate optics evaluation. The EOTECH systems include the rugged, combat-proven OGL for visible and infrared laser performance, industry-leading holographic sights for rapid target acquisition, and high-performance magnifiers—enabling enhanced lethality, improved positive identification, situational awareness, and operational flexibility in diverse and austere environments.

“EOTECH is proud to support the U.S. Army’s modernization efforts by delivering reliable, high-performance optics that meet the demanding requirements of today’s warfighters,” said Tod Litt; VP of Business Development-Intl/Govt for EOTECH. “These TiC acquisitions allow the Army to rapidly field advanced surrogate solutions, gather real-world Soldier feedback, and inform future requirements for a more sustainable and effective optics program across the force while replacing obsoleted systems currently being employed. We remain committed to American-made innovation that gives our Soldiers the decisive edge.”

The surrogate optics initiative for M7, XM8 Carbine, and M250 Automatic Rifle under PAE Maneuver Ground represents a key component of the Army’s accelerated acquisition strategy. By leveraging rapid procurement pathways like the TiC, the Army can efficiently evaluate technologies, mitigate risk, and accelerate the delivery of next-generation capabilities to maintain overmatch.

EOTECH’s holographic weapon sights and associated systems have a long history of trusted service with U.S. and allied forces. These latest deliveries underscore the company’s ongoing role in equipping America’s warfighters with cutting-edge tools designed for extreme durability, speed, and precision while proving that EOTECH’s capacity can scale quickly and efficiently to meet dynamic demand required of the U.S. Army.

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BC Customs Selected for US Army ISV-H Prototype Agreement

Saturday, August 1st, 2026

Honeyville Utah – July 30th 2026 – BC Customs (BCC) in association with Raglan, has been selected for the U.S. Army Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) [W912CH-26-9-A061] to build prototypes for the Infantry Squad Vehicle-Heavy (ISV-H). The program has an approved Army Acquisition Objective of 606 platforms and is intended to provide critical operational capabilities, including exportable power to support tactical operations and onboard power to enable mission command while maneuvering.

Army Contracting Command-Detroit Arsenal selected the BCC-Raglan team as one of the participants in the competitive, multi-phase Commercial Solutions Opening [W912CH-26-S-C005]. Under the solicitation, the Government anticipated the award of up to three OTA agreements and/or FAR-based contracts. As part of the agreement, BCC will manufacture and deliver three (3) ISV-H vehicles’ utilizing Raglan electronic control and export power systems for Government evaluation as the competition advances toward a potential follow-on production award.

“BC Customs was built around one simple idea: build vehicles that perform when the mission demands it. Our success has come from understanding the operator, investing in our capabilities, and never compromising on the quality of the vehicle we deliver. We look forward to working with Raglan to deliver the best vehicle solution possible to the Warfighter” said Brandon Johnson, CEO at BC Customs.

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