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Red Cat Collaborates with Safe Pro Group to Embed Real-Time AI-Powered Threat Detection Onboard the Black Widow Drone Platform

Tuesday, September 16th, 2025

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Sept. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced, all-domain robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced a strategic collaboration with Safe Pro Group Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAI) (Safe Pro), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-computer vision technologies.

Through this collaboration, Safe Pro’s patented AI-powered image analysis technology will be embedded into Red Cat’s Black Widow drones, enabling U.S. and allied ground personnel to rapidly identify and locate more than 150 types of explosive threats including landmines, anti-personnel mines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in real-time.

The integration will allow Safe Pro’s Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) system to process real-time 4k video onboard the Black Widow at the tactical edge and deliver live threat data directly to military situational awareness platforms such as the U.S. Army’s Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) software ecosystem, enhancing and accelerating decision making critical to mission success.

The Black Widow will also integrate with Safe Pro’s new SPOTD Navigation, Observation and Detection Engine (NODE), a powerful, edge-based solution designed to process, map and share mission critical information collected by drones. Supporting rapid deployment at the edge, the SPOTD NODE “kit” enables end users to collect real-time visual data, receive threat alerts, and utilize that imagery to create 2D and 3D interactive maps and plot hazard detections. This capability provides enhanced situational awareness, supporting a wide array of ground missions even in connectivity-denied environments.

Powering Safe Pro’s SPOTD technology is one of the world’s largest real-world landmine and UXO datasets consisting of high-resolution imagery and GPS-tagged geospatial data encompassing over 1.88 million drone images analyzed to date, and 34,200+ threats identified across 8,119 hectares (20,062 acres) in Ukraine.

“The Black Widow continues to distinguish itself as a leading sUAS platform for defense and security, ideally suited to supporting the evolving needs of the U.S. Army and its global allies. By incorporating field-proven innovations such as Safe Pro’s unique AI-powered threat detection technology, we continue to redefine the future of force protection and battlefield awareness,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO.

“As demonstrated in Ukraine, the battlefield is dramatically evolving, establishing a critical need to provide today’s warfighter with access to enhanced, real-time situational awareness. By harnessing the power of the Black Widow with Safe Pro’s battle-tested threat detection technology, we have created a platform that can uniquely support the needs of the U.S. Army for real-time battlefield intelligence, and we look forward to bringing this capability to our warfighters,” added Dan Erdberg, Chairman and CEO of Safe Pro Group Inc.

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Expands Texas Location

Monday, September 15th, 2025

NAPLES, Fla. – September 12, 2025 – Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, a leading premium firearms retailer, is excited to announce a major expansion of its San Antonio, Texas location. The San Antonio, Texas Gun Shop will double in size, with the new space focused on gunsmithing and stock carving. This development reflects Cole Gunsmithing’s dedication to supporting Texas shotgun sports and underscores its ongoing commitment to elevating service for shotgun enthusiasts.

Located on the grounds of the National Shooting Complex, home to the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) and the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), Cole Gunsmithing’s San Antonio Gun Shop serves as a full-service destination for Clay Target and Shotgun Hunting enthusiasts. The location already boasts a large, country-themed showroom that carries a variety of shotgun favorites, accessories and apparel. Additionally, the Cole Gunsmithing’s Texas Gun Shop includes a well-equipped gunsmithing facility on the grounds. With this expansion, Cole Gunsmithing is doubling the size of this location to 3,800 square feet, allowing the company to further expand its services.

“Cole Gunsmithing is committed to providing the best possible customer experiences, and this expansion plays a significant part in that mission,” said Rich Cole, Owner of Cole Gunsmithing. “The added 1,900 square feet will be entirely dedicated to gunsmithing and stock carving, which will enhance our ability to serve the shotgun community with even greater craftsmanship.”

As Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing continues to grow, it remains dedicated to fostering the shotgun sports community. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Cole Gunsmithing aims to offer shotgunners the most comprehensive year-round sales and service experience as possible. The San Antonio, Texas location’s expansion will be complete and open in time for the NSCA National Championships in October, and Cole Gunsmithing encourages firearms enthusiasts to stop by for any and all shotgun-related needs.

For more information on Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing and the premium firearms offered, visit www.colegun.com or contact the sales team at (800) 650-2653.

Don’t Miss Lawman’s & Shooter’s Supply’s First Annual Rodeo – September 20th

Monday, September 15th, 2025

There’s a lot going on Saturday September 20th at Lawman’s & Shooter’s Supply’s first annual rodeo.

Come dressed up in your best rodeo outfit to win the costume contest, or win the mechanical bull riding contest to win awesome prizes donated by the many vendors. Maybe win both.

The legendary Ric Prado will be speaking and signing copies of his book “Black Ops: the Life of a Shadow Warrior.” You can also come listen to some live music and talk to 35+ vendors.

Kopin Secures Transformative $15.4M Award to Revolutionize Color MicroLED Technology and Domestic Production for U.S. Army Ground Soldier Integrated Visual Augmented Reality Applications

Monday, September 15th, 2025

Funded by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, the award reinforces support for U.S. based manufacturing and innovation of Kopin’s Color MicroLED

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – September 10, 2025 – Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a pioneering leader in application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays, has been awarded a transformative $15.4 million Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) through the U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC) under the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program. This landmark award accelerates Kopin’s development of ultra-bright, full-color MicroLED displays optimized for ground soldier augmented reality (AR) applications, positioning the company as a cornerstone of America’s defense innovation and domestic manufacturing ecosystem. By advancing daytime and nighttime readable AR display technology, Kopin is poised to redefine battlefield vision systems, enhancing soldier lethality, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness.

A Transformational, Game-Changer for Kopin and U.S. Defense

This award marks a pivotal moment for Kopin, solidifying its leadership in MicroLED technology and establishing a robust U.S.-based production capability for this critical defense technology. The funding empowers Kopin to develop full-color MicroLED microdisplays tailored for Integrated Visual AR systems, delivering unmatched performance in diverse lighting conditions—from intense daylight to low-visibility environments. Unlike traditional displays, MicroLED offers superior brightness, power efficiency, and durability, eliminating temporal artifacts that can impair soldier performance during prolonged use. This breakthrough technology ensures crystal-clear visuals, enabling warfighters to maintain focus and make critical decisions in high-stress combat scenarios.

By investing in scalable, U.S.-based manufacturing, Kopin is strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base, ensuring a secure and reliable supply chain for advanced display technologies. This domestic production capability not only supports current U.S. Army needs but also positions Kopin to win future defense programs that rely on full-color MicroLED for next-generation AR systems. The company’s Class 10 cleanroom facility in the United States, combined with over 40 years of experience and more than 400,000 defense vision systems fielded, underscores Kopin’s unmatched reliability and expertise as a trusted partner to the U.S. military.

Strategic Synergy for Future Defense Programs

The IBAS award builds on Kopin’s ongoing Soldier Display Trade Study and Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract for an Off-the-Visor (OTV) extended reality (XR) prototype.Together, these initiatives create a powerful synergy, positioning Kopin at the forefront of soldier-centric AR innovation. The full-color MicroLED technology developed under this award will enable AR systems that deliver unparalleled clarity and usability, day or night, meeting the rigorous demands of modern warfare. We believe this award positions Kopin as a frontrunner for future U.S. defense contracts that prioritize advanced AR solutions for enhanced soldier performance.

“This is a transformative moment in Kopin’s history and growth trajectory as this contract and the expected follow-on non-dilutive infrastructure investment contracts will be the bedrock which we build the next decade of foundational innovations upon. Kopin’s expertise in MicroLED technology, coupled with our domestic manufacturing capabilities, is transforming how America’s warfighters see and interact with the battlefield,” said Michael Murray, CEO, President, and Chairman of Kopin.

“This award is a testament to our ability to deliver cutting-edge, soldier-centric solutions that enhance lethality and situational awareness. By integrating insights from our Soldier Display Trade Study and OTV prototype, we are creating AR systems that not only push technological boundaries but also prioritize human factors, ensuring soldier acceptance and operational success. This is a defining moment for Kopin as we pave the way for future defense programs.”

A Bright Future for MicroLED and National Security

The government’s recognition of MicroLED as a critical technology underscores its importance for next-generation AR systems. Kopin’s advancements in full-color MicroLED displays offer significant technical advantages, including greater brightness, energy efficiency, and production cost efficiency. These innovations enable scalable, high-volume manufacturing in the U.S., ensuring that America’s warfighters have access to state-of-the-art technology produced domestically. This award not only strengthens Kopin’s innovation pipeline but also enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

With this transformative award, Kopin is well-positioned to provide key components for the development and production of AR systems that will define the future of battlefield vision. By delivering human-centric, high-performance solutions, Kopin continues to empower U.S. warfighters with the tools they need to succeed in the most challenging environments.
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Darley Named One of the Best Places to Work in Chicago

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

ITASCA, IL – September 12, 2025 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is proud to announce it has been selected as one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business.

To earn this recognition, Crain partners with Workforce Research Group, an independent firm that manages employee engagement surveys, to conduct the research and provide us with a ranked list. The rankings are based on a calculation that involves the weighting of your employee survey (80%) and your employer questionnaire (20%). 

Paul Darley, President & CEO of Darley comments, “We’re honored to be recognized through a process that thoughtfully weighs both employee feedback and organizational input. Partnering with an independent research firm ensures the integrity of the rankings and reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace where people feel valued and engaged.”

Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.

Galls Acquires Uniform Works, Expands Into Canada

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

LEXINGTON, KY—September 9, 2025 —GALLS®, the leading uniform and tactical gear supplier serving America’s public safety and military professionals, has announced a strategic acquisition that marks GALLS’®expansion into Canada. GALLS® is now Proud To Serve Those Who Serve in both the US and Canada.

“With Uniform Works’ trusted reputation in Canada, the move brings together two mission-driven organizations dedicated to serving law enforcement, fire, EMS, and security professionals with the uniforms and gear they need when they need it. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for GALLS®, and we take our brand and our commitment to public safety across the border,” said Mike Fadden, GALLS® CEO. “Will Melnyk and his team have built an impressive company with values that align with ours, along with that passion for serving heroes that keep us all safe. Will and team will stay on to lead GALLS® Canada, so our Canadian customers will get the best of both worlds, the trusted service of Will and his team with the Galls eQuip solution and the power of the industry leader.”

Will Melnyk said, “Uniform Works has always been guided by integrity, service, and relationships, and those values have shaped our reputation as a trusted partner to first responders across Canada for more than two decades. Becoming GALLS®’ first acquisition in Canada is an important milestone; one that underscores both the strength of what we have built and the opportunity ahead. We are especially excited to bring GALLS®’ unparalleled eQuip platform to the Canadian market, as it will provide our customers with new levels of efficiency, convenience, and service. This partnership ensures that Uniform Works will continue to grow while delivering greater value and expanded solutions to the Canadian public safety community.”

With over 50 years of experience serving over one million public safety professionals annually, GALLS® continues to grow as the trusted source for public safety and military uniforms, gear, and equipment. Integrating Uniform Works with GALLS® will provide Canadian customers access to GALLS®’ extensive curated inventory, exclusive customizable agency solutions, and relentless customer focus.

Savox Communications and Nokia Announce Agreement to Explore Joint Development of Tactical Communications Solutions

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

Espoo, Finland – September 12, 2025 – Savox Communications Oy Ab (Ltd) (Savox) and Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy (Nokia) today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of joint solutions in the defense communications space.

By combining their technical expertise, Savox and Nokia aim to create innovative solutions for tactical communications that provide unmatched connectivity, speed, and reliability for mission-critical operations. Under the agreement, this collaboration will explore:

Enhanced Connectivity: Leveraging 5G and 6G networks to provide seamless and ultra-fast communication channels for tactical operations, ensuring real-time data exchange and improved situational awareness.

Advanced Solutions: Developing innovative solutions that combine the strengths of both companies, such as secure communication devices, advanced encryption technologies, and robust network infrastructure.

Global Reach: Expanding the reach of tactical communication solutions to global markets, enabling defense and security forces worldwide to benefit from state-of-the-art technology and enhanced operational capabilities.

“By integrating Savox mission-critical audio, command and control solutions with Nokia´s advanced networks, we will deliver reliable, scalable communications tailored for the most demanding operations,” said Jerry Kettunen, CEO at Savox.

“Nokia is committed to innovation and excellence in communications technology,” said Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense, Nokia. “We look forward to working with Savox to create new and innovative solutions that will benefit our customers and the industry as a whole.”

Nokia and KONGSBERG Sign Agreement to Advance Defense Communications with 5G Technology

Saturday, September 13th, 2025
  • Collaboration combines the companies’ expertise in tactical communications and mobile networks to deliver advanced capabilities to defense forces and allied nations.
  • Focuses on deployable 5G solutions for field operations today, while exploring future technologies like 6G to boost situational awareness and military readiness

Espoo, Finland, September 11, 2025

Nokia and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG), Norway’ leading defense technology provider, specializing in advanced systems across land, sea, air, and space domains, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on enhancing tactical communications solutions for the defense sector. The agreement brings together KONGSBERG’s expertise in military tactical communications and Nokia’s leadership in commercial 4G, 5G, and private wireless technologies to deliver secure, resilient, and high-performance networks for defense organizations and allied nations.

The collaboration will aim to simplify the deployment of 5G in tactical systems, enhancing reliable and interoperable battlefield communications. It will also explore opportunities including tactical 5G capabilities, integration with unmanned systems and sensors, and participation in European Defense Fund initiatives like 5G COMPAD and the Federated Advanced Cyber Physical Test Range (FACT) program. Longer term, the companies will look at future technologies such as Nokia’s 6G “network as a sensor” (Integrated Sensing and Communication) to enhance situational awareness and military readiness.

“By combining KONGSBERG’s tactical communication assets with Nokia’s leadership in industry-standard technologies, we can speed up the use of civilian telecom solutions in defense. Together, we’ll explore how 5G and 6G can support the developing connectivity requirements in tactical systems, from secure voice and real-time data to unmanned systems and advanced sensors,” said Kjetil R. Myhra, EVP Defence Systems at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

“Many of our products in Nokia are inherently dual-use, serving both commercial and military needs. This collaboration with KONGSBERG underscores our commitment to providing advanced, secure and fast 5G mobile networks and integrating Nokia’s Banshee radio portfolio to strengthen operations capabilities for a range of tactical scenarios,” said Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense at Nokia.