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AUSP Launches Matchmaking Platform Linking U.S./NATO Defense Primes with Vetted Ukrainian Defense-Tech Teams for Government Contracting

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

New initiative supports America First Arms Transfer Strategy (AFATS) through compliant, fast-track pathways for government contracting

WASHINGTON and KYIV, Ukraine, March 4, 2026 — America-Ukraine Strategic Partners (AUSP) today launched its Defense Matchmaking & Procurement Acceleration Platform, a structured program that connects U.S. and NATO prime contractors with vetted Ukrainian defense technology companies for joint government contracting and procurement opportunities.

Built to move battle-tested Ukrainian capabilities into allied acquisition channels, quickly and lawfully, the platform supports integration across U.S. and NATO procurement ecosystems, including Foreign Military Sales (FMS) pathways. Ukrainian innovators, hardened by real operational conditions, are delivering high-impact solutions in autonomy, unmanned systems, electronic warfare resilience, AI-enabled targeting, cybersecurity, and advanced materials. AUSP’s platform creates a trusted route for primes to access these capabilities while navigating export controls, compliance, and geopolitical complexity.

“Ukrainian defense technology is battle-proven, agile, and cost-efficient,” says Davis Richardson, Founder and CEO of AUSP. “We make sure it can move through a lawful, audit-ready channel into U.S. and NATO procurement, paired with primes that can scale it.”

AUSP’s approach is compliance-by-design, supporting ITAR/EAR and USML mapping, export documentation and DECCS preparation, consortium positioning, prototype-to-production planning, and FMS alignment, plus documentation practices that support auditability and end-use requirements. Through established relationships with Ukrainian accelerators, manufacturers, and public-sector stakeholders, and partnership on major defense convenings including BRAVE1 Defense Tech Valley, AUSP provides U.S. and NATO primes with curated startup access, due diligence support, secure executive introductions, co-development and teaming support, and government stakeholder alignment strategy.

The Defense Matchmaking & Procurement Acceleration Platform is now open to:

U.S. and NATO prime contractors and defense integrators
Consortium leads and acquisition intermediaries
Venture-backed defense funds pursuing co-development
Allied ministries and procurement agencies seeking structured entry points to Ukraine’s defense innovation ecosystem

The launch of AUSP’s Defense Matchmaking & Procurement Acceleration Platform is being rolled out in parallel with the Ukrainian Government’s BRAVE1 U.S. roadshow. As part of the initiative, AUSP is hosting a series of curated investor receptions for BRAVE1 in New York City and Dallas, convening U.S. defense investors, prime contractors, and strategic partners with leading Ukrainian defense companies. In Dallas, engagements will include programming at the University of Texas at Dallas, where AUSP sponsors a capstone project focused on advancing data and AI systems to support defense and dual-use innovation.

ausp.co

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Bringing Advanced Thermoregulation and Hydration Solutions to the UK – Qore Performance Partners with Tactical Kit

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

Knoxville, TN and Peterborough, UK — Qore Performance, Inc., the inventors of the IceAge Ecosystem of thermoregulation and hydration technologies, is proud to announce Tactical Kit as its premier distributor for the United Kingdom. This partnership provides British military, law enforcement, and professional end-users with direct, local access to the most advanced human performance-enhancing equipment on the market.

Operating since 2008, Tactical Kit has established itself as the UK’s leading retailer of high-end tactical gear, stocking the world’s most elite brands. By adding Qore Performance to its inventory, Tactical Kit continues its mission of providing the “pinnacle of kit” with the speed and customer service for which it is known.

Direct Access to the IceAge Ecosystem

Through this partnership, UK customers can now purchase Qore Performance’s mission-critical equipment—including “live” stock ready for immediate dispatch from Tactical Kit’s UK premises.

Key products now available include:

ICEPLATE® Gen 3: The world’s most advanced conformal hydration system. This hard-cell bladder provides 52.4 fl oz (1.55 L) of hydration while offering cooling/heating capabilities when frozen or filled with hot water.

IMS Pro Gen 3: A versatile internal/external MOLLE hydration sleeve designed specifically for ICEPLATE® Gen 3, allowing for seamless integration with plate carriers.

ICEFLASK®: A rugged, 16.9 oz (500ml) hard-cell canteen designed to fit into standard radio pouches or its purpose-built ICEFLASK® Wing and MOLLE Holsters, providing consumable cooling or heating in a compact form factor.

ICEVENTS®: Next-gen ventilated padding for plate carriers, chest rigs, and belts. Using proprietary Omni-Directional Venting, ICEVENTS® provide stand-off ventilation and load distribution without absorbing moisture or bacteria.

CATAMARAN Gen 3: An innovative Velcro® adapter panel attachment system that enables the mounting of ICEPLATE® Gen 3 within IMS Pro Gen 3, or two ICEVENTS® Classic plate carrier pads, for maximum airflow to the inside of any armor carrier lacking internal Velcro® loop fields.“Tactical Kit is a world-class partner that understands the needs of the uniformed professional,” said Austin Pitsch, Marketing Manager of Qore Performance.

“By stocking our equipment locally in the UK, they are removing the barriers of international shipping and duties, ensuring that professional end-users and British citizens alike have the best possible tools to weaponize temperature and increase work capacity.”

UK customers can shop the Qore Performance IceAge Ecosystem collection now at www.tacticalkit.uk.

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German Navy System House to be Established: Rheinmetall Takes Over NVL

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has completed the company take-over of NVL, the military part of the Lürssen Group. Following the announcement in September 2025 and the signing of the purchase contract in October 2025, Rheinmetall has now been given all antitrust approvals for the acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL B.V. & Co. KG, Bremen-Vegesack), including all its subsidiaries. The transition was concluded on 1 March 2026.

Both parties have agreed on keeping the purchasing price concealed.

With this significant strategic acquisition, Rheinmetall will be creating a German systems house for the development and manufacture of state-of-the-art navy and coastguard vessels, as well as maritime autonomous surface systems. Rheinmetall will thus be further expanding its portfolio within the maritime domain and is hence consolidating its position as a comprehensive supplier of defence technology in Germany and Europe.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are happy about the successful finalisation of the transaction”. Already at the announcement of the plans, he stated the following: “In future, Rheinmetall will be a relevant player on land, on water, in the air and in space and is thus developing into a cross-domain system house. In combining the expertise of Rheinmetall and NVL, we will be creating a powerful full-range supplier for state-of-the-art surface vessels. This will generate mutual growth and thus secure a strong position for our corporation’s position in the maritime sphere. At the same time, we are making a substantial contribution to empower the naval defence capabilities of Germany and its NATO allies”.

The current conflict situation reveals that military enforcement capabilities are also becoming increasingly important in the naval sector. Rheinmetall intends to meet the massive increase in demand from naval forces and rising procurement budgets with high-performance system solutions which feature a highly modern digital infrastructure and cover the entire spectrum – from platforms and electronics to sensors and effectors.

For further information, see press release dated September 15, 2025: Rheinmetall reaches agreement with Lürssen on acquisition of NVL

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Insect Shield LLC and Co-Founder’s Estate Agree to Pay $1.4M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Insect Shield LLC, located in North Carolina, and the Estate of Richard Lane, a co-founder and co-owner of Insect Shield, have agreed to pay a combined $1.4 million to resolve allegations that Insect Shield and Lane caused the submission of false claims to the Department of Defense (DoD) under contracts to provide Army Combat Uniforms. Lane served as the president and chief operating officer of Insect Shield until his death in December 2022.

The United States filed its complaint-in-intervention in December 2023 alleging that Insect Shield, a subcontractor to multiple defense contractors who manufacture Army uniforms, violated the False Claims Act by falsifying test results regarding the application of permethrin, an insect repellant, to Army uniforms. The United States alleged that between 2015 and 2021 Insect Shield and Lane failed to follow the permethrin testing requirements by inappropriately combining results from different rounds of testing, re-labeling test samples to hide the true origin of the samples, performing re-tests of uniforms in excess of what the contract permitted, and concealing failing test results.

“Government contractors and subcontractors must comply with contractual commitments and share truthful information with the government,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue those who defraud the American taxpayers by failing to properly perform required testing on goods supplied to our soldiers.”

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), is fully committed to safeguarding the integrity of the DoD procurement process,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Manipulating and failing to perform contractually required testing is not only fraudulent, but compromises military readiness. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate and hold accountable those who submit false claims.”

“Our Soldiers rely on government contractors to provide equipment that they can depend on while serving their country,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith Kelly, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Fraud Field Office. “The result of this investigation shows that our Army CID and our partner law enforcement agencies are relentless in their pursuit of anyone who may attempt to defraud the U.S. Government by falsely reporting compliance with contractually obligated requirements for equipment used by our Soldiers

The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the United States when a defendant has submitted or caused to be submitted false claims for government funds and receive a portion of any recovery. Ms. Downs will receive $315,000 as her share of the settlement. The qui tam case, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, is captioned U.S. ex rel. Downs v. Insect Shield, LLC et al., No. 1:19-cv-1026 (M.D.N.C.).

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina with assistance from the DoD Office of Inspector General, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Defense Contract Management Agency, and Defense Contract Audit Agency.

The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Jonathan Hoerner, Jikky Thankachan, and Jeffrey McSorley and Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Middle District of North Carolina.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Note: Read the Insect Shield Agreement here; and the Estate of Richard Lane Agreement here.

– Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs

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Warrior Protection And Readiness Coalition Applauds Presidential Approval Of Defense Production Act For Warfighter Clothing, Textiles, And Equipment

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026

New Presidential Waiver Will Strengthen Domestic Industrial Base and Support the U.S. Warfighte

MARBLEHEAD, MA (February 24, 2026) – The Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) today applauded the latest signing of a Presidential Waiver (PW) under Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA). This executive action by the President of the United States enablescritical government investment in the Berry Amendment-compliant domestic industrial base responsible for manufacturing body armor, ballistic helmets, uniforms, footwear, textiles and operational equipment for the U.S. military.

This long-awaited action—backed by years of WPRC advocacy—enables the Department of War (DoW) to use DPA Title III authorities to scale production of essential warfighter gear. The action addresses urgent concerns about domestic supply chain vulnerabilities and reflects the growing operational needs of U.S. forces deployed in cold weather, jungle, and maritime environments.

“This is a major victory for American manufacturing, national security, and our service members,” said WPRC Executive Director David Costello. “Thanks to this Presidential Waiver, our domestic industrial base will receive the new investment it needs to meet current defense demands and ensure future readiness. The WPRC is proud to have led the charge alongside our Congressional partners and DoW stakeholders to make this happen.”

The new PW follows a multi-year effort by the WPRC and its 70+ member companies to highlight growing risks within the U.S. textile and equipment supply chain. A recent wargame simulation commissioned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) revealed severe capability gaps, underscoring the need for federal action to stabilize and grow this specialized manufacturing base. Over the past three years, WPRC members have supported Title III-funded production in response to both the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing defense requirements. However, until now, the sector lacked a Presidential Waiver under DPA Title III to receive sustained investment.

The WPRC extends its appreciation to key advocates in Congress for their steadfast support, including members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, who included directive report language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) calling for the expedited approval of the PW.

Mr. Markin Dornan, Chairman of the WPRC said, “With this Presidential Waiver, the U.S. is sending a clear signal: American warfighters will be equipped with American-made gear built by a strong, secure, and reliableindustrial base. We thank the Department of War and the White House for recognizing the urgency of this issue and moving to authorize these critical investments.”

The Federal Register notice of this Presidential Waiver Memorandum forthe Secretary of War can be found here.

Posted in Guest Post, Industry, Manufacturing | 1 Comment »

XTech Tactical Completes First Acquisition: Creature Grips Now Part of the Lineup as Thru-Flo Rail Covers

Monday, February 23rd, 2026

XTech Tactical is proud to announce the acquisition of Creature Grips, LLC in Q4 2025, rebranding the innovative heat-venting rail cover technology as Thru-Flo™ Rail Covers compatible with M-LOK handguards.

“This partnership marks a continuation of the American Dream that inspired Creature Grip from the very start. XTechTactical is uniquely positioned to bring Creature Grips designs to a wider audience and will keep pushing boundaries with the product line”, stated Alex Dombrowski, founder of Creature Grips.

Jeremy Deadman, President of XTech Tactical, added: “We are very excited to have completed our first acquisition. Our vision from inception was to not only grow organically but through acquisition as an energizing partner. Alex was phenomenal to work with and an example of a transaction that benefited all parties. We are actively pursuing additional opportunities to enhance our product mix, distribution and manufacturing capabilities.”

This acquisition integrates the patented rail covers previously known as Creature grips. Now under the THRU-FLO™ branding. The technology is a unique one-piece rail cover that includes a pass-through hole. The covers efficiently enhance the grip and vents heat from the barrel and handguard. The rebrand to Thru-Flo™ expands XTech Tactical’s portfolio with the same relentless, shooter-focused innovation the brand has delivered since 2013.

Key features of the Thru-Flo Rail Covers:

• MSRP $14.95 for 6-pack

• Ultra-lightweight at just 2 grams per cover, the lightest M-LOK compatible covers available.

• Tool-free, one-piece design for quick installation and removal in seconds: no hardware needed.

• Durable protection that enhances grip and control in hot conditions without added bulk; compatible with AR-15, AK-47, MP5, and other M-LOK platforms (optimized for slots under 3mm thick).

• Made in the USA of injection-molded TPU hard rubber

• Convenient 6-pack

• Color options: Black and Coyote (more to come!)

Backed by XTech Tactical’s lifetime warranty and newly issued U.S. utility & design patents, this move reinforces itscommitment to innovative solutions that address real shooter needs.

Product Link: www.xtechtactical.com/product/thru-flo-rail-cover-6-pack

Company Website: www.xtechtactical.com

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Mehler Protection Unveils New Close Range Active Counter-UAS System for Land Vehicles at Enforce Tac 2026

Monday, February 23rd, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (23 February 2026)

Mehler Protection presents SCILT, a new close-range protection system to counter drones attacking land vehicles from short range and low angles. The system is presented for the first time at Enforce Tac 2026.

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) increasingly no longer approach only from above. Instead, they emerge from terrain, ditches, flanks, and rear sectors, appearing at very short distance and leaving minimal reaction time. SCILT is conceived specifically to address this immediate close-in envelope, where conventional mobile air-defence systems and unit-level counter-UAS solutions reach detection and defeat limits.

SCILT is conceived as a dedicated last protective layer for individual vehicles, addressing the gap between large-scale mobile air defence systems and passive vehicle protection. Designed to counter small drones, including FPV drones, kamikaze drones, and loitering munitions, SCILT operates in close and very close-range engagements and is intended to defeat both single drones and multiple simultaneous threats in the immediate hazard zone.

The system combines effector modules, sensors, and operating logic directly on the vehicle, enabling defence against drones approaching from lateral and frontal directions as well as low-angles. Sensor kits can include electro-optical and other close-range surveillance sensors to support detection and operator decision-making. Cost-effective effector solutions support scalable employment across different mission profiles.

Key characteristics include:

Close and very close-range protection against drones
Sector-based configuration, allowing individual directions to be activated or deactivated depending on formation and movement
Three staged alert levels: detection alert, approach alert, and trigger alert
In its first version, SCILT operates deliberately with a man-in-the-loop architecture, with further automation planned as technology, procedures, and approval processes evolve

Effector modules use market available standard ammunition types in shotgun-calibre, ranging from rubber projectiles to hardened-core, tungsten-carbide fragment, and armour-piercing variants. This effector spectrum enables controlled hazard areas and scalable effects depending on scenario requirements, while cost-effective effector solutions support employment against both single drones and multiple simultaneous threats.

SCILT is controlled via a vehicle data bus and integrates into existing vehicle architectures. Where such interfaces are not available, the system operates as a self-contained package with its own close-range surveillance and control chain. Remote control units can be installed at multiple positions inside the vehicle.

The development of SCILT has been ongoing for approximately one and a half years. Mehler Protection conducted 48 test campaigns, including external and terminal ballistics, temperature behaviour, trigger reliability testing, and fragment-density measurements to determine the optimal effective range.

The first version of SCILT is planned to be available from summer 2026 as an effector package with sensor kits and control units that can be integrated into different vehicle configurations.

SCILT builds on Mehler Protection’s long-standing platform protection portfolio across land, air, and sea. The company supplies protection solutions for helicopters, land vehicles and naval systems, and is a main supplier of protection systems for almost all naval platforms currently under construction for the German Navy.

Learn more about Mehler Protection’s platform armour solutions.

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Delta Three Oscar Announces Official Partnership with The Dirt Therapy Project to Support Veterans

Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

(Huntington Beach, CA – 02/19/26) Delta Three Oscar, the ballistic arm of impact protection brand D3O is showing its commitment to supporting those who serve, by announcing its official partnership with The Dirt Therapy Project, a non-profit dedicated to supporting military Veterans through mountain bike experiences and community connection.

With a mission to save lives and bring home troops safely, Delta Three Oscar will be supporting The Dirt Therapy Project’s Veteran rides throughout the year, helping promote the organization, enhance safety, and strengthen the sense of community that helps Veterans reestablish life after service.

Delta Three Oscar was founded on a simple but powerful mission: to save lives, by delivering advanced protection solutions to military, law enforcement, and first responders. The company engineers the world’s best ballistic helmet suspension systems, ballistic protection pads to reduce back face deformation for chest plates, as well as impact protecting knee guards and underfoot shock absorbing mid soles.

By extending its commitment to safety from the frontline and into veterans’ everyday lives, the brand is combining its 20 years of expertise in protective technology with its leadership in mountain bike protection. As a key ingredient used by leading bike brands including Troy Lee Designs, Fox, ODI, Specialized and Dakine, it is uniquely positioned to bring the best protection to Veteran mountain bike riders. By bridging these two industries, Delta Three Oscar is helping Veterans reconnect through mountain biking an activity that the team at The Dirt Therapy Project has proven to support mental wellbeing and help alleviate stress associated with active deployment.

“Whether protecting troops on the frontline or mountain bike riders on the trail, our mission to deliver the best protection possible and bring people home safely is the same.” said Serena Thynne, Head of PR at Delta Three Oscar. “That’s why we’re proud to support The Dirt Therapy Project. We have seen first-hand the life-changing impact they have in helping Veterans transition back into their communities.”

The Dirt Therapy Project hosts community events and mountain bike experiences which offer their members therapeutic benefits, community support, and confidence as they transition to civilian life. Through this official partnership, Delta Three Oscar will:

• Support Veteran Ride events throughout the year

• Provide advanced protective solutions to enhance rider safety

• Collaborate on awareness initiatives highlighting Veteran challenges and wellbeing

• Offer exclusive opportunities for the Veteran community to participate in select events

“This partnership strengthens our ability to serve Veterans in meaningful ways,” said Jonathan Hagerman Founder of The Dirt Therapy Project. “With Delta Three Oscar’s commitment to protection and performance, we can continue expanding our reach and impact.”

As the partnership rolls out across 2026, supporters can expect collaborative content, community-led ride days, and exclusive engagement opportunities that bring together veterans, riders, and the top mountain bike brands who share a commitment to protection, performance, and purpose.

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