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DroneShield Announces R&D and Manufacturing Capacity Expansion

Tuesday, July 15th, 2025
  • DroneShield is committing to invest $13 million in a significant R&D and manufacturing capacity expansion
  • New dedicated 3,000sqm of own production space (3x the floorspace of the current production facility)
  • Addition of 2,500sqm to the R&D area in its headquarters, for engineering and lab space
  • Together with planned expansions to its Australian contract manufacturing, and plans to set up contract manufacturing in Europe and the US, the current $500 million annual manufacturing capacity is estimated to expand to $2.4 billion, by the end of 2026
  • The expansion in Australia is concurrent with DroneShield’s European and US manufacturing initiatives, against the backdrop of record global demand

DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) is pleased to announce it is making a more than $13 million initial investment via a multi-year lease and fitout commitment into a brand new 3,000sqm production facility in Sydney’s Alexandria, with expected opening in December 2025. This is in addition to 2,500sqm of R&D area in its headquarters, expanding its own annual production capacity to $900 million by mid-2026 and a combined total annual manufacturing capacity to $2.4 billion by the end of 2026, as it targets a $2.34 billion and rapidly growing global sales pipeline including in Europe, its fastest-growing export market. 

The $13 million amount refers to 5 years of initial lease commitment as well as the fit-out cost for its expanded R&D area, and the new production facility. As DroneShield engages with third party supply chain, substantially Australian, there is no requirement for heavy machinery and similar capital expenditure investment.

The new facility, including advanced in-house production, testing and warehousing capabilities is DroneShield’s largest to date and more than three times the size of its current production assembly floor near central Sydney. The existing production assembly floor will be converted into an additional R&D area for the Company, resulting in a 5,530sqm total R&D area. 

It comes on the heels of DroneShield announcing it has received a $61.6 million European contract in June, the biggest single order in DroneShield’s history, followed shortly by a $9.7 million Latin American contract and an $11.7 million Five-Eyes R&D contract. In line with the broader increase in military spending across the EU region, DroneShield has also announced its significant expansion into Europe, where it is planning to establish a European Centre of Excellence, including manufacturing and production facility, to support the continent’s domestic defence programs such as the EUR800bn ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030. 

“In response to rising threats and multiple wars taking place across the globe, Australia’s allies are increasing investment in modern defence capabilities,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO, DroneShield.

“We are stepping up to meet this demand by investing in state-of-the-art facilities here and abroad, and in sovereign Australian skills development to provide the most modern and effective counter-drone capabilities in the world. Our new facility in Alexandria will epitomise the value Australian engineering can bring to a changing geopolitical landscape.”


Image: DroneShield’s current in-house product assembly facility in central Sydney

In 2024, exports accounted for 91 per cent of DroneShield’s existing facilities, proving them a vital example of the broader manufacturing capabilities Australia can deliver as part of its Future Made in Australia (FMIA) plan.

The changing landscape and rising threats have increased younger generations’ interest in working in Australia’s defence industry, according to Vornik.

“Interest in working in defence had been declining over decades of peace,” he said. “But we are seeing a rise in national pride as tyrants attempt to change the world order, and that’s translating to an uptick in younger staff seeking opportunities and adding real and timely value to Australia’s defence efforts.” 

Lawmen’s First Annual Rodeo

Saturday, July 12th, 2025

Join us Sept 19 & 20 for our annual open house. This a FREE EVENT featuring tours, free classes, music, food trucks and industry factory representatives. Details for the attending vendors, classes & speakers at lawmens.net. We hope to see you here!

O2X VI Performance Provides Expanded Human Performance Solutions for Military and Law Enforcement Communities

Friday, July 11th, 2025

Covington, LA –Valletta Industries and O2X Human Performance, both veteran-owned companies led by former Navy SEALs, have announced the strategic formulation of O2X VI Performance, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certified joint venture that will deliver comprehensive readiness and performance programs to military and federal agencies. 

Built on a shared legacy of service and a deep commitment to mission readiness, O2X VI Performance will deliver science-backed human performance programs to clients within the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and additional government entities.

“By combining O2X’s proven expertise in human performance with Valletta’s tactical training capabilities, this joint venture creates a uniquely capable partner for government agencies and commercial clients,” said Sam Blair, CEO of Valletta Industries. “O2X VI Performance offers a mission-ready, SDVOSB-certified solution to meet the evolving human performance needs of federal agencies.”

The Mentor-Protégé Joint Venture integrates expertise in strength and conditioning, injury prevention, mental performance, nutrition, and resilience with tactical instruction, field training, and mission-specific skill development. Leveraging both companies’ embedded personnel models and data-driven methodologies, the joint venture will deliver integrated, end-to-end readiness programs tailored to the unique demands of military and federal law enforcement clients.

“O2X VI Performance enhances our delivery while preserving the depth and integrity of our programs,” said Paul McCullough, President & Co-Founder of O2X. “Together with Valletta, we’re offering the most comprehensive readiness solution on the market — for organizations from federal law enforcement to the Department of Defense.”

OP Tactical Is Exclusive US Distributor For Perroz Designs

Friday, July 11th, 2025

OP Tactical is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Perroz Designs, with select products in stock now. The Ultra Slick Plate Carrier, geared toward concealability, features contoured Tweave stretch plate bags and low-profile Hypalon shoulder straps for a secure, body-conforming fit. Perroz helmet covers for both Team Wendy and Ops-Core helmets offer streamlined and easily accessible NVG mounting and retention solutions, available in multiple colors and patterns.

Shop the full lineup here

American Rheinmetall Systems Joins American Rheinmetall as a Unified Business Entity

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

American Rheinmetall Systems (ARS) is pleased to announce that it will now operate under the unified name American Rheinmetall, aligning with the company’s broader strategy to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and deliver greater value to its customers across the defense industry.

This move strengthens American Rheinmetall’s position as a leading U.S. defense partner by integrating the exceptional capabilities of the Biddeford, Maine team into the broader American Rheinmetall enterprise. The change does not impact current contracts, programs, or services secured by American Rheinmetall Systems. Existing customers will continue to receive the same world-class support as part of a more connected, large scale, and capable organization.

“American Rheinmetall Systems has long been a cornerstone of Rheinmetall’s U.S. operations proudly operating in Maine where we are committed to remaining and growing,” said Matt Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall. “ARS has a deep legacy of innovation and expertise that will continue to thrive while new opportunities for synergy and growth will arise for the Biddeford facility as part of the larger American Rheinmetall enterprise.”

With decades of experience in electronic mission systems and components, the Biddeford team supports next-generation modernization priorities for the U.S. Armed Forces. As a leader in the development and production of crew-served and vehicle-based EO/IR systems, remote weapon station components, airburst ammunition programing units, and counter-UAS solutions, among other technologies, the company adds tremendous value to American Rheinmetall’s growing portfolio.

“Bringing ARS into the core of American Rheinmetall reinforces our commitment to delivering solutions for combat readiness as a prime OEM and Tier 1 supplier focused on Army modernization and American Manufacturing,” added Jason Atkinson, President of American Rheinmetall.

This natural transition marks an exciting step forward in American Rheinmetall’s continued growth, adding scale, capabilities, and synergy that drives new opportunities across the enterprise.

www.rheinmetall-us.com

Darley Welcomes Jim Johnson to Fire Advisory Board

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

ITASCA, IL – July 9, 2025Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Johnson to its Fire Advisory Board. Jim Johnson brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise in serving the fire industry.

Jim Johnson served as President of Pierce Manufacturing from 2010 to 2023. He also served as an Executive Vice President of Oshkosh Corporation and President of Oshkosh’s Fire & Emergency business segment with responsibility for the Frontline, Maximetal and Oshkosh Airport Products brands in addition to Pierce. Most recently, Jim served as the President of the company’s Vocational business segment with the added responsibility for Oshkosh’s refuse vehicles, airport ground support equipment, utility, and concrete truck brands in addition to his Fire & Emergency responsibilities before retiring in 2024. Jim started his career in Indianapolis as an attorney practicing commercial litigation.

“We are truly honored and proud to have Jim Johnson join our Fire Advisory Board,” said Paul Darley, CEO of Darley. “We have been business associates and close friends for almost 20 years. He is a strategic visionary with an eye toward innovation and people. Under his leadership, Pierce grew to be the largest company in the fire industry. Jim’s combination of operational experience, legal mindset, executive presence, sound ethical corporate governance, and industry experience make him an invaluable board member.”

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Announces Major Growth in 2025: New Hires, Dealer Expansion, Law Enforcement Milestones, and the Launch of the MK1

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

San Antonio, TX – July 8, 2025 – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), maker of the World’s Finest Fighting Rifles, is proud to announce several key developments from Q2 2025 that mark a period of unprecedented growth and expansion across military, law enforcement, and commercial markets.

To support the company’s continued upward trajectory, SOLGW has made two strategic hires: Sean Murphy has joined as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, bringing a decade and a half of industry experience in sales, marketing, training and business development roles. Scott Petersen also joins the team at Director of Special Projects, having recently retired from the prestigious U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, and has been working on a range of initiatives from increasing production capacity to pushing the edge of performance on new product development projects.

The company has also seen ever growing presence with law enforcement agencies, with over 60 new agencies adopting SOLGW rifles in the first half of 2025 alone. Among the major successes is the delivery of more than 375 EXO3 rifles for patrol use with a major southeastern US agency, representing one of the largest single-agency deployments in the company’s history.

As demand for Sons of Liberty rifles grows, so too does the reach of our Platinum Dealer Network. In June, we proudly welcomed several elite retailers to the fold, including:

Real Street Tactical (FL)

Midwest Shooting Centers (7-locations across Midwest)

Ray’s Sporting Goods (TX)

Texas Gun Experience (TX)

XCal Shooting Sports (VA)

Shark Coast Tactical (FL)

…and more to be announced.

These partners represent the best in service, training, and community presence—and reflect the same standards of excellence SOLGW demands in our products.

Adding to this momentum is the launch of the MK1 Rifle, SOLGW’s next generation fighting rifle platform, engineered for unmatched reliability and shooting performance, with a multitude of refinements that make the MK1 a premiere option for both professional and civilian applications.

“We’re scaling without compromise,” said Nate Horvath, CEO of Sons of Liberty Gun Works. “Everything we do—from dealer partnerships to law enforcement support to military programs—is driven by a commitment to mission-first performance. Our growth is a direct result of that focus, and we’re proud to be earning the trust of professionals across the country.”

“This is a pivotal moment for Sons of Liberty,” said Mike Mihalski, founder and Chief Product Officer. “We’ve always said we build rifles for people who rely on them when it matters most. That mission is resonating across agencies, units, and responsible citizens alike. We’re grateful—and we’re just getting started.”

For more information on SOLGW products, dealers, or law enforcement programs, visit solgw.com.

Rheinmetall Wins Major Order for Artillery Ammunition – Order Value in the Hundreds of Millions of Euros

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

A European NATO country has signed a multi-year contract with Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RF) Pty Ltd (RDM) in South Africa for the delivery of 155 mm projectiles from the Assegai family and bimodular propelling charges. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2025 and is worth several hundred million euros. Deliveries will begin in 2025 and conclude with final delivery in 2027. The order is the largest in the history of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.

The Rheinmetall Assegai 155mm projectiles and bi-modular propelling charges will be integrated into the customer’s artillery weapon systems, delivering range capability of more than 40,000m with optimal performance in the target area.

“The Rheinmetall Assegai user group is growing rapidly across the globe, and we are delighted that another customer has now also selected Rheinmetall Assegai to be delivered fast and in volume.” says Dr. Frank Dirksen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.

Capacity

Rheinmetall continue to invest heavily into capacity enhancement of existing facilities and establishing new manufacturing facilities which provide the ability to serve the growing demand for modern 155mm projectiles and charges. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of large-calibre ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based Technology Corporation Rheinmetall has been increasing its production capacity since 2022, and aims at producing around 1.5 million 155 mm artillery shells per year by 2027.

Technology

The Assegai suite of projectiles and Charges are qualified and in-service with multiple user nations, providing interoperability and a fast-track integration into service.

The Assegai projectile suite consist of ballistically matched High Explosive, Illumination, Infrared Illumination, Smoke, Pre-formed Fragmented (PFF) and Rocket-Assisted (V-LAP) projectiles.

South African Economic Benefit

“Rheinmetall Denel Munition is a proud member of the South African defence industry, employing more than 2,500 workers across South Africa. Major multi-year contracts like this provide us the ability to continue on our growth path which contribute directly to the South African economy.” says Dr. Dirksen.

About Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM)

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd is jointly owned by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (51 %) of Germany and Denel (Pty) Ltd. South Africa.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd specialises in the development, design and manufacture of large- and medium-calibre ammunition families and is a world leader in the field of artillery, mortar and infantry systems as well as plant engineering.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd invest and support more than 1,500 domestic suppliers including SMME’s which benefit more than 250,000 South Africans.