Industry | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

European Consortium Launches iMUGS2 to Advance Interoperable Unmanned Ground Systems

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025

A European consortium uniting leading defence, research, and technology organisations from across the Union has launched the iMUGS2 project to develop the next generation of interoperable unmanned ground systems, following its successful proposal to the European Commission under its European Defence Fund (EDF) programme. The project is coordinated by Milrem Robotics.

Building on the achievements of the first iMUGS project, iMUGS2 aims to enhance Europe’s autonomy and robotics capabilities by developing a scalable, interoperable, and secure system-of-systems architecture for both unmanned and manned platforms. The project reinforces Europe’s technological sovereignty in key defence areas, including AI-driven autonomy, systems integration, communications, and command and control.

“With iMUGS2, Europe takes another significant step towards developing truly interoperable and scalable robotic forces that enhance the continent’s defence capabilities,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics. “The project promotes innovation and cooperation among European nations, ensuring that future AI-based autonomous systems can operate seamlessly together on the battlefield.”

iMUGS2 begins immediately with extensive conceptual, operational, and technical development across multiple domains. Partners will design and refine operational concepts, system architectures, and technological solutions that advance manned–unmanned teaming, autonomous functions, secure communications, and electronic protection.

In parallel, the project focuses on system integration, lifecycle efficiency, and interoperability, laying the groundwork for upcoming demonstrations and capability deployment across Europe’s defence landscape. These developments will ensure resilient, cost-effective, and future-ready unmanned systems.

About iMUGS2

With a total value of approximately €55 million and nearly €50 million in EDF funding, iMUGS2 pursues three strategic objectives: to develop and demonstrate combat-ready unmanned ground systems that support dismounted troops; to define operational concepts showing how unmanned ground and aerial systems can improve infantry battalion operations and cross-domain cooperation; and to advance modular, open architectures and lifecycle management frameworks that ensure interoperability across both legacy and future platforms.

About the Consortium:

The iMUGS2 Consortium comprises 29 partners from 15 European Union member states. The group includes large corporations, mid-sized businesses, SMEs, and research organisations. Each partner provides leading expertise in their respective fields, supporting a comprehensive vision throughout the project’s lifecycle. This diversity allows the consortium to tackle potential challenges and deliver strategic, effective solutions.

The iMUGS2 Consortium includes the following entities: AVL List, Bittium Wireless, Bureau Veritas, Czech Technical University in Prague, Cybernetica, Delft Dynamics, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, Elettronica, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, FN Herstal, GMV, Huta Stalowa Wola, Insta Advance, Integrated Systems Development, John Cockerill Defense, Kepla, KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, ?ukasiewicz – PIAP, Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Nortal (Talgen Cybersecurity), Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Svensk Konstruktionstjänst and TNO.

For more information, please visit imugs.eu.

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

National Safety Apparel Expands Defense & Government Leadership

Friday, November 21st, 2025

Promotes Markin Dornan to Executive Vice President and Appoints Tommy Young as Vice President of Defense

CLEVELAND, OH — November 21, 2025 — National Safety Apparel (NSA), a leader in mission-critical protective apparel, today announced the promotion of Markin Dornan to Executive Vice President of Defense & Government and the appointment of Tommy Young as Vice President of Defense. These leadership moves strengthen NSA’s focus on U.S. military and government customers and build on the company’s established presence through its DRIFIRE® Defense and Wild Things® brands.

DRIFIRE® Defense delivers high-performance, Berry-compliant FR apparel made in the U.S.A. and trusted by military personnel and tactical teams for its advanced fabric technology—combining flame resistance, moisture management, durability, and comfort engineered for the battlefield. Wild Things®, trusted since the early 2000s by elite military units, provides rugged, lightweight technical outerwear—also Berry compliant and U.S.-made—designed for the harshest environments and used today across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

As Executive Vice President of Defense & Government, Dornan leads the division’s strategic direction and cross-functional execution. Since joining NSA in 2009, he has expanded the company into new markets, built high-performance teams, and led numerous product innovations. Dornan also serves as Board Chair of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) and recently earned the Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB) from Harvard Business School Online.

Tommy Young serves as Vice President of Defense at National Safety Apparel, where he leads strategy, government programs, and innovation across the company’s defense portfolio—including advanced protective systems for military personnel.

An Air Force fighter pilot, Young served 13 years on active duty flying the F-16, completing over 100 combat sorties. He continues to serve in the Air Force Reserve as Chief of Combat Operations, supporting Air Operations Centers (AOCs) worldwide that oversee real-time air mission planning and execution.

Prior to joining NSA, Young spent more than a decade in the military apparel and technical fabrics industry, partnering extensively with the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, and elite military units to develop advanced protective solutions for U.S. service members. His career blends proven combat leadership, global defense expertise, and commercial execution—bringing a mission-driven mindset to advancing the next generation of protective solutions for U.S. and allied forces.

“Markin brings strategic clarity and a proven record of execution; Tommy brings a service-first, results-driven approach to defense sales,” said Mike Enright, President of National Safety Apparel. “Together, they anchor our Defense & Government team and ensure our Berry-compliant, U.S.A.-made solutions reach the units that depend on them. We’re building the bench—with a Director of Marketing and Product role—to accelerate launches, strengthen partnerships, and keep mission needs at the center.”

“Tommy’s honorable service background and industry experience showcase his proven track record as a leader,” said Markin Dornan, EVP of Defense & Government. “His values align with NSA’s, and I’m confident he will help our team deliver meaningful contributions for the Warfighter and for NSA.”

“I’m honored to join such an outstanding organization and team at National Safety Apparel,” said Tommy Young, VP of Defense. “NSA’s DRIFIRE® Defense and Wild Things® brands have earned the trust of those who serve, and I’m excited to help drive continued growth and innovation while advancing our mission to protect and support the Warfighter.”

NSA continues to invest in leadership and capability growth, including an open Director of Marketing and Product position to expand brand, product marketing, and demand generation across Defense & Government.

Learn more at thinknsa.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on National Safety Apparel Expands Defense & Government Leadership

Sawgrass Expands Operations with New State-of-the-Art Facility Featuring Latest Laser Cutting Technology

Tuesday, November 18th, 2025

Sawgrass Expands Operations with New State-of-the-Art Facility Featuring Latest Laser Cutting Technology

Saluda, NC — November 13, 2025 — Sawgrass, the leading laser cutting and precision fabrication provider with decades of industry experience, proudly announces the opening of its new, cutting-edge facility in Saluda, NC. This expansion marks a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to innovation, quality, and service across the nation.

Equipped with the latest generation of laser cutting technology, the new facility enhances Sawgrass’s ability to deliver exceptional precision, speed, and efficiency. This investment underscores the company’s dedication to supporting critical sectors including the Department of Defense (DOD), aerospace, law enforcement, automotive, and a wide range of industrial partners.

“Our new facility represents the future of advanced manufacturing,” said Matt Widincamp, President of Sawgrass. “By combining decades of expertise with the most advanced laser technology available, we’re setting new standards for precision, reliability, and turnaround times in every industry we serve.”

As one of the leading laser cutting providers in the United States, Sawgrass has built its reputation on precision craftsmanship, innovative processes, and unwavering customer commitment. The new location expands production capacity, streamlines operations, and strengthens the company’s ability to meet growing demand for high-performance components and assemblies.

About Sawgrass

Sawgrass has been a trusted leader in precision laser cutting, fabrication, and manufacturing services for over 30 years. Serving customers in defense, aerospace, automotive, law enforcement, and industrial markets, the company is known for its technical expertise, quality standards, and cutting-edge technology.

For more information, visit www.sawgrassproduction.com or contact:

Contact:

Mark Smith

Director of Business Development

Sawgrass

828-634-6955

mark@sawgrassproduction.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

XACT Engineered Manufacturing Solutions Received a Gold ‘Partner2Win’ Medallion at BAE Systems’ Seventh Annual Supplier Symposium

Monday, November 17th, 2025

HOUSTON, Texas — November 19, 2025 — XACT Engineered Manufacturing Solutions (XACT EMS) received a Gold Medallion at BAE Systems’ ‘Partner2Win’ suppler symposium, recognizing its exceptional performance and commitment to operational excellence this year.

XACT’s contributions to supply chain success and the U.S. defense industrial base helped BAE Systems ensure quality deliveries of combat vehicles and weapon systems to the U.S. military and its allies.

“The strength of our supply network is these companies. They’re more than just partners – they’re an extension of our team,” said Garrett Lacaillade, vice president of integrated operations for BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business. “Their innovation, reliability, and relentless commitment to excellence fuels our ability to deliver for warfighters. This event is our way of saying thank you and celebrating the power of what we deliver together.”

The ‘Partner2Win’ program, now in its seventh year, acknowledges suppliers who excel in operations, quality, and procurement. Through this program, BAE Systems fosters close relationships with its suppliers, sharing best practices, learnings, and innovative solutions to drive mutual success. The award-winning suppliers this year have demonstrated exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality products for warfighters.

Learn more about BAE Systems’ ‘Partner2Win’ supplier symposium here.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Echodyne and Poland’s Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology Collaborate on Integrating Counter-Drone Radar into Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Monday, November 17th, 2025

The respected R&D center collaborates with Echodyne as modernizing ground capabilities becomes increasingly important for national defense

Kirkland, WA, November 13, 2025 – Echodyne, the radar platform company, today announces a collaboration with Poland’s Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology (WITPiS), a leading research and development center in the field of land vehicle technology. Through this collaboration, the teams will work to assess, integrate, and find potential uses for Echodyne’s counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) radars in Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) developed by WITPiS and its industrial partners.

Echodyne will be working closely with its long-time partner and distributor in Poland, Linc Polska, to test, demonstrate, and present the capabilities of C-UAS radar technology with WITPiS’ UGVs. The three entities will work hand-in-hand to identify both civil and military applications for the radar-enabled UGVs in the region.

“The Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology brings critical expertise to our collaboration to deliver best-in-class ground-based systems for detection and situational awareness,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “As Allied militaries increasingly put the spotlight on modernizing their land force capabilities, Echodyne looks forward to continuing to demonstrate how our MESA radars provide the highest performance for on-the-move threat detection, and integration into larger counter-UAS and defense systems.”

Echodyne’s 4D metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA) radars are perfectly suited to provide the reliable precision tracking capabilities required for fixed, portable, and on-the-move C-UAS missions. Rooted in the belief that data fidelity makes all the difference to C-UAS mission success, Echodyne radars consistently generate a high-fidelity view of the airspace, detecting and tracking UAS intruders with pinpoint accuracy.

“Echodyne’s been a long-time partner of ours and we know exactly what their consistent, reliable radar technology is capable of,” said Harald Dingemans, CEO at Linc Polska. “We look forward to showcasing different ways the radar technology can support the modernization of land capabilities with WITPiS UGVs.”

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

FirstSpear Deepens “Built for The X” Mission with Hire of Special Operations Aviation Expert Brian Erb

Friday, November 14th, 2025

FENTON, Mo. (Nov 11th, 2025) – FirstSpear®, the leader in uncompromising equipment for professionals bound for “The X,” today announced the appointment of Brian Erb as Director, Aviation Business Development. The strategic hire of the decorated Special Operations aviator brings a career defined by moments of extreme pressure and critical decision-making, the very challenges FirstSpear equipment is engineered to overcome.

A retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5), Erb brings nearly 30 years of distinguished military aviation experience, including 18 years with the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR (A)). A seasoned MH-47 instructor pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours (over 1,000 in combat and 1,000 under night vision) his career embodies the operational precision and field-tested knowledge that define FirstSpear’s approach. His leadership of the Regimental ALSE (Aviation Life Support Equipment) Shop was pivotal in advancing mission survivability, where he drove the adoption of key aviation and rotary protective systems like the FirstSpear Aviation Body Armor Vest (ABAV) and the Rotary Wing Advanced Tactical Helmet (RATH).

“FirstSpear exists to give operators total confidence in the moments where there is no margin for error. To do that authentically, our team must include professionals who have lived it,” said Scott Carver, Founder and CEO of FirstSpear. “Brian Erb doesn’t just understand ‘The X’; he has navigated it for decades. His expertise makes him a direct partner in readiness, ensuring our design process is always anchored to the unforgiving realities of the mission. He is here to help us uphold our promise: to build and deploy uncompromising equipment for superiority and durability.”

“Throughout my career with the 160th, the safety and effectiveness of fellow Night Stalkers was paramount. I saw firsthand how FirstSpear consistently listened to the operator and delivered equipment that made a real difference for our aircrews,” said Brian Erb. “I’m incredibly proud to now join a company that has been so dedicated to our community. My mission here is to use my experience to help drive the next evolution of gear, ensuring our military aviators have the decisive edge in safety, comfort, and lethality for years to come.”

At FirstSpear, Erb will lead efforts to expand aviation partnerships and product integrations. He will be responsible for translating the evolving demands of aviators and aircrews into tangible, life-saving equipment, ensuring the next generation of operators is equipped for their defining moments.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Industry | No Comments »

Digital Force Technologies Selects Echodyne Radar for Seraphim Counter-UAS Family of Systems

Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

MESA® radars tapped by Seraphim C-UAS autonomous sensor and effector solutions for exceptional data fidelity, OTM capabilities

Kirkland, WA, November 11, 2025 – Echodyne, the radar platform company, is pleased to announce that its radars have been selected by Digital Force Technologies (DFT) as the primary radars across its Seraphim C-UAS family of systems. DFT combines extensive defense expertise and cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled solutions that meet the evolving needs of the warfighter from concept to battlefield application. The Seraphim C-UAS is a modular, expandable family of autonomous solutions for detection, assessment, tracking, deterrence and defeat of UAS threats.

The end customer solutions range from expeditionary systems to fixed-site, in-garrison protection and maintain an agile, rapid-deployment approach. DFT was selected as part of the TERAPIN project to deliver an ultra-endurance autonomous mobile sensor/effector platform with robust edge processing for the expeditionary warfighter operating in austere, remote locations. Echodyne’s portfolio of market-leading radars, including EchoShield® and EchoGuard®, are now integrated components, adding high fidelity detection, classification, and precision tracking data across the Seraphim C-UAS family of systems.

TERAPIN is part of a United States Marine Corps program to provide persistent, all-domain sensing and surveillance support, tactical early warning, multi-domain intrusion-detection, and forward edge processing/computing of an AI/ML- based computer vision capability. These capabilities are being deployed by the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), at the Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR), down to any sized Marine element, to support the Naval Expeditionary Force (NEF) in the conduct of Sea Denial and Sea Control operations, and to enable force protection for Expeditionary Advanced Bases (EABs), forward fixed sites, and installations.

“Echodyne shares Digital Force Technologies’ commitment to delivering adaptable solutions that advance mission success and enhance warfighter safety, awareness, and capabilities,” said Justin MacLaurin, CEO of Digital Force Technologies. “The demand for autonomous systems that accurately sense their environment, identify threats, and inform and protect the warfighter is evolving quickly, and Seraphim C-UAS is proving that cutting-edge, autonomous solutions are available today.”

Echodyne’s patented MESA architecture creates ultra-low SWaP, high performance radar systems that deliver extraordinarily accurate situational awareness data. A solid-state, zero sustainment architecture makes MESA radars ideal for missions in water, coastal, land, and air domains and complements rapid adaptability to fixed, portable, temporary, or on-the-move (OTM) requirements.

“Echodyne is thrilled to be acknowledged by Digital Force Technologies as having the ideal radars for their Seraphim C-UAS solutions,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “Counter-UAS is critical to every force and mission, and this selection demonstrates again that cutting-edge Defense solutions are turning to Echodyne radar for market-leading accuracy, precision, and reliability.”

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

Carrington Textiles Launches New Fabric Collection Guides at A+A

Tuesday, November 11th, 2025

Adlington, United Kingdom: Global workwear textiles manufacturer Carrington Textiles marked a successful return to A+A in Düsseldorf with the launch of 13 new fabrics and the official debut of their redesigned Fabric Collection Guides. The stand attracted a high number of visitors across the four days of the exhibition, with excellent feedback on both the new products and the innovative format of the guides.

Paul Farrell, Sales Director at Carrington Textiles, said: “We were delighted with the response at A+A. The new fabrics were extremely well received, with customers particularly interested in how we are pushing the boundaries with stretch, sustainability and flame retardancy. The launch of our new Fabric Collection Guides was another highlight, giving visitors a completely new way to explore our portfolio.”

The Fabric Collection Guides have been developed to combine practicality with a premium look. Their smart half Canadian bound format allows pages to open flat for effortless display, while detailed product sections give buyers the key information they need at a glance, from composition and weave to fibre types and certifications. Each guide also integrates QR codes for instant access to deeper technical content, as well as dedicated info pages to provide additional insight into sub-ranges such as polycotton and stretch.

Fabric swatches have been built into the guides so customers can feel the quality directly, while a QR-coded online colour chart provides access to the latest shade information at any time. The collection is completed by a durable slip case that keeps the guides together, easy to carry and presentable in any setting. Printed on FSC recycled paper, they also reflect Carrington Textiles’ ongoing commitment to sustainability.

To showcase these features at A+A, Carrington Textiles premiered a sleek 3D animation. With cinematic lighting, high-end textures and minimal narration, the film dramatised the shape, finish and usability of the guides, reinforcing their premium feel and the company’s strong brand presence.

Together, the new fabrics and Fabric Collection Guides reinforced Carrington Textiles’ position as a global leader in workwear textiles, with innovation in both product and presentation.

For more information visit carrington.co.uk.

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