Industry | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Barretta Defense Technologies Releases White Paper Calling for Focus on Dismounted Soldier in Europe

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., founding member of the Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) strategic alliance of Beretta Holding group companies, is launching a White Paper calling for greater consideration of the dismounted soldier in Europe’s defence policy and programming.

The paper, titled “the Enduring Importance of the Dismounted Soldier in Modern Conflict” was presented to Members of the European Parliament, national and EU defence representatives on 5 March. Taking stock of lessons from the war in Ukraine, the paper underlines that the human element remains central to operational effectiveness. To defend Europe, training and equipping soldiers effectively must be a priority.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Beretta Holding Vice-President and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., Dr Franco Gussalli Beretta, said “As warfare continues to evolve through advancing technologies, the soldier remains a vital and irreplaceable element of modern defence. In this context, innovation and the continuous enhancement of individual equipment are essential to strengthening the capabilities and effectiveness of today’s soldiers”.

Although investment in defence at European and national level is ramping up, several challenges remain.

Programmes like the European Defence Fund (EDF), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) have strengthened Europe’s ability to invest together in defence. However, too little of this funding is allocated to soldier-focused capabilities.

A new industrial mindset

The White Paper highlights that Europe’s small arms, ammunition and equipment markets remain fragmented, characterised by different national approaches to equipping soldiers. Many countries are still equipping their soldiers with outdated service weapons or relying on non-European products.

The rapidly changing defence and geopolitical landscape calls for a new industrial mindset to address the challenges to equipping soldiers effectively. This mindset should focus on common requirements, pragmatic solutions and European collaboration.The paper calls on European policymakers to make the dismounted soldier a strategic priority by:

• Investing in modern infantry equipment;

• Harmonising European standards for that equipment;

• Streamlining design and performance criteria;

• Reforming procurement;

• Encouraging industrial cooperation between member states.

Beretta urges faster innovation, better planning, and learning from current conflicts to ensure soldiers are ready to face current and future threats.

Next steps

The White Paper draws on expertise from across Beretta Defense Technologies, a predominantly European alliance of Beretta Holding companies. Each BDT company has a rich history and reputation for excellence in their field: from firearms and ammunition production to precision optics, clothing and accessories.

Through this alliance, Beretta is uniquely placed to offer scalable solutions, designed and manufactured in Europe.

The latest innovations from BDT include specialised anti-drone firearms and ammunition.

This launch is intended as a first step towards the wider goal of a credible and autonomous European defence posture. Beretta stands ready to support decision makers to learn the lessons of today’s conflicts, address market fragmentation, establish key standards and criteria, and facilitate industrial alliances.

About Beretta

Beretta (Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta SpA) is the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world. With roots in Northern Italy going back to 1526, the company remains under the leadership of the Beretta family, making it one of the world’s oldest family-owned and family-run businesses. Beretta is also a founding member of BDT (Beretta Defense Technologies), an alliance of Beretta Holding Group companies that supply leading armed forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide with firearms, ammunition, optics, electro-optics, clothing and accessories.

To access the white paper, visit here.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

Milrem Robotics and PGZ Sign MoU to Strengthen Estonian–Polish Defence Industry Cooperation

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Poland’s largest defence industry group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential areas of collaboration and bolster strategic defence relations between Estonia, Poland, and Central & Eastern Europe.

Under the agreement, Milrem Robotics and PGZ will work together to accelerate the development of advanced defence technologies by leveraging each other’s expertise, industrial capabilities, and technological resources. One focus area includes payload integration on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), supporting the rapid adaptation of innovative systems to meet evolving operational requirements. The cooperation will also explore integrating Milrem Robotics’ autonomous technologies into PGZ’s vehicles, further enhancing the capabilities of next-generation defence platforms.

The MoU also serves as a foundation for future detailed agreements covering research and development, production, deliveries, services, and overhauls.

“By combining Milrem Robotics’ leadership in autonomous ground systems with PGZ’s extensive manufacturing base and defence portfolio, we aim to foster innovation, enhance interoperability, and strengthen regional security capabilities,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

Milrem Robotics Poland Managing Director Marcin Sobieraj added: “By joining forces with PGZ, we can accelerate the development and integration of advanced unmanned systems to better serve allied armed forces.”

Marcin Idzik, Vice President of PGZ added: “Collaboration with Milrem Robotics opens new opportunities for advancing innovative unmanned solutions within Poland’s defence ecosystem. Together, we aim to strengthen our industrial base and deliver cutting-edge capabilities to meet current and future defence challenges.”

The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to contribute to European defence innovation, industrial resilience, and closer cross-border cooperation.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Dunnagan Global Armor Strategies, LLC Is Open For Business

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Dunnagan Global Armor Strategies, LLC is proud to announce its official launch.

We are a defense-market advisory firm focused on the global commercialization of advanced armor and personal protection technologies. Our work centers on helping innovators expand into international defense markets through targeted sales strategy, market development, and competitive positioning across allied nations.
We partner with manufacturers, integrators, and technology developers to ensure their protection solutions reach the programs, procurement channels, and end-users where they can make the greatest impact.

For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or support entering new defense markets, we welcome you to connect with us.

Email Todd@dunnaganglobal.com.

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, Industry | No Comments »

From Silk to Systems — How a 19th Century Textile Mill Became a Global Leader in Modern Protection

Friday, March 20th, 2026

What do silk threads and next-generation combat helmets have in common?

The answer starts in 1894, inside a small Pennsylvania silk mill that would eventually become one of the most influential protective equipment manufacturers in the world.

Gentex Corporation began as the Klots Throwing Company, producing silk fibers for different use cases. After a devastating factory fire, the company relocated to Carbondale, Pennsylvania — a move that set the stage for more than a century of reinvention.

During World War I, then operating as General Silk, the company became one of the world’s largest processors of silk, manufacturing cartridge bags for the U.S. military. In World War II, it pivoted again, producing cargo parachutes and protective containers, and experimenting with early composite materials that would shape its future.

In 1948, leveraging those materials innovations, the company produced its first hard-shell pilot helmet for the U.S. Navy. That moment marked a defining shift from textiles to protection systems. By 1958, the company adopted the name Gentex and began building what would become a global portfolio of advanced helmet systems.

Over the decades, Gentex has helped transform the helmet from simple head protection into an integrated platform for situational awareness, combining communications, vision systems, respiratory protection, acoustics, optics, and advanced materials into mission-critical equipment used by military forces, emergency responders, and industrial professionals worldwide.

Today, the company’s products support global defense forces and aerospace programs, including advanced aircrew helmet systems and integrated soldier protection platforms, all engineered from the same Pennsylvania roots.

Why this story matters now

At a time when supply chains, domestic manufacturing, and defense innovation are under renewed scrutiny, Gentex represents a rare example of continuous American manufacturing evolution, a company that has reinvented itself across two world wars, the jet age, the space era, and today’s multi-domain battlefield.

From silk fibers to next-generation protective systems, it’s a 130-year story of material science, military partnership, and industrial resilience.

Learn more at Gentexcorp.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History, Industry | No Comments »

DroneShield Expands Radar Interoperability with Robin Radar Systems

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

Sydney, Australia – 18 March 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced a partnership with Robin Radar Systems, strengthening advanced radar technologies to DroneShield’s growing sensor ecosystem. The interoperability expands radar options available to customers, strengthening layered airspace awareness across defense, critical infrastructure, and public safety environments.

Robin Radar Systems is recognized for its 360°, 3D radar technology designed to detect and track small airborne objects, including drones. Its radars are engineered to deliver reliable detection and classification performance across complex environments.

Image: Sample configuration of DroneShield’s DroneSentry layered defense with Robin Radar Systems

Expanding the Sensor Marketplace for Operators
DroneShield’s approach to counter-UAS is intentionally ecosystem-led. Rather than offering a closed or static solution, the company has invested in building a scalable marketplace of interoperable third-party sensors. This model gives operators the flexibility to select the right sensing technologies for their specific environment, threat profile, and operational constraints, both today and as requirements evolve.

By adding Robin Radar Systems to its ecosystem, DroneShield continues to expand the options available to customers seeking radar-based detection as part of a layered CUAS deployment. Radar can play a critical role in detecting and tracking airborne objects across wide areas and in challenging conditions, supporting persistent awareness and resilience.

At the center of this ecosystem is DroneShield’s DroneSentry-C2 powered by SensorFusionAI, which combines inputs from multiple sensor types to create a consolidated operational picture that reduces ambiguity and enhances decision confidence.

“Operators need systems that adapt to their mission, not the other way around,” said Angus Bean, DroneShield’s Chief Product Officer. “By partnering with Robin Radar Systems and expanding our sensor marketplace, we give customers more freedom to design their airspace security architecture, while SensorFusionAI ensures that all sensor inputs are fused into insights that support decisive action.”

Image: DroneShield’s DroneSentry-C2 brings together multiple sensors for a clear, single operating picture

Designed for Real-World Operations
“At Robin, we see ourselves as a new generation radar company – fast, adaptive, and built for integration. Our technology is designed to deliver seamless performance within broader security architectures. We’re pleased to be partnering with DroneShield to combine our market-leading IRIS 3D radar with their CUAS platform, enabling smarter, layered airspace protection worldwide,” said Marcel Verdonk, Robin Radar’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Robin Radar Systems brings decades of radar science and innovation to this partnership, delivering systems that are engineered for accuracy and optimized for modern CUAS challenges. This partnership ensures that operators no longer need to trade coverage for clarity. By combining complementary sensing technologies into a single, AI-enhanced platform, organizations can achieve both scale and understanding without increasing complexity.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

SureFires Appoints Andrew Wright as Director of Marketing

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026

I’m very pleased to congratulate Andrew Wright on his recent appointment as Director of Marketing by SureFire Founder Dr John Matthews.

Andrew has been with the company since 2011, stating out as a Technical Support Representative and has risen through the ranks, attaining progressively more responsible positions over the years.

Many of us have worked with him as he spearheaded numerous product launches including weapon lights, suppressors, and the SureFire component of the 6ARC magazine collaboration with Magpul.

He’s always a fountain of knowledge on SureFire products and a friendly face in the booth at major tradeshows.

It’s a well deserved promotion.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry | 3 Comments »

FirstSpear and Recon K9 Enter Exclusive Licensing Agreement

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026

FENTON, Mo. (March 16, 2026) – FirstSpear®, the industry leader in load-bearing technology and personal protective equipment, has entered into an exclusive, ten-year license with Recon K9® LLC (“Recon K9”). Under this agreement, FirstSpear will assume responsibility for the sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics of the Recon K9 brand, effectively integrating Recon K9’s operations into FirstSpear’s infrastructure.

This strategic agreement grants FirstSpear exclusive use of all intellectual property owned or developed by Recon K9, including trademarks, product designs, internet domains, and social media accounts.

By leveraging FirstSpear’s market presence and established manufacturing and distribution capabilities, the partnership ensures that Recon K9 products will be manufactured and delivered with the quality and professionalism expected from FirstSpear. Additionally, FirstSpear will manage all warehousing, order fulfillment, and e-commerce operations, streamlining the customer experience.

“In the SOF community, the K9 is not merely an asset; they are a fellow operator,” said Jon Laplume, FirstSpear co-founder and vice president of SOF Strategy and Product Development. “Our integration of Recon K9 is forged in the spirit of Canes Belli, the Dogs of War. By applying FirstSpear’s material science and manufacturing precision to these products, we are making a strategic commitment to the safety and lethality of the entire team, ensuring that when the dogs of war are let slip, they are equipped to win.”

As part of the transition, Recon K9 founder Jason Watson will join the FirstSpear team. Watson will continue to drive the brand’s vision, including participating in product research and development, attending trade shows, and conducting customer visits.

The transition of functional responsibility, including the website, marketing, and inventory management, is scheduled to take place within 30 to 60 days.

About FirstSpear

Founded in 2010, FirstSpear® equips elite military and law enforcement professionals with uncompromising equipment for those bound for “The X.” Guided by its “Built for The X™” ethos, FirstSpear produces lightweight, mission-focused equipment engineered for the most demanding operational environments.

About Recon K9

Recon K9 is the premier global provider of mission-specific tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and federal agency working dogs. Born from the direct requirements of U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), Recon K9 delivers “excuse-free” equipment designed to enhance the lethality and survivability of the K9 team.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, K9, Press Release | No Comments »

Orqa Signs Teaming Agreement with Red River Army Depot to Boost UAS Manufacturing

Monday, March 16th, 2026

OSIJEK, Croatia, March 16, 2026 — Orqa has entered into a groundbreaking teaming agreement with Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas, representing a significant step in advancing the U.S. Army’s rapidly expanding organic small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) manufacturing capacity.

The agreement also strengthens Orqa’s recently announced Global Manufacturing Program.

This agreement builds on Orqa’s longstanding engagement with the Department of War and reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Army’s broader modernization efforts.

The recently signed National Defense Authorization Act represents a national effort to expand unmanned systems production capacity within existing Army depots. Orqa’s role in this initiative builds on the company’s established record of delivering advanced sUAS technologies and supporting operational requirements across multiple theaters.

The teaming agreement marks a significant step in Orqa’s continued partnership with the U.S. military. It reinforces Orqa’s position as a trusted provider of unmanned systems and components, including recent authorizations that enable the company to support Army programs in Europe.

Through this collaboration, Orqa plans to contribute to strengthening domestic production of unmanned systems. As Orqa expands its role in U.S. manufacturing, the increased production activity may also support growth within the company’s operations. “Made in America” Orqa platforms will be available to U.S. military customers and may also support allied nations through established security cooperation channels.

Srdjan Kovacevic, co-founder and CEO of Orqa, said, “We’re thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the increase of U.S. drone manufacturing capability. The resulting boost in capacity will add to the production we can already achieve at our headquarters, a figure that will grow significantly as our Global Manufacturing Partnership Program comes online throughout the year. This agreement is a clear vote of confidence in Orqa, our capabilities, and our products.”

Posted in Drone, Industry, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »