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Department of War Orders Research Security Audits at 30 Academic Institutions

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

The Department of War has issued formal notifications to 30 domestic academic institutions, directing them to initiate immediate and comprehensive reviews of their academic, financial and research collaborations with foreign entities of concern.

These notifications address active institutional ties and collaborations with foreign entities identified under Section 1286 of the FY19 NDAA, as well as organizations associated with rebranded Confucius Institutes. Executed by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, this action is designed to protect American taxpayer-funded research investments from unauthorized technology transfer, intellectual property theft and adversarial exploitation.

“The Department of War has zero tolerance for academic partnerships that compromise our national security,” said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. “Institutions that receive funding from American taxpayers must uphold the highest standards of research security, and these mandated audits will ensure accountability across the board.”

To maintain eligibility for future federal research funding, the notified universities must complete a comprehensive audit of all identified foreign collaborations, assess the exposure of sensitive or export-controlled research, and implement strict mitigation plans, including the termination of problematic partnerships. Institutions are required to report their findings and actions directly to the Department no later than August 31, 2026.

“Universities are critical partners in executing a wide range of Department of War research programs, and the Department must therefore ensure that our research investments are well protected from foreign exploitation,” said Dr. Joseph Jewell, Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology.

Through these audits, the Department of War will better anticipate emerging threats, adapt to evolving adversarial tactics and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation. The Department is pursuing this effort alongside partners in Congress.?Together with the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, the Department continues to build a robust research ecosystem that protects critical discoveries from exploitation.

Posted in Department of War, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Red Cat Announces Multiyear Partnership with Washington Commanders to Support America’s Military Community

Sunday, August 16th, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 10, 2026 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced a multiyear partnership with the Washington Commanders to support U.S. service members, veterans, and their families.

As a Proud Partner of the Washington Commanders, Red Cat and the team are working together on military appreciation initiatives, including community events, fan experiences, and recognition programs that honor service members, veterans, and military families throughout the season.

The partnership reflects both organizations’ commitments to supporting those who serve and highlights Red Cat’s mission to strengthen American leadership in autonomous systems. Through its Family of Systems, Red Cat develops secure, American made drone technologies that provide critical intelligence and situational awareness to the U.S. military and allied forces.

“Red Cat is focused on building the next generation of autonomous systems for the men and women who defend our country,” said Jeff Thompson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Red Cat. “Our partnership with the Washington Commanders extends that mission beyond the battlefield by recognizing the service and sacrifice of our military community. We are honored to work alongside an organization that shares our commitment to giving back to those who have given so much.”

Throughout the upcoming NFL season, Red Cat will launch a comprehensive marketing campaign across one of the country’s largest media markets. The partnership will include in-stadium branding and digital signage at Northwest Stadium, military appreciation programming, community initiatives, game day activations, and digital content that highlights Red Cat’s commitment to those who serve.

“The Washington Commanders are proud to partner with Red Cat to celebrate the military community and the values of service, leadership, and innovation,” said Jim Rushton, Chief Partnerships Officer of the Washington Commanders. “Together, we look forward to creating meaningful experiences that recognize our service members while engaging fans throughout the season.”

Posted in Drone, Industry, Morale, Press Release | No Comments »

Exhibitor Space Filling Quickly for 2027 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range

Saturday, August 15th, 2026

BOULDER CITY, Nev. – August 13, 2026 – Exhibitor space is filling quickly for the 2027 SHOT Show® Industry Day at the Range™, with a limited selection of shooting bays, long-range areas and non-shooting exhibit spaces available. The 22nd annual event will take place January 18, 2027, at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada.

Held the day before SHOT Show opens, Industry Day at the Range provides manufacturers with an unparalleled opportunity to introduce and demonstrate their newest products to influential writers, editors, digital content creators, buyers, distributors and other qualified industry professionals. As the largest one-day range event in the hunting and shooting sports industry, it gives attendees the opportunity to test and evaluate products in a hands-on, real-world environment.

A variety of remaining exhibit opportunities allows participating companies to select the space that best aligns with their products and event goals. Current availability includes:

Prime Exclusive Bays: 25-, 50-, 75- or 200-yard bays available in conjunction with a sponsorship
Exclusive Bays: 25-, 50- or 75-yard options
Shared Bays: 25- or 75-yard options
10×20 Shooting Areas: Access to ranges spanning 25 to 1,000 yards
10×10 Shooting Areas: Access to ranges spanning 25 to 1,000 yards
Non-Shooting Exhibit Spaces

“Industry Day at the Range continues to be the premier platform for companies to introduce their newest products to the most influential media and decision-makers,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range co-owner and event manager. “With strong early demand and space becoming increasingly limited, we encourage companies considering participation to secure the opportunity that best supports their products and objectives.”

Exhibit spaces are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure space complete the registration form.

Companies interested in additional visibility and engagement may also review available sponsorship opportunities.

For questions regarding exhibitor space or sponsorship opportunities, contact Kelsey Puryear at kelsey@shotshowrangeday.com

For more information about the 2027 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range visit ShotShowRangeDay.com.

Posted in Admin, Industry, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on Exhibitor Space Filling Quickly for 2027 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range

Cana Provisions Expands to Europe and the United Kingdom with Two New International Distributors

Friday, August 14th, 2026

Huntsville, AL — August 14, 2026 – Cana Provisions today announced its expansion into the European and UK markets through partnerships with two established tactical distributors: Gear Town in the Netherlands and Tactical Kit in the United Kingdom. The move brings much of the Cana Provisions product line directly to civilians, law enforcements, and military users across the region, with Tactical Kit servicing the United Kingdom and Gear Town servicing continental Europe and beyond.

As demand for reliable, portable water treatment continues to grow among operators, agencies, and preparedness-minded civilians across Europe, the partnerships give customers regional access to Cana’s water treatment and solutions — without the cost and delay of international ordering.

“Clean water isn’t a domestic concern; it’s a universal one. Partnering with Gear Town and Tactical Kit lets us put proven water solutions directly into the hands of the people who need them, wherever the mission takes them.” said Zach H, Owner of Cana Provisions.

Cana Provisions products are built for broad-spectrum operations, disaster response, training environments, and austere expeditions where contaminated water sources are the norm. The company’s mission is to ensure users can treat, verify, and consume safe water without external reference.

Available Products:

• H2gO Mobile Disinfectant Generators and accessories

• Qore Performance Water Data ICEFLASK® and ICEFLASK® Water Data Decals

• Select Cana Provisions Water Data Cards and Decals

• Cana Provisions Water Data Nalgene Bottles

• MSR and Platypus GravityWorks filter systems and accessories

To request additional product availability or to place unit orders, please contact the distributors directly:

Europe — Gear Town

Website

Email: support@geartown.eu

Dutch Inquiries: 085 744 4947

International Inquiries: +31 85 744 4947

* photo by Austin Miller, @Eastcorner Industries.

United Kingdom — Tactical Kit

Website

Email: sales@tactical-kit.co.uk

Phone: 01778 561672

* photo by Adam Wakefield, @81 Photography

Posted in Admin, Hydration, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Army Opens Premier Test Ranges to Private Industry for Rapid Innovation

Wednesday, August 12th, 2026

WASHINGTON — In a major effort to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter, the U.S. Army announced today it is opening four premier stateside military test ranges and collaborating with partners to open an international military test range to private industry for their internal research, development and rapid experimentation.

Spearheaded by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), in close partnership with the Mississippi and Michigan National Guard and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), this initiative prioritizes commercial access to specialized environments ideal for testing drones, counter-drone technologies, long-range fires and low-cost interceptors.

The ranges designated for this effort include Dugway Proving Ground in Utah; West Cibola Range, a newly opened component of Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona; Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi; Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Michigan; and the Multidomain Training Area (MDTA) range complex, a component of the Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC), in Morocco.

“A company with a good idea shouldn’t need a team of lawyers and a program of record just to prove their equipment works,” said Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. “So we fixed that. One front door — testrange.army.mil — a real person to walk you in, and on the other side, everything the modern battlefield demands: contested airspace, degraded signals and the space to test at real scale.”

To streamline access, the Army has launched a modern portal, which serves as a digital “front door” for industry. Companies can easily request range time and will be paired with a dedicated concierge who will assist them through the scheduling processes. Private industry does not need to have a prior U.S. government contract or existing federal relationship to submit a request.

“At Dugway Proving Ground and West Cibola Range, we are providing industry partners with unparalleled access to massive land and airspace that is perfect for the ‘fly, fail, fix, fly’ process necessary to mature emerging drone and long-range fires capabilities,” said Maj. Gen. Pat Gaydon, commanding general of ATEC. “By aligning our test processes with the speed of commercial innovation, we enable developers to rapidly prototype and iterate on their systems.”

In addition to standard testing, the Army will also host a special electromagnetic unreliability test event for private industry at Camp Grayling during the week of Sept. 13, 2026. This environment will mimic the contested electronic warfare conditions currently seen on the battlefield in Ukraine, offering industry a rare opportunity to harden their drone and counter-drone systems. The Army anticipates this opportunity will be repeated on a quarterly basis.

“I am grateful to the Secretary of the Army for selecting Camp Grayling to help advance defense innovation and support the modernization of our military,” said Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “This designation will help streamline research, development and innovation opportunities for Michigan’s defense industry, accelerate the delivery of emerging capabilities to the warfighter and further strengthen our partnership with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. We look forward to providing a realistic environment where government, industry and the military can work together to rapidly develop and evaluate the technologies that will shape the future battlefield.”

Camp Shelby represents the Mississippi National Guard’s contribution to the test range initiative.

“We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command,” said Maj. Gen. Bobby M. Ginn Jr., adjutant general of Mississippi and commanding general of the Mississippi National Guard. “Camp Shelby, with its distinct history of training warfighters coupled with its unique capabilities, stands out as an exceptional location for a test range. We are committed to supporting the T&E of cutting-edge technologies that empower our warfighters and enhance their operational effectiveness across all warfighting domains, operational imperatives and cross-cutting sectors.”

Internationally, AMTEC will provide dedicated physical space to ensure forces and systems are prepared to operate effectively in any environment. A key feature of the MDTA is the ability to operate in the full electromagnetic spectrum as well as contested environments.

“AMTEC represents a transformative leap in multinational collaboration,” said Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of AFRICOM. “This partnership will not only advance the capabilities of both the U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, but it will also provide the defense industrial base with a world-class international venue to experiment, innovate and develop scalable solutions for long-range fires and emerging technologies.”

While submitting a request does not guarantee a vendor’s desired location or timeline due to capacity limits, the Army concierge team will work closely with all applicants to find suitable testing locations and windows.

To view the new site, visit testrange.army.mil/ArmyRangeReservation/s/.

US Army Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post, Industry | Comments Off on Army Opens Premier Test Ranges to Private Industry for Rapid Innovation

Darley Named No. 2026 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Wednesday, August 12th, 2026

Company Recognized for Three-Year Revenue Growth, Earning a Place Among the Nation’s Most Successful Independent Businesses

Itasca, Illinois, August 12, 2026 – Darley today announced it has been ranked No. 2026 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle, and Patagonia.

“Being named to the Inc. 5000 is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the strength of our partnerships,” said Paul Darley, CEO & Chairman of Darley. “As a fourth-generation family-owned company, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that support first responders, warfighters, and the communities they serve. This recognition reflects the hard work of our entire team and our continued focus on creating lasting value for our customers.”

This year’s Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.

For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.

“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance–it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”

Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2026 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 14–16 in Dallas, Texas and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. Magazine. Tickets are on sale now.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

B.E. Meyers & Co. Invited to Present at APFIT Event on Capitol Hill

Friday, August 7th, 2026

AUGUST 6, 2026 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.™ was invited to present the successful results of its APFIT award (Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies) to APFIT program stakeholders in Congress and the Department of War at the Cannon House Office Building on July 21, 2026. Funding from APFIT was used to accelerate production of the Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP), a multi-function, multi-platform aiming laser. This support enabled significant increases in manufacturing throughput and contributed to the successful adoption of the SAL?UHP by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Established in fiscal year 2022, APFIT provides procurement funding for innovative projects that have completed development and are ready to transition into operational use. The B.E. Meyers & Co.™ SAL-UHP is a variant of the DAGIR®?V1, which was tested, validated, and ultimately adopted by USSOCOM as the LA-30, thanks in part to APFIT support. B.E. Meyers & Co.™ and the SAL-UHP were ideal fits for the APFIT program, which is specifically designed to help small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors bridge the “valley of death” between completion of development and large-scale production.

At the APFIT event, Senior Business Development Manager and U.S. Army veteran Chris Austin, along with CEO Matthew Meyers, showcased the SAL-UHP and highlighted the program’s success. Meyers, representing the second generation of family ownership, was joined by third?generation member Jack Meyers, who assisted with the presentation.

The DAGIR® series represents a major advancement in multi-function aiming and illumination technology. It combines a Near-Infrared illuminator with both NIR and visible aiming lasers in a compact, ruggedized system. Engineered with advanced optical design, the DAGIR® series delivers exceptional illumination quality, intuitive ergonomics, and a refined form factor. USSOCOM previously selected the DAGIR®?V1 under the SAL-UHP program, designating it the LA-30 (NSN 5855-01-724-3043). The DAGIR®-V2, which includes an additional visual laser override button, has also been adopted by USSOCOM under the Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (MAL-UHP) contract.

The DAGIR®’s advanced capabilities align closely with the U.S. Department of War’s efforts to maintain and expand U.S. warfighter advantages in night-fighting technology. As a veteran/operated company, B.E. Meyers & Co. is proud to support the enhancement of warfighter night-fighting capability and remains committed to delivering the highest-quality advanced photonics systems for those who serve.

Third generation Meyers family member Jack Meyers with House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA)

CEO and second-generation Meyers family member Matthew Meyers briefing Rep Ken Calbert (R-CA)

U.S. Army Veterans Matthew Meyers and Senior Business Development Manager, Chris Austin

Who We Are:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.™ is a Defense Technology Manufacturer located in Redmond, Washington. As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 52nd year, we are a global leader in tactical laser systems for combat applications, as well as optoelectronic systems for rotary wing aircraft, fixed wing platforms, and UAVs, along with other integrated systems. We are a true “Made in America” operation, with design, development, production, and final assembly occurring in our Redmond, Washington headquarters. We are proud of our work and who we serve as we evolve critical defense technology and reenergize American Manufacturing.

Who We Support:

Our customers include all branches of US Department of War, US Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies, select US consumer channel partners, international allies in over 50+ countries, as well as defense primes both in the US and internationally. Our key product brands in these spaces include VSLAP®, IZLID®, GLARE®, MAWL®, DAGIR®, BOARS®, MILR®, KIJI®, and others.

Made in America:

B.E. Meyers & Co.™ operates in multiple market segments as a defense-centric Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) at our core. Our business and our products are:

§ US based

§ US owned

§ Certified SBA Small Business

§ ITAR compliant

§ ISO 9001:2015

§ Made in America

§ Buy American Act compliant

§ Berry Amendment compliant

Strategic Sourcing:
With respect to strategic sourcing amid the U.S.-China trade war, B.E. Meyers & Co.™ is dedicated to an, “Anywhere But China” supply chain policy wherever possible, and especially for key components.

We continually promote efforts to diversify our supply chain, and we also invest in ensuring critical components are stocked to avoid disruptions.

Product Lines:
The DAGIR® series is currently under contract with various US DoW and other entities.
Please see Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting’s overview of the DAGIR® series here, as well as Steele Industries overview here.

For sales information on the DAGIR®, and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or connect with us at info@bemeyers.com.

“DAGIR”, “IZLID”, “MAWL”, “MILR”, “KIJI”, “GLARE”, “DIAL”, and “BOARS” are federally registered trademarks of B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.

Posted in Advertiser, Congress, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Tobyhanna Army Depot Enters First-of-Its-Kind Arrangement for Rapid sUAS Component Production

Friday, August 7th, 2026

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – In a move set to reshape the Defense Industrial Base, Tobyhanna Army Depot signed a landmark cooperative arrangement with a defense industry partner. This arrangement merges capabilities aimed at rapidly advancing domestic manufacturing and military readiness.

The strategic agreement empowers TYAD and Darkhive, a company focused on modern hardware and software solutions for aerospace and defense use, to combine strengths in support of critical Department of War requirements. This cooperative agreement focuses on the future of combat and defense, including the rapid development, production and sustainment of small-unmanned aircraft systems, or sUAS.

“The Organic Industrial Base is the backbone of Army readiness, but the world is changing, and the OIB needs to change too,” said Chris Mohan, commanding general of Army Materiel Command. “We are using new business practices, in coordination with the defense industrial base, to transform ourselves while simultaneously supporting high operational demands for U.S. forces and allies.”

The cooperative arrangement serves as a pioneering use of use of Title 10 of U.S. Code section 7544, which authorizes a working capital-funded Army industrial facility to enter into an agreement with a non-Army entity to carry out a military or commercial project. In this instance, the first time this authority has ever been leveraged by TYAD, the arrangement merges the Army’s premier Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center of Excellence with industry best practices and capabilities.

The arrangement also comes on the heels of the Army’s OIB Transformation Strategy, signed in April 2026, to convert depots, arsenals and ammunition plants from a fragmented, maintenance-focused enterprise into a strategically aligned industrial engine capable of delivering combat-ready formations in competition, crisis and conflict.

“This is more than just a partnership as this agreement represents the future— the first of many designed to close the gap between commercial tech innovators and the military’s Organic Industrial Base,” said Jon Strzelec, AMC advanced manufacturing lead for sUAS. “By combining the speed and agility of the commercial sector with the massive production capability of our depots and arsenals, we are creating a new model for rapid defense innovation and product delivery.”

The agreement enables a dynamic sharing of resources allowing TYAD to utilize its state-of-the-art infrastructure to manufacture cutting-edge parts, perform sustainment services and directly produce industry-standard products for government use.

The arrangement also opens the doors of TYAD to Darkhive personnel, who will be able to lease and operate within the depot’s facilities, tapping into its extensive equipment and production capacity to further research and innovate sUAS technology while also generating working capital funds for TYAD.

“The arrangement allows Tobyhanna Army Depot to take advantage of DIB speed while Darkhive can develop new solutions for the government using OIB production lines that are already established,” Strzelec said. “And this synergistic approach won’t just stop with production of sUAS components.”

This cooperative arrangement is setting a new standard for modern defense collaboration with the OIB, ensuring a more resilient defense industrial base capable of meeting tomorrow’s national security challenges.

By Lindsay Grant

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post, Industry, Manufacturing | No Comments »