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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.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Mack Defense Receives Order for 86 Trucks for the US Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program

FN Delivers Weapon System Test Samples to DoD’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

McLean, VA — October 8, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that it has delivered test and evaluation samples of two all-new weapon systems – LICC-IWS and LICC-AMG – along with ammunition as part of a long-term development contract with the Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD). FN also conducted new equipment training (NET) and armorer’s training for both systems to demonstrate maintenance at the unit level.

FN America developed the weapon systems with feedback from individual operators, based on the U.S. Government goal of providing overmatch against near-peer threats. The systems were recently assigned National Stock Numbers (NSN), simplifying the acquisition process.

The LICC-IWS program is comprised of the 6.5×43 LICC (Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge) ammunition, the LICC-IWS (Individual Weapon System) with FN® IPC (Improved Performance Carbine), purpose-built magazine and signature suppressor. The LICC-AMG is based on the success of the prototype LICC ammunition and LICC-IWS system and is comprised of the LICC-AMG (Assault Machine Gun) belt-fed machine gun, signature suppressor, family of common ammunition, and lightweight links. Multiple users will test the operational samples , providing critical feedback to aid FN and IWTSD in the final development of the systems.

“FN’s ultimate goal is to advance from development into production and field a final solution that provides operators a system that is easier to operate, more accurate and more effective than anything available today,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America. “After this test and evaluation phase, our plan is to take user feedback, fine-tune the systems and move into low-rate initial production.”

LICC Weapon Systems and Ammunition

FN designed the LICC-IWS individual weapon system to improve lethality, accuracy, durability, balance and handling over the M4A1. The improved performance derives from a new 6.5×43 LICC lightweight ammunition , based on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s .264 USA; a 25-round purpose-built, polymer magazine; a signature suppressor, and the FN IPC. The FN IPC features a completely new architecture, well-suited to meet the challenging program requirements and address the feedback from operators who have contributed since the beginning of the program.

The LICC-IWS IPC handles much like an M4A1 but with key improvements to deliver a fully ambidextrous platform with unique takedown method and highly adjustable buttstock, which allows for user-selectable left- or right-hand side fold capability. It operates from a robust long-stroke gas piston system and features multiple buffers that reduce felt recoil, resulting in an extremely soft shooting weapon.

Additionally, it features a unique self-regulating gas system with on-off capability, and newly patented bullet technology developed from efforts to mature the 6.5×43 cartridge, that greatly improve system reliability and accuracy.

The LICC-IWS has been developed and is being tested in three different barrel-length models – a 12.5” Close Quarters Battle option, a 14.5” Carbine option and an 18.0” Designated Marksmanship Rifle option (RECCE).

“Initial test firing results from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and other operators show that the accuracy of the LICC-IWS is consistently two times better than the M4A1,” said Jim Williams, Vice President, Military Programs for FN America. “Additionally, the LICC-IWS handles like the M4A1, yet remains soft shooting when firing the new 6.5×43 lightweight ammunition.”

Adapted from the FN Evolys®, the select-fire LICC-AMG is a shoulder-fired, belt-fed lightweight weapon system chambered in 6.5×43 LICC with a continuous monolithic top rail and an innovative side feed featuring a lightweight metallic link. In prototype testing, the AMG was more accurate than the FN MK 48 in full auto mode. Overall, the AMG demonstrated improved performance in lethality, accuracy, durability, balance and handling over the FN M249 and FN MK 46/MK 48 machine guns.

“Creating totally unique weapon systems around a specific caliber is in FN’s DNA,” said John Bungard, Sr. Director, Military Development Programs for FN America, LLC. “As our team worked on the LICC-IWS program, quickly followed by LICC-AMG, we were able to leverage our decades of engineering expertise across multiple weapons and ammunition platforms to come up with the ideal solution for today’s global threats.”

FN’s LICC-IWS and LICC-AMG submissions are ground-floor development efforts based on the IWTSD concept and FN’s unique 6.5x43mm LICC caliber developed with input from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, IWTSD and individual operators. A family of lightweight, stainless steel cased 6.5×43 caliber ammunition was designed to reduce the carried weight of the system by 20% compared to equivalent brass cartridges, while achieving improved results in accuracy, range and performance over current fielded 5.56 ammunition, including M855A1 (5.56x45mm).

Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD)

The IWTSD exists to identify and develop capabilities for the Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct irregular warfare against all adversaries, including Great Power competitors and non-state actors. The IWTSD delivers those capabilities to DoD components and interagency partners through rapid research and development, advanced studies and technical innovation, and provision of support to U.S. military operations. In addition, the IWTSD directly manages bilateral agreements with five partner countries: Australia, Canada, Israel, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

“FN is excited to partner with the IWTSD to begin final testing and evaluation of the new LICC IWS and AMG systems,” said Bungard. “We cannot wait to get additional user feedback, fine-tune the systems and begin production of what promises to be the next groundbreaking FN platform.”

NSNs Assigned to Select Variants

Three variants of the LICC-IWS have been assigned national stock numbers (NSNs) and are available for requisition by Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and SOCOM elements and activities. The three variants currently available for request are a 12.5” Close Quarters Battle option, a 14.5” Carbine option and an 18.0” Designated Marksmanship Rifle option, along with two suppressors supporting the system. The NSNs are:

NSN 1005-01-729-0039, FN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE 12.5 IN CQB WITH BII*

NSN 1005-01-729-0052, FN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE 14.5 IN CQB WITH BII*

NSN 1005-01-729-0046, FN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE 18.12 IN REECE (sic) WITH BII*

NSN 1005-01-728-9868, SUPPRESSOR, FLOW 264 FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE

NSN 1005-01-728-9874, SUPPRESSOR, FLOW 7.62 FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE CARBINE

*Basic Issue Items

FN and the U.S. Military

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. The company currently holds contracts for the FN® M240 and its variants, the FN® M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN® MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM and various other contracts.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.FNAmerica.com.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, SOF | 62 Comments »

Milrem Robotics to Deliver over 150 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine in a Dutch-Led Defence Initiative?

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

Milrem Robotics—the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer—will deliver over 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Ukraine as part of a donation funded and coordinated by the Netherlands. A significant portion of these vehicles will be assembled and delivered in collaboration with VDL Defentec.

The donation was initially announced in September, however, the identity of the contributing country was not disclosed. On 6 October, the Dutch Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, joined Milrem Robotics and VDL for a formal announcement and signing ceremony at VDL’s facility in Born to mark the agreement.

The deliveries will be executed by Milrem Robotics Netherlands in close cooperation with VDL Defentec, which is establishing a dedicated final assembly line at its Born facility. The assembly setup is designed for scalability, enabling further production and deliveries in response to future requirements.

Milrem Robotics will deliver comprehensive training to Ukrainian operators and support staff to ensure efficient deployment and maintenance in the field.

“We are honoured to lead this project in partnership with the Netherlands and VDL. The THeMIS platform has already demonstrated its value under combat conditions, and we believe this contribution will materially strengthen Ukraine’s defence capability,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“This initiative highlights the strength of cooperation between partners in Europe’s defence industry and their ability to scale up and contribute directly to international security. Establishing the assembly line in Born supports this donation and creates a foundation for future production and innovation between Milrem Robotics and VDL in the Netherlands,” said Willem van der Leegte, CEO of VDL Groep.

The new units will add to the 15 THeMIS vehicles already in operation in Ukraine, which have been proving their effectiveness on the battlefield since 2022.

THeMIS is a proven and highly adaptable unmanned vehicle platform designed to support dismounted forces, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat support missions. It is currently part of robotics programmes or in service in 19 countries, making it the most widely deployed UGV in its class.

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AV Selected for $499M AFRL Contract to Advance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials, Awarded $246M in Task Orders

Friday, October 3rd, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va., October 1, 2025 – AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of advanced research and development innovation for national security missions and warfighter protection, has been selected for a 10-year single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $499 million by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the High-Performance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials Advancement (HELMSSMAN) program. Work completed under the program will mature material technology development and deploy protective solutions to the frontlines, guarding warfighters against exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation.

“As technologies advance and battlespace tactics evolve, AV is helping warfighters stay ahead of emerging threats,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV Chief Executive Officer. “Whether through our autonomous systems, our layered counter-drone technologies, our advancements in satellite communication and space domain awareness, or–like HELMSSMAN–our advanced research and development, we are taking on the most critical challenges and rapidly transitioning innovation from the lab to the frontlines.”

AV has been awarded two initial task orders for this contract valued at $246 million:

Under the “Advanced Development of Vision Protection Materials” task order, valued at $98M, AV will develop a suite of viable electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) protection capabilities that do not increase operational risk or degrade mission performance. The team will research the interaction of EMS elements with materials, systems, and personnel to develop future-proofed vision protection systems for our warfighters.

Under the “Advanced Development of Materials for EMS Resilience” task order, valued at $148M, AV will conduct research on the impacts of EMS sources on U.S materials, components, and systems and provide mitigation options to the warfighter to ensure effective kill chain execution in complex environments. The team will develop test infrastructure and modeling methods to accelerate the fielding of measures validated in realistic environments for warfighter protection.

With these task orders, AV will research, develop, test, evaluate, prototype, demonstrate, and transition technologies to advance the development of vision protection materials and materials for electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) resilience. Work is planned to begin this month.

Leveraging its multi-domain, multi-mission expertise and past performance delivering innovative R&D material solutions to AFRL, AV will advance electronic protection materials through directed energy solutions, test range experience, modeling, and simulation (M&S) capabilities, and space technology transitions. The company has previously supported AFRL through the development of laser-hardened materials and techniques and electronic, photonic, electro-optical, and quantum materials for Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare (EW) missions.

“We have demonstrated unique strengths in managing and executing strategic research programs,” said Dr. John Hogan, Vice President of Advanced Research and Development at AV. “This contract complements and continues our research and development work in material development with AFRL. We are honored to be a trusted partner in this effort.”

The Advanced R&D team at AV, located in Dayton, OH, is dedicated to developing hardened, smart materials that dynamically adapt properties to protect warfighters, their sensors, and their assets, like ground vehicles, aircraft, and structures. With expertise in thermal, optical, and electronic systems, the team identifies challenges and vulnerabilities across various domains and develops material solutions to counteract threats.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, EW, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on AV Selected for $499M AFRL Contract to Advance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials, Awarded $246M in Task Orders

Draganfly Enlisted by US Army to Deliver Drones on Heels of Developing Drones for Border Security

Friday, October 3rd, 2025

Tampa, FL. October 2, 2025 – Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced its selection by the U.S. Army to provide Flex FPV drone systems.

Under the initial order, Draganfly will deliver Flex FPV drones designed for high-performance operations as well as help establish on-site manufacturing of the Flex FPV (First Person View) within overseas U.S. Forces facilities to accelerate deployment and reduce supply-chain timelines.

The Company will also provide both flight and manufacturing training to enable Army personnel to sustain operations, and will manage logistics to ensure a secure, NDAA-compliant supply chain practice. This marks a significant milestone in evolving critical drone capabilities closer to the theater of operations, reducing logistical vulnerabilities and enhancing force readiness.

Recent exercises have underscored the importance of FPV technology for U.S. forces. During the Swift Response 2025 exercise in Lithuania, paratroopers operated and detonated in-house-built FPV drones against dismounted and vehicle-sized autonomous targets. The unit has also established its own drone lab for design, training, and rapid innovation. In August 2025, the U.S. Army executed the first-ever air-to-air kill with an armed FPV drone, advancing the evolution of drone warfare. Draganfly’s Embedded Manufacturing Program and the Flex FPV Drone systems are in direct support of this strategic shift to decentralized and agile innovation.

“We are honored to support the U.S. Army as it moves critical drone capabilities closer to front lines,” said Cameron Chell, President & CEO of Draganfly. “By combining advanced Flex FPV Drone systems, embedded manufacturing, training and secure logistics, we are helping reinforce operational agility and sustainment for forward deployed forces. This helps ensure personnel have the tools, training and capabilities required when and where they need them most.”

For more information, visit www.draganfly.com

Posted in Army, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | Comments Off on Draganfly Enlisted by US Army to Deliver Drones on Heels of Developing Drones for Border Security

Major Order from the USA: Rheinmetall to Supply Artillery Ammunition to Eastern European Customer – Total Worth €444 Million

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

Rheinmetall has been commissioned to supply ammunition to an Eastern European customer. As a subcontractor to Global Military Products, a company commissioned by the US government, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions will supply 155 mm M107 projectiles with M4A2 propellant charges and 105 mm M1 projectiles to the customer. The total value of the contract is around €444 million. Of this, €170 million has already been booked as a pre-order, meaning that a further €274 million in new orders has now been booked. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026 and be completed in June 2027.

The order underscores Rheinmetall’s high level of expertise and manufacturing capacity in the field of ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based technology group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of large-calibre ammunition. Rheinmetall has been increasing its production capacity since 2022 and aims to be able to produce up to 1.5 million 155 mm artillery shells per year by 2027.

Rheinmetall is also one of the world’s leading manufacturers of weapons and ammunition systems. Its product range extends from medium-calibre ammunition for armoured personnel carriers and anti-aircraft guns to tank and artillery ammunition, aircraft armaments and high-energy laser applications.

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FN Wins US Army Development Contract for the Precision Grenadier System

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

(McLean, VA — October 1, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) contract valued at $2 million, by the U.S. Army to further develop its submission for the Precision Grenadier System, a next-generation primary soldier weapon system and family of ammunition that enables precision engagements to destroy targets with increased lethality and precision compared to legacy grenade launchers.

The FN Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30™) that was designed in the U.S. and will be manufactured by FN America at its plant in South Carolina is a soldier-portable, semi-automatic, medium-velocity, flat trajectory grenade launcher that enables warfighters to engage targets at extended ranges with more effective payloads over existing technologies. After extensive testing, FN’s solution has successfully met the DoD’s key performance criteria while also delivering desired characteristics. In addition, the FN solution is easily manufacturable and logistically supportable due to state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, ensuring the program will be cost-effective.

“This program is a U.S. Government priority with the shift in modern warfare and engagements, and FN is honored to be selected to develop this new, innovative solution,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “Once developed and implemented, this weapon system could radically change future battlefield strategies. It will offer new capabilities at the squad level and upgraded tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system.”

FN’s solution, the FN MTL-30, is the first in this family of launchers and ammunition, as FN works with the Department of Defense (DoD) to help solve one of the world’s most pressing battlefield needs.

“The FN MTL-30 shoulder-fired launcher can engage in close-quarter warfare, defeat targets in defilade, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It could also be networked with FN remote weapon stations to create a multi-layered defense against UAS,” said John Bungard, Sr. Director, Military Development Programs for FN America, LLC. “Providing solutions that can counter multiple threats is critical for future battlefield engagements. We are excited that the Army is interested in maturing our PGS solution. We are fully committed to this system and its development.”

The FN MTL-30 is chambered for 30mm medium-velocity grenades and features a detachable box magazine with 3- or 5-round capacity. At just 35 inches in length and 8.5 inches tall, the weapon weighs just over 10 lb. The bolt catch, magazine release and safety selector are all ambidextrous, plus there is an M4-style telescoping buttstock with a modular cheek riser. The modular rail system has a contiguous top rail for mounting of visual augmentation systems (VAS) and other devices, plus side M-LOK® slots with a MIL-STD Picatinny rail.

For the soldier, the FN MTL-30 is lighter and more streamlined than previous options. Real time soldier feedback has led to a prototype that is far more user-friendly, incorporating a footprint users will be familiar with due to the M4-style controls, grip and buttstock. The system features a soft shooting launcher with low-felt recoil, enabling rapid target engagement with effective payloads from an extremely controllable system. In addition, FN’s modular system is fully serviceable at the user level and has high parts commonality with existing components.

“The technologies we have incorporated have allowed FN to create a system that is much lighter, more compact and more maneuverable than previous soldier-operated grenade launchers,” said Jim Williams, Vice President, Military Programs for FN America, LLC. “This will improve soldier capabilities on the battlefield, offering a robust solution for close combat, engaging targets beyond 500m or to potentially combat other threats such as unmanned aerial systems.”

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to this opportunity, the company currently holds contracts for the FN® M240 and its variants, the FN® M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN® MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM and various other contracts. FN has decades of experience designing and supplying various grenade launching systems. The company produced the MK 19 fully automatic 40mm launcher, the MK 13 EGLMthat was a part of the SCAR program and currently sells the FN 40GL® standalone launcher internationally.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.FNAmerica.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »