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Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland ais Declared Fully Operational

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced that their European Production Hub in Poland is now fully operational. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities fully operational, Galvion is now able to serve their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

First announced in September 2023 and driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions, the new facility is based in Gdansk. Production has been running for close to a month, with Galvion’s flagship Caiman® helmets as the inaugural systems coming off the production line in preparation for shipment to a key customer in Northern Europe. With this major milestone, the facility is officially declared as operational. Galvion plans to follow this announcement with a formal VIP opening ceremony in June.

Following recent consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond, supporting Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “We are committed to responsible regional operations in order to serve our global customer base in the most efficient way possible. Having the ability to both produce and support helmet systems in Europe is a big step for us and for our NATO customers, as we continue to receive orders through the NSPA framework contract and beyond.” Stirtzinger added: “Our investment project here has been built from the ground up, requiring support, coordination and collaboration across Galvion, not to mention a network of local and national partners in Poland. It is really gratifying for our entire team to see the first Caiman helmets coming off the production line. Special thanks go to our Polish team for their relentless dedication as well as to everyone else who has helped make this such a success.”

Leonardo DRS to Develop Prototype Next-Generation Weapons Control System for U.S. Army M109A7 Paladin

Sunday, March 30th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. — Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it has received a prototype project award by the U.S. Army to modernize the Paladin Electric Servo Amplifier (PESA) electric weapon control system for the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. The OTA award is worth $16.9 million.

The PESA is a critical technology to the operation of the M109A7. Under the project award Leonardo DRS will develop a next-generation prototype with current electrical technology to improve the producibility and maintainability of the line replaceable units and enable the continued operation of the vehicle with no degradation to current capabilities.

“Paladin is a mission critical combat system, and our agility and leading-edge capabilities ensure our U.S. Army partner has the necessary capabilities to support our warfighters for the long term,” said Denny Crumley, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business unit. “We are thrilled to be providing this next generation of technology to the Army’s M109A7 Paladin combat vehicle.

Leonardo DRS is a leading designer, developer, and integrator of sophisticated electrical, electromechanical and electronic systems, subsystems, and assemblies across the U.S. military. The work on PESA is another example of providing best-of-breed technology and capability to deliver on a wide range of customer needs from electrical power, network computing, and advanced sensing.

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Saturday, March 29th, 2025

NAPLES, Fla. – March 24, 2025 – Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, a leading premium firearms retailer, is proud to announce its 40th anniversary. Over its four decades in business, Cole Fine Guns has established and upheld a strong reputation for providing top-quality firearms and exceptional customer service.

Rich Cole, founder of Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, grew up knowing he wanted to be a gunsmith. After working for Beretta USA and apprenticing in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, Cole took his years of expertise and knowledge and established Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing in 1985. Since then, he has developed a team of experienced technicians devoted to the highest quality custom shotguns. Cole Fine Guns now has three locations in Naples, Fla., Harpswell, Maine and San Antonio, Texas, each dedicated to exceptional technical service and customer service.

“We are so excited to celebrate 40 years of business. This milestone is truly a testament to the relationships we’ve built with our customers over the years and their trust in our dedication to quality and craftsmanship” said Rich Cole, Owner of Cole Gunsmithing. “It has always been our mission to provide top-quality firearms and customer service, which has been made possible by our team of highly skilled gunsmiths. We look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in the firearms industry.”

The family-owned company takes pride in their legacy of providing European shotguns and accessories to discerning enthusiasts. Cole’s collection boasts many iconic brands, including Beretta, Perazzi, Rizzini, Zoli, Blaser, Syren, Fabarm, Benelli, Caesar Guerini and TSK. Not only a certified Beretta service and warranty center, but Cole is the #1 Beretta Premium Shotgun Dealer worldwide. As a qualified provider, Cole is certified to sell and work with a long list of premium brands and offers a wide array of exclusive firearms.

Committed to servicing what they sell, Cole Fine Guns is a full-service dealer service center and continues to support customers long after assisting them in finding the perfect firearm. Cole Gunsmithing teams take a thorough, personalized approach to help customers select the best fit. Its highly experienced team of factory authorized gunsmiths carefully evaluate every individual’s needs, preferences and goals to identify the ideal firearm for them. The process is designed with the simple objective of achieving the best performance and experience for shooters. This customer service, along with a team of gunsmiths with more than 100 years of combined shotgun expertise, sets Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing’s craftsmanship apart from other providers.

For more information about the premium firearms offered by Cole Fine Guns, visit  www.colefineguns.com or contact the sales team at (800) 650-2653.

SpearUAV Announces Completion of a Significant Funding Round Led by Deep Insight Venture Fund

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

Investment to support the expansion of production capabilities in Israel and future global operations

24 March 2025, Israel – SpearUAV, a leading developer of autonomous, AI-based encapsulated loitering combat systems, announces the successful completion of a significant funding round led by Deep Insight venture fund. The round also included participation from existingand new private investors, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth.

This investment follows a period of accelerated expansion, with SpearUAV securing major defense contracts and scaling its operations to meet increasing global demand. The funding will enable the company to establish a new production line in Israel, while also supporting future expansion plans in the United States, including the eventual launch of a dedicated production facility.

“SpearUAV has demonstrated an exceptional ability to address evolving operational needs with its cutting-edge technology,” said Dr. Eyal Kishon, Chairman of DeepInsight “At Deep Insight, we specialize in elevating technology companies, and we recognize that SpearUAV possesses a unique combination of foundational capabilities, innovative technologies, and a disruptive market approach that sets it apart from existing solutions. We are excited to support SpearUAV’s continued innovation and global expansion and confident that our partnership will producesignificant success in the defense sector.”

“SpearUAV has experienced rapid growth over the past year, driven by increased demand for our cutting-edge VIPER family of loitering weapon systems supporting combat vehicles, infantry forces, submarines and naval vessels,” said Yiftach Kleinman, CEO of SpearUAV. “Since the company was founded by Gadi Kuperman, Spear has attracted interest from high-profile private investors and strategic investors. The currentinvestment round, led by Deep Insight, a sophisticated venture fund, which is led by highly experienced leadership, reflects the confidence of our partners in our technology and vision. Expanding our production capabilities in Israel is a critical step to meeting global demand, and we are also laying the groundwork for future operations in the U.S. to further strengthen our international presence and partnerships. We are proud to be part of Deep Insight’s portfolio.”

For more information, please visit www.spearuav.com.

Industry Leaders Unite to Form RTS Textiles Group Ltd

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

(Adlington, United Kingdom): In a strategic move designed to align their long-term vision, RTS Textiles Ltd (RTS) announced is bringing together all of its operations and joint venture partners under one unified entity, RTS Textiles Group Ltd (RTS Group). This newly formed global powerhouse in the workwear and protective textiles markets will be led by RTS, with minority shareholdings held by TMG – Acabamentos Têxteis S.A. (TMG) and Sapphire Textile Mills Limited (STM).

KE5A4X aerial view of Carrington Workwear factory at Adlington, Lancashire, UK

Effective 24th March 2025, this merger marks the next logical step in a partnership that has developed over years of collaboration between RTS, TMG and STM. Initially starting as supply chain partners, in 2017 TMG and RTS entered into a joint venture as MGC in Portugal, and in 2021 STM and RTS entered into a strategic partnership under CTI in Asia. This new integrated strategic merger will further enhance the combined strength of all three companies. The merger will offer greater innovation and operational efficiency, positioning RTS Textiles Group as a leading force in the market.

The group will encompass RTS’ wholly owned brands and operations, including Carrington Textiles, Pincroft and Alltex, as well as full ownership of CTI, MGC and Melchior. The current management team at RTS will continue to lead the new entity, ensuring continuity and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Leveraging Expertise and Resources

The merger brings together the unique strengths of each organisation:

RTS: Known for high-performance flame-retardant (FR) fabrics for the PPE sector and rotary screen-printed fabrics for the military market.

TMG: Experts in weaving, dyeing and finishing high-quality fabrics, serving a wide variety of applications in the workwear sector.

STM: Specialises in vertical integration, with a focus on spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing workwear textiles.

With over 275 years of combined textile manufacturing experience, RTS Textiles Group is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive global solutions, meeting the diverse and evolving needs of customers worldwide. The group’s manufacturing excellence spans three key centres, ensuring the highest standards across production, innovation and service.

A Vision for the Future

“We are thrilled to announce this transformative merger, which will reshape the future of RTS, TMG and STM,” said John Vareldzis, CEO of RTS Textiles Limited. “By combining our expertise and resources, we are creating a dynamic and innovative entity that will set new standards in our industry, enabling us to better serve our customers and accelerate our growth.”

Meanwhile, TMG’s Board Member Manuel Gonçalves stated: “This merger represents a pivotal moment for our industry and for all our partners. By uniting the expertise, heritage, and innovation of RTS, TMG and STM, we are establishing a stronger foundation for growth and delivering unmatched value to our customers worldwide. Our shared vision for excellence and commitment to pushing boundaries in textile manufacturing will ensure that RTS Textiles Group sets the benchmark for quality, sustainability and innovation in workwear and protective textiles.”

Nabeel Abdullah, Sapphire Textile Mills Limited’s COO added: “At STM, we are delighted to embark on this new chapter with RTS Textiles Group and TMG. This strategic partnership brings a new era of collaboration, innovation and growth, creating a fully integrated textile powerhouse that enhances efficiency, drives innovation and meets the demands of an evolving global market. Together, we are positioned to redefine industry standards and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

Benefits of the Merger

The RTS Textiles Group merger will generate significant benefits, including:

Increased Innovation: The combined resources and expertise will accelerate the development of cutting-edge fabric solutions tailored to market needs.

Expanded Market Reach: The new group will broaden its market presence, serving customers across a variety of sectors and regions.

Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers will enjoy an expanded range of services, streamlined processes and improved global delivery capabilities.

The leadership teams of RTS Textiles, TMG and STM are committed to ensuring a seamless integration, maintaining high service standards and upholding strong customer relationships. Importantly, there will be no changes to ongoing projects or existing customer engagements.

For more information about the RTS group of brands, visit www.rtstextiles.com

DroneShield Reaffirms Support for ADF Drone Racing Team at Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025

Monday, March 24th, 2025

DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone solutions, proudly reaffirms its support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Drone Racing Team at the upcoming Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025. This continued collaboration further strengthens the partnership between DroneShield and Australia’s foremost military drone operators, fostering innovation in both drone and counter-drone technologies.

Building on the successful engagement with the ADF Drone Racing Association, DroneShield’s sponsorship at Avalon 2025 will go beyond traditional support, focusing on hands-on collaboration, including DroneShield drone pilot participation in the ADF Drone Racing Team’s activities at Avalon Airshow, further enhancing cross-domain expertise and fostering innovation in real-time drone engagements.

“The ADF Drone Racing Team represents the pinnacle of high-performance drone operations, and we are excited to continue our support at Avalon 2025,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO and Managing Director of DroneShield.

“This partnership is more than just sponsorship; it’s about shaping the future of drone warfare by merging expertise from both offensive and defensive drone technologies.”

Image: ADF Drone Racing Team with DroneShield team. Source: Australian Army Drone Racing Team (Facebook)

Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, President of the ADF Drone Racing Association, welcomed the continued collaboration.

“The partnership between the ADF Drone Racing Team and DroneShield is invaluable in pushing the boundaries of what drones can do – both in competition and on the battlefield. By testing cutting-edge counter-drone technologies against some of the most skilled drone operators in Defence, we create a unique development loop that strengthens Australia’s overall defence capabilities.”

The Avalon Australian International Airshow remains a premier event for showcasing advancements in aviation, defence, and aerospace technologies. This public event also plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to witness cutting-edge technology in action. DroneShield looks forward to engaging with industry partners, Defence stakeholders, and drone technology enthusiasts to demonstrate the latest developments in counter-drone capabilities.

NIOA Group and Barrett Welcome Announcement on Tennessee Development

Friday, March 21st, 2025

The NIOA Group has announced plans for a new state-of-the-art facility for its Tennessee-based subsidiary Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc that is set to redefine excellence in weapon systems manufacturing while delivering jobs growth.

The announcement was made formally by the Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) earlier today.


CAPTION: An artist’s impression of Stage 1 of the planned Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The $US 76.4 million campus-style industrial precinct, to be known as the Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus (BMTC), will be capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing Barrett’s expanding range of world-class products.

It will be constructed on a 170-acre greenfield site in the company’s Murfreesboro TN heartland and less than a mile from the current base at which Barrett has become a global leader.

The expansion will double the Barrett workforce over the next five years and enable the company to meet growing worldwide demand for its commercial and defence products.

The facility is planned to open in early 2027.

The announcement was made by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc and NIOA Group.

“We thank the Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development for their vision and for their shared enthusiasm in this growth opportunity in our State,” Barrett CEO Bryan James said.

“This is a significant investment in growing Barrett’s capabilities for the future while underscoring our long-term commitment to the company’s Murfreesboro, Tennessee heartland.

“The BMTC will be an internationally recognised headquarters of firearms excellence, advancing our manufacturing and research capabilities as well as revolutionising our product offerings.”

Mr Rob Nioa, the CEO of Barrett Firearms’ parent company NIOA Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Barrett’s operations in Murfreesboro and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on the local economy and beyond.

“The BMTC will serve as our primary firearms manufacturing site globally and demonstrates our commitment as a major American manufacturer catering to both the commercial and military markets.”

The BMTC will be capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing:

– Commercial firearms of all types

– Advanced military small arms

– Specialist ammunition of various natures

The design focuses on creating a cutting-edge campus-style environment that integrates corporate headquarters, R&D capabilities, manufacturing, secure warehouse and logistics hub. 

Stage 1 of the BMTC, with a total floor area of approximately 250,000 square feet, features an on-site cafeteria, multi-use auditorium, conference and training rooms, outdoor meeting areas, and R&D facilities including state-of-the-art testing ranges and laboratory space.

U.S. Patriot and Galls Announce Grand Opening of New Marietta Store Location

Thursday, March 20th, 2025

A new destination for Military and First Responder gear, now featuring a full-service sew center for all custom uniform needs.

Lexington, KY (February 2025) – U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company and the nation’s largest supplier of military and related high-performance gear for professionals, , is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest store in Marietta, Georgia. This new location, a combined U.S. Patriot and Galls store, will officially open its doors on March 25, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at 1395 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Building 200, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30067. The Marietta location will feature a full-service sew center, allowing patrons to customize their uniforms and gear on-site, enhancing convenience and efficiency for military personnel and first responders. To celebrate the grand opening, the first 100 customers will receive free SWAG. Food will be available as well.

“We are excited to expand our footprint with the Marietta store,” said Josh Sandhaus, VP of Operations at U.S. Patriot. “This location is a perfect representation of the synergy between U.S. Patriot and Galls, bringing together the best in military, law enforcement, and first responder gear under one roof. With the addition of a full-service sew center, we are making it even easier for professionals to get the customized uniforms and equipment they need to serve with confidence. Additionally, this new location is a great way for our company to continue supporting the military community, including the dedicated service members at Dobbins Air Force Base, by providing them with the gear and resources they need to perform their duties effectively.”

The Marietta store will carry a wide range of high-quality tactical gear, uniforms, footwear, and accessories from trusted brands. Whether preparing for deployment, training, or everyday service, customers can expect top-tier products and exceptional service tailored to their needs.

Members of the media are invited to the grand opening where they can learn more about how U.S. Patriot and Galls are supporting military personnel, first responders, and professionals in the field. To RSVP or for media inquiries, please contact Hunter Wood, Director of Military Special Projects, at Wood-Hunter@galls.com.

For more information on U.S. Patriot and its commitment to veterans and military professionals, please visit www.uspatriot.com