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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

NFM Group Acquires Paul Boyé, Strengthening Its Leadership in the European Defense Industry

Thursday, October 9th, 2025

Ski, Norway / Labarthe-sur-Lèze, France — October 7, 2025

The Norwegian personal protective equipment company, NFM Group has completed the acquisition of Paul Boyé, one of France’s most established defense and security manufacturers. The transaction marks a new stage in NFM Group’s European expansion and reinforces its long-term commitment to the French Armed Forces and national security institutions.

Following a comprehensive process with French authorities, NFM Group has acquired 100% of the shares in Paul Boyé . The Closing was finalised on October 7th 2025, with the transfer of ownership taking effect the same evening.

From heritage to horizon: A new chapter for Paul Boyé and NFM Group

Founded in 1904, Paul Boyé supplies protective and operational systems to armed forces, law enforcement, first responders, and the health sector, continuing a legacy of more than a century of experience. The company is a recognized expert in CBRN protection, and a trusted supplier of tactical equipment, as well as technical uniforms and protective garments used in demanding operational environments.

NFM Group, founded in Norway in 1996, has grown from a small start-up to a global defense supplier with operations across Europe and the United States. Following the acquisition of the German company Hexonia in 2022, NFM Group has built a strong and strategically positioned European industrial footprint.

“This acquisition reinforces our long-term partnership with France — one of our most important and trusted defense markets,” said Walter Øverland, CEO of NFM Group.

“It secures industrial continuity, strengthens local presence, and ensures that key capacities remain in France.”

“Secondly, it significantly expands our European footprint and strengthens the Group’s overall capabilities — from research and design to full-scale production and lifecycle support. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient European defense industry.”

Jacques and Philippe Boyé, the previous owners added;

“We are very happy to hand over the reins to NFM Group given its managerial and industrial qualities. This acquisition ensures the continuity of Paul Boyé, to which we are deeply attached. We can leave with peace of mind after having dedicated 50 years of our lives to the company.”


From the left: Philippe Boyé, Walter Øverland, Jacques Boyé

A European footprint

The addition of Paul Boyé further strengthens NFM Group’s European industrial network, creating powerful synergies across the continent. Together, these companies expand the Group’s capacity to deliver complete protection systems — including body armor, helmets, uniforms, CBRN protection, firefighter equipment, and advanced logistics and recycling solutions — supported by R&D and production capabilities across Europe.

With production sites now spanning Norway, France, Germany, Poland, Bulgaria, the United States, and Madagascar, NFM Group consolidates one of the most comprehensive industrial bases in the European defense sector, ensuring supply chain resilience and operational continuity in times of crisis.

New leadership at Paul Boyé

As part of the integration, Mads E. Larsen, currently Managing Director of NFM France and Chief Strategy Officer of NFM Group, will assume the role of President & CEO of Paul Boyé.

“Paul Boyé is a company with a proud legacy and a significant position in France for more than a century — as well as an international presence through the export of CBRN protection systems,” said Mads E. Larsen.

“In the months ahead, together with the new leadership team at Paul Boyé — and in close partnership with NFM Group — we will define the direction and priorities for the company’s future. It’s an exciting journey that combines respect for the past with the ambition to shape the future.”


Mads E. Larsen, President & CEO of Paul Boyé

DroneShield Announces South Australia R&D Facility

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
  • DroneShield will invest $13 million over three years to establish a new counter-drone R&D facility in Adelaide, Australia.
  • The new facility will be led by Jeff Wojtiuk, a former Lockheed Martin Australia defence engineering leader with a strong background in RF design and electronic warfare.
  • Together with planned expansions to its Australian and international R&D footprint, including the new Adelaide facility, DroneShield’s has this week reached a significant company milestone, surpassing 400 employees globally.
  • This expansion in South Australia is concurrent with DroneShield’s Sydney, European, and US manufacturing initiatives, against the backdrop of record global demand and surging drone attacks.

DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone and electronic warfare (EW) solutions, is pleased to announce a $13 million investment in a new research and development (R&D) facility in Adelaide, South Australia.

This $13 million investment is a direct contribution to South Australia’s economy, covering three years of operational and capital expenditure. It will initially create around 20 high-skilled engineering roles in Adelaide, focused on radio frequency (RF) electronics, EW, and systems integration, to directly support DroneShield’s mission to deliver cutting-edge defence technologies.

The South Australian expansion complements DroneShield’s existing engineering operations in Sydney and supports the Company’s continued growth in advanced RF electronics and EW capabilities. Adelaide has been chosen due to its proximity to leading global defence and aerospace organisations, a highly skilled engineering workforce, and established infrastructure supporting advanced technology development, particularly in EW and RF systems.

The announcement comes as DroneShield reaches a significant company milestone, this week surpassing 400 employees globally, nearly doubling its team in the past year and more than quadrupling it over the last two years. Approximately 300 of these employees are software and hardware engineers, reinforcing DroneShield’s position as a world-leading technology company focused on delivering advanced defence capabilities. The Company also has around 100 open roles, reflecting its commitment to delivering on its technology roadmap and supporting customers and allies with speed and scale.

DroneShield Chief Executive, Oleg Vornik, said, “South Australia is recognised as a national leader in defence and space industries, with Adelaide home to a highly skilled and experienced workforce. Establishing our first R&D office in Australia outside of our Sydney Headquarters – in Adelaide – is a strategic move that supports DroneShield’s mission to deliver world-leading counter-drone and EW solutions.”

“DroneShield’s growth to 400 employees globally – with the majority of our team being engineers – reflects our commitment to deep technical capability and delivery.”

DroneShield Chief Product and Technology Officer, Angus Bean, said, “DroneShield’s new R&D facility in Adelaide marks a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring our technology roadmap is being supported by the best engineering minds nationally. Our new facility is critical to accelerating the development of our next-generation counter-drone and EW technologies, while expanding our engineering footprint and supporting critical project development for global customers”.

Premier of South Australia, The Hon Peter Malinauskas, said, “South Australia is the Defence State, and has been recognised by the Business Council as the best place in the country to do business. We welcome DroneShield making the choice to conduct research and development here in Adelaide, creating 20 highly skilled engineering roles. As a Government, we have a strong focus on growing our Research and Development ecosystem, which has the capacity to build our economic complexity and our state’s prosperity.”

DroneShield’s South Australian R&D facility will be led by Jeff Wojtiuk, a leading Australian engineer who specialises in radio frequency technologies. Jeff brings over two decades of experience in defence and aerospace systems engineering, with a strong background in RF design, EW, and complex systems integration. He has held senior engineering roles across major defence programs – including over a decade of experience at Lockheed Martin Australia – and has contributed to the development of advanced radar and communications technologies. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping the technical direction of DroneShield’s new Adelaide facility.

The new site is expected to be fully up and running by March 2026.

Image: DroneShield’s anechoic chamber supports research and development contributing to the Company’s world-leading counter-drone technologies

The South Australia R&D expansion comes as DroneShield is going through expansion of its annual production capacity from $500m to $2.4bn by end of 2026, including setting up European and US manufacturing; as well as R&D expansion in the US.

Outdoor Research Named Staff Apparel Sponsor for Industry Day at the Range 2026

Monday, October 6th, 2025

BOULDER CITY, Nev. – October 2, 2025 – SHOT Show® Industry Day at the Range, the highly anticipated hands-on event held annually the day before SHOT Show®, is thrilled to announce Outdoor Research as the official Staff Apparel Sponsor of the 21st annual event, taking place January 19, 2026, at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada.

This collaboration marks a new chapter in elevating the on-site experience for Industry Day staff, who will be fully outfitted in technical apparel from Outdoor Research. Known for its commitment to innovation, performance and protection in the outdoors, Outdoor Research’s support ensures the event staff will be equipped with the gear they need to perform in all conditions throughout the day.

“We’re proud to support the SHOT SHOW Range Day team as the official Staff Apparel Sponsor,” said Nick Smith, senior tactical brand manager at Outdoor Research. “This event showcases the cutting edge of the tactical and outdoor sports industries, and we’re proud to outfit the staff in the same mission-ready gear trusted by professionals operating in the world’s most demanding environments.”

Industry Day offers an unparalleled opportunity for exhibitors to introduce new products, engage with top-tier media and influencers and create direct connections with SHOT Show attendees in a hands-on environment. This exclusive event provides early momentum that extends well into the SHOT Show itself, ensuring maximum exposure for brands ahead of the main event.

“Having Outdoor Research join us as the Staff Apparel Sponsor is a perfect fit,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range co-owner. “Its dedication to function, comfort and quality aligns perfectly with the needs of our team on the ground. We’re excited to have them be a part of the 2026 event.”

The sponsorship by Outdoor Research enhances the professionalism and cohesion of Industry Day at the Range. As a respected leader in technical outdoor gear, Outdoor Research brings added credibility and industry alignment to the event, reinforcing its reputation as the premier range day in the shooting sports industry.

Supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation as title sponsor through 2028, Industry Day at the Range remains the only official range event associated with the SHOT Show. Exhibitor space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

New exhibitors can register online now to secure their space. Sponsorship information is also available online. For additional details and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the event website.

For more information about the 2026 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range visit ShotShowRangeDay.com.

Spiritus Systems Welcomes Two New Key Hires: Tom Snukis to Research and Development and Bill Amos to the Apparel Division

Friday, October 3rd, 2025

Tom Snukis will be stepping into the new position of Associate Designer at Spiritus Systems. Tom’s extensive military experience provides valuable insight into the needs of the end user. We believe his background will offer a fresh perspective to our R&D and New Product Development departments. Tom brings with him over a decade of operational and design experience. As an Officer, first in the U.S. Army Infantry and then in the Army Special Forces, Tom has spent years using some of the best, but often the worst, available equipment in some of the harshest operational environments on the planet. These experiences imbued a deep desire to create the best possible equipment for the professional end-user and prepared citizens alike. A sentiment that will now be put into practice at Spiritus Systems.

Bill Amos, formerly of NW Alpine, will be joining the Spiritus Team to head up the new Apparel Division. Bill brings with him 20+ years of experience in the outdoor apparel industry and will oversee the design and procurement of all of the apparel projects we may undertake. He founded and served as CEO of NW Alpine Gear, an American-made outdoor apparel company based in Salem, Oregon. He also served as President of Kichatna Apparel Manufacturing (KAM), overseeing contract cut-and-sew services for apparel brands from 2014 to 2022.

Tom and Bill bring a wealth of experience to the Spiritus Systems team and are a valuable resource to the company for product development going forward.

WATCHTOWER Defense and Its Owners Successfully Closed a Sale Transaction, Acquiring Substantially All the Assets of WATCHTOWER Firearms in its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Case

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

SPRING, TX (Sept. 30, 2025)— Veteran-founded firearms manufacturer WATCHTOWER Firearms today announced an exciting new future for WATCHTOWER Defense following a recent sale transaction that was approved by the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. The consummation of this sale transaction is an exciting time for employees who will transition from WATCHTOWER Firearms to WATCHTOWER Defense, as the new company and its future ensure stability and growth not only for employees but for future customers of WATCHTOWER Defense.

For a short period following the consummation of this sale transaction, WATCHTOWER Firearms and WATCHTOWER Defense are working cooperatively, through a transition services agreement, to transition to a new era. This transition services agreement allowed WATCHTOWER Defense to begin developing new plans for its company and to prepare for many changes that are on the horizon without pausing production or delay in satisfying customer orders.

Through new ownership, fresh capital, and expanded manufacturing capabilities, WATCHTOWER Defense will ambitiously push its company into defense and law enforcement markets. Also, as part of this new era, WATCHTOWER Defense is investing in a new 24,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, where it will outfit production with modern machinery and tooling. This will not only result in even higher quality products, but the new and enhanced space will improve cost structures to ensure WATCHTOWER Defense is built for long-term strength and competitiveness.

While WATCHTOWER Firearms has been respected for its handmade 2011-style pistols, the new company, WATCHTOWER Defense will offer a duty-focused product line designed to meet the needs of military, law enforcement and defense customers. As a result, WATCHTOWER Defense’s brand will have a broader reach without sacrificing key core values: USA-made, veteran-owned, and backed by an industry leading lifetime warranty.

For WATCHTOWER Defense’s future dealer and distributor partners, the message is clear: A new day is dawning and WATCHTOWER Defense will be here to stay. Through consistent sales and customer service teams, dedicated leadership, and capital investments, partners will be able to count on Watchtower Defense’s brand for the long haul.

Through the Court-approved purchase of substantially all the assets of WATCHTOWER Firearms and the related transition services agreement between WATCHTOWER Defense, as purchaser, and WATCHTOWER Firearms, as seller, Watchtower Defense has positioned itself to deliver cutting-edge firearms for commercial, defense, and law enforcement markets—and to grow as a long-term American industry leader.

www.watchtowerfirearms.com

Mustang Survival Expands Innovation Team and Lab, Harnessing AI to Advance Marine Safety

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

Burnaby, BC — Mustang Survival, part of Wing Group, is expanding its research and development capabilities through a newly formed R&D and Advanced Concepts teamwith investments in state-of-the-art testing, AI-driven analytics, and global collaborations. Built on decades of problem-solving in the harshest conditions, the company is accelerating the entire cycle — from early-stage research and user engagement, through identifying needs and defining problems, to concept development and commercialization — reinforcing its role as a pioneer in marine safety innovation.

From military operations and public-safety agencies to industrial sectors and recreational communities such as sailing, paddling, and fishing—Mustang Survival’s heritage includes category-defining solutions like the original Floater® Coat, the RATIS™ system and the award-winning Atlas Life Jacket and Elite PFD.

As part of this effort, the company has expanded their on-site laboratory to simulate extreme environments more effectively, enhancing fire-resistance and cold-immersion testing—accelerating learning cycles from concept to commercialization within the WaterlifeStudio. 


Jill Davidson, Director R&D and Advanced Concepts

“A big unknown piece is how materials behave at different temperatures. Being able to understand these shifts allows us to best address solutions around mobility, insulation, and inflation,” said Jill Davidson, Director R&D and Advanced Concepts, Mustang Survival.   

Additionally, as part of Wing Group’s broader initiative, the team is applying AI and advanced analytics to accelerate insights from testing and improve material evaluation—supporting faster iteration and more reliable outcomes across programs.

To deepen its research pipeline, Mustang Survival has expanded collaborations with universities across Canada and strengthened relationships with third-party laboratories locally and globally. The team has also secured government funding to advance research and intellectual property development, creating further opportunities for patents.

“By increasing our commitment to R&D and Advanced Concepts, we are dedicated to a long-term, sustainable solution to the problems that our core users face, ensuring Mustang Survival stays on the leading edge of defining innovation within our market and categories,” said Kenny Ballard, President, Mustang Survival.

By investing in people, processes, and partnerships—and by testing directly in real-world conditions—Mustang Survival is extending their solutions-driven heritage while building a stronger foundation for future advancements in marine safety.

mustangsurvival.com

Latvia Orders Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory – Group Expands Global Ammunition Production Network

Monday, September 29th, 2025

Rheinmetall is further expanding its ammunition production capacity and is now planning to build a modern production facility for 155 mm calibre artillery ammunition in Latvia. In the presence of Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silia, a corresponding Memorandum of Understanding was signed today in Hamburg. The facility shall be operated by a joint venture between Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (51%) and the Latvian State Defence Corporation, LLC of Latvia (49%). The key points were documented in a memorandum of understanding, which was signed by representatives of both sides.

By establishing its own 155 mm ammunition production facility, Latvia is taking a further step towards strengthening its defence capabilities and expanding its independent defence sector. The produced ammunition is to ensure supplies for the National Armed Forces of Latvia, as well as strengthen security of supply chains and be available to partner countries.

The production line will feature a state-of-the-art production facility, including a shell forging and filling line. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring of 2026, with production expected to start around a year later. The €275 million investment will enable the facility to produce tens of thousands of artillery shells and create at least 150 local jobs. Regional companies and the domestic economy will be integrated into the facility’s value chain.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Sili?a said: “Signing this MoU is a clear step towards strengthening Latvia’s security and developing our defence industry. By aiming to establish partnership with Rheinmetall Latvia not only builds stronger national defence, but also contributes to security of supply in Europe, enhancing industrial capacity as well as facilitating economic growth. I have been directly involved in this process because I believe that investing in our defence industry is investing in the safety and future of our people.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are delighted to be able to contribute to Latvia’s national sovereignty in the field of ammunition. At the same time, the production line will strengthen our position as the world’s leading manufacturer of artillery ammunition. At Rheinmetall, we are committed to supporting our customers as a reliable partner with first-class services. I am confident that we will also build similar partnerships for ammunition production in other countries”.

Ingrida Kirse, Board Member of the State Defence Corporation: “With the utmost sense of responsibility, we are taking on the entrusted task of jointly establishing an artillery ammunition production facility in Latvia. I am confident that all the necessary conditions are in place, as this project brings together several essential components. On the one hand, the mission of the State Defence Corporation is to ensure the needs of the National Armed Forces and to foster the development of Latvia’s defence industry by developing manufacturing capacity. On the other hand, Rheinmetall contributes its longstanding expertise, accumulated know-how, high standards, and international recognition. This synergy forms the foundation of a strong partnership that will both advance the industry and strengthen the security of Latvia and the wider region.”

It was only at the end of 2024 that Rheinmetall was commissioned by Latvia’s neighboring Lithuania to build a modern ammunition production facility for artillery shells. Construction of the plant, which is set to begin in a few weeks at the Baisogala site in the heart of Lithuania, mirrors the size and design to the facility planned for Latvia.

Scout AI Partners with Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions on NOMAD – Defense UGV Automated by Fury

Friday, September 26th, 2025

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept, 2025 — Scout AI Inc. (“Scout”) and Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions (“HMS”) today announced a partnership on NOMAD, HMS’s next-generation unmanned ground vehicle (“UGV”) controlled by Scout’s Fury autonomy system. NOMAD represents Fury’s second UGV form factor and debuts Scout’s fastest foundation model to date, lightweight, low-latency, and purpose-built for compact robotic platforms.

NOMAD also introduces Scout’s second-generation Fury hardware stack, which is more than 90% smaller and significantly more power-efficient than prior versions. The system remains low-signature and passive-sensing, enabling NOMAD to operate autonomously beyond line of sight, follow a human teammate from a safe distance, and integrate a wide range of payloads for light tactical ground missions.

“NOMAD is an incredible platform, fast, adaptable, and designed for the toughest mission environments,” said Colby Adcock, Co-Founder and CEO of Scout AI. “Our partnership with Hendrick Motorsports underscores the extensibility of Fury across multiple form factors. We’re just beginning to unlock its potential across ground, air, sea, and space domains.”

Building on Scout’s mission to deliver next-generation, camera-only autonomy, NOMAD combines Vision-Language-Action (VLA) reasoning with rugged, commercial off-the-shelf hardware. By eliminating costly and fragile sensors and relying on fully learned models, Fury provides human-like judgment in real time while maintaining a low-cost, low-signature footprint.

“At Hendrick Motorsports, our greatest strength has always been our people—the engineers, builders, and innovators who thrive under pressure and push technology to its limits,” said Rhegan Flanagan, Director of Government Programs at HMS. “We are proud to bring that same dedication to supporting the warfighter, whose mission and safety drive everything we do. Partnering with Scout AI allows us to combine world-class vehicle engineering with cutting-edge autonomy to deliver NOMAD—a commercial platform designed to give our servicemembers greater capability, protection, and confidence on the battlefield.”