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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Anduril and Meta Team Up to Transform XR for the American Military

Friday, May 30th, 2025

Anduril and Meta are partnering to design, build, and field a range of integrated XR products that provide warfighters with enhanced perception and enable intuitive control of autonomous platforms on the battlefield. The capabilities enabled by the partnership will draw on more than a decade of investment by both companies in advanced hardware, software, and artificial intelligence. The effort has been funded through private capital, without taxpayer support, and is designed to save the U.S. military billions of dollars by utilizing high-performance components and technology originally built for commercial use.

This partnership comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of national defense. America’s national security has benefited from U.S. technological leadership at every phase of the computing revolution, from the first microchips and PCs to today’s internet and mobile devices. As a new era of computing takes shape—built atop AI and body-worn devices—Meta and Anduril are committed to maintaining America’s technological edge while reinforcing our economic and national security.

“Meta has spent the last decade building AI and AR to enable the computing platform of the future,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta. “We’re proud to partner with Anduril to help bring these technologies to the American service members that protect our interests at home and abroad.”

“I am glad to be working with Meta once again.” said Palmer Luckey, Founder of Anduril. “Of all the areas where dual-use technology can make a difference for America, this is the one I am most excited about. My mission has long been to turn warfighters into technomancers, and the products we are building with Meta do just that.”

“The world is entering a new era of computing that will give people access to limitless intelligence and extend their senses and perception in ways that have never been possible before,” said Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, CTO of Meta. “Our national security benefits enormously from American industry bringing these technologies to life.”

Expanding the Ecosystem

These joint mixed reality capabilities will integrate seamlessly with Anduril’s Lattice platform, the company’s AI-powered command and control system that integrates valuable data from thousands of sources to provide real-time battlefield intelligence. By incorporating role-specific AR/VR interfaces into the products, soldiers will gain intuitive access to Lattice’s analytical capabilities, a meaningful source of data for decision advantage. This integration will transform how warfighters see, sense, and integrate battlefield information, providing immersive technology solutions that enhance tactical decision-making in combat scenarios.

For Meta, the partnership represents a significant expansion into support for U.S. government technology adoption of its cutting edge technology. The collaboration builds on Meta’s existing Reality Labs investments and its work supporting adoption of its Llama open source AI models for national security uses by the U.S. and its closest allies.

Anduril and Meta have already jointly submitted a white paper as a team for SBMC Next, formerly IVAS Next. Since the Army’s novation of the original IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) contract from Microsoft to Anduril, Anduril has made significant progress to transition IVAS to Soldier-Borne Mission Command from concept to demonstrated, soldier-tested capability, streamlining operations, accelerating delivery timelines and reducing costs. Software updates that used to take 180 days now reach the field in under 18 hours, and Lattice-integrated IVAS headsets are in testing now.

Gastops Receives Investment from RTX for Next Generation Monitoring Technologies

Thursday, May 29th, 2025

Investment made possible by Canadian Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy (ITB)

OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 – Gastops Ltd. is announcing a joint agreement under Canada’s Industrial and Technology Benefits (ITB) policy for a multi-million-dollar investment from RTX. The funding will support a research and development program to advance the next generation of oil debris monitoring (ODM) system technology and future technologies for oil and fuel monitoring for Pratt & Whitney military engines. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

“We are extremely pleased to work with RTX on the development of next generation monitoring technologies,” said Shaun Horning, President and CEO of Gastops. “The ITB investment from RTX’s Raytheon and engineering collaboration with Pratt & Whitney are critical components to the success of this cutting-edge technology. This investment will facilitate Gastops to continue its goal of Canadian innovation and to expand our technology capabilities.”

Gastops has been enabling Pratt & Whitney’s advanced diagnostics and engine monitoring solutions with MetalSCAN ODM sensors since their introduction to the F119 engine, which powers the F-22 Raptor, in the early 1990’s. Since then, MetalSCAN technology has been included in other major Pratt & Whitney engine developments, and discussions are ongoing about expanding the collaboration to integrate Gastops’ next generation technologies into additional military engine programs.

“It’s now more important than ever to build Canada’s defence industry,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.  “This multi-million-dollar investment by RTX to Canada’s Gastops Ltd. will advance innovation within Canada’s defence sector while supporting economic growth and creating high value jobs for Canadians.”

www.Gastops.com

Savage Arms Announces Key Appointments to Strengthen Leadership Team

Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – May 27, 2025 – Savage Arms is pleased to announce several key promotions within the organization as part of its ongoing commitment to growth and excellence. These leadership advancements reflect the company’s dedication to recognizing and fostering talent from within the organization and help position the broader portfolio of brands for success.

Robert Gates, Senior Vice President 

Rob brings over 30 years of experience in the hunting and shooting industry. In 2018, Rob assumed responsibility for sales, marketing and product development at Savage Arms. Before joining Savage, Rob held key roles with major industry leaders such as Smith & Wesson, Glock, Vista Outdoor and Surefire. His deep expertise has played a crucial role in transforming the Savage brand and expanding its product range. In his new position, Rob will oversee product development, sales and marketing for Savage Arms and the Bowtech Archery Group.

Beth Shimanski, Vice President of Marketing

Beth joined Savage in early 2017 after over a decade at Polaris Industries where she held various roles in international and product marketing, along with roles leading product development. At Savage, Beth has led the marketing function for the last 8 years, has helped reshape the brand, and has brought several innovative products to market. In her new role, Beth will continue to oversee marketing for Savage Arms but will also be responsible for the marketing efforts of the Bowtech Archery Group.

Steve Colaluca, Vice President of Operations All Firearms

Steve has been with Savage Arms since 2013 and has held multiple positions at the Westfield facility including Sr. Manager of Factory Operations, Director of Operations and most recently V.P. of Operations. Steve has led a lean transformation of the Westfield production facility, significantly improving efficiency, throughput, and team engagement, in addition to driving cross-functional collaboration across supply chain and engineering. This new role will add the Lakefield, Ontario rimfire factory to Steve’s responsibility, while retaining oversight of operations, product strategy execution, and business performance, now across both facilities.

“These promotions are a testament to the outstanding leadership and expertise demonstrated by our team members,” said Chris Bezzina, CEO/President of Savage Arms and Bowtech Archery Group. “We are excited to see how their continued contributions will drive our companies forward and enhance our ability to serve our customers with new, innovative, and top performing products.”

Motorola Solutions to Acquire Silvus Technologies, a Global Leader in Mission-Critical Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

Acquisition to address increasing safety, security and defense use cases for autonomous systems and secure high bandwidth communications

CHICAGO – May 27, 2025 – Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”) for $4.4 billion in up-front consideration.  

Based in Los Angeles, California, Silvus designs and develops software-defined high-speed mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) technology that enables highly secure data, video and voice communications without the need for fixed infrastructure. Silvus’ wide range of customers spans autonomous systems manufacturers, military, law enforcement and enterprises around the world.

Silvus’ technology is designed to support frontline operations in the most challenging and contested environments. Silvus’ devices mesh together to establish large, scalable and self-healing networks that adapt to continuous mobility. These robust mobile networks connect people, devices and other nodes over distance and at scale, and seamlessly support bandwidth-intensive technologies like video, sensors and drones.

“Safety at our front doors starts with safety on our front lines,” said Greg Brown, chairman and CEO, Motorola Solutions. “This acquisition underscores our unwavering conviction that technology is the bedrock for protecting communities, securing borders and defending against today’s ever evolving threats, whether in the air, on the ground or in the water. As a result, we’re now expanding our intelligent network footprint and powering next-generation security for those who stand on the front lines everywhere.”

Silvus brings more than 20 years of R&D invested in developing complementary technologies and sophisticated software algorithms for high-performance MANET networks that maximize throughput and connected nodes, mitigate jamming, and minimize detection and interception. The companies expect to combine their exceptional engineering teams and leverage Motorola Solutions’ go-to-market footprint to reach customers globally.  

Babak Daneshrad, PhD, CEO, Silvus Technologies, said, “We’re inspired by Motorola Solutions’ deep tradition of innovation. The idea that safety is the foundation on which better lives are built is not just a deeply held belief our companies share, but is the motivating force behind our R&D and work. I look forward to our future together, unifying the strengths of our advanced engineering teams in pursuit of serving those who protect us all.”

“Finally, I want to thank TJC for their guidance and support on our journey,” said Daneshrad. “It has been a privilege to partner with Babak and the Silvus team, and see their relentless dedication result in disruptive technological advances and safer, more resilient communications for their critical customer base,” said Erik Fagan, Partner and Head of Industrial Technology, TJC. “We look forward to Silvus’ continued success as part of the Motorola Solutions family.”

For more information on the acquisition, please view the investor presentation on the Motorola Solutions Investor Relations website at www.motorolasolutions.com/investors. A conference call and presentation will be hosted on May 28, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. CST. Interested individuals can access the webcast on the Motorola Solutions Investor Relations website, and an archive of the webcast will be available for a limited period of time thereafter.

Transaction Terms
Under the terms of the agreement, Motorola Solutions will acquire Silvus for $4.4 billion in up-front consideration, comprising approximately $4.38 billion in cash (subject to customary adjustments) and approximately $20 million in restricted stock to certain employee equity holders. Additionally, under the terms of the transaction, Silvus has the potential to receive an earnout of up to $600 million in the aggregate based on business performance over consecutive twelve-month periods ending in 2027 and 2028.  

The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 or Q4 of 2025, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals.

NP Aerospace Teams with Logistik Unicorp to Deliver the UK’s Next Generation Integrated Soldier System

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator, with operations in UK and Canada, has teamed with the leading international uniform provider, headquartered in Canada,

Logistik Unicorp – bringing together the strengths of both companies. By combining NP’s renowned personal protection expertise, including hard and soft armour technologies, with Logistik Unicorp’s military apparel expertise, the team is able to offer next generation, integrated soldier systems solutions to a variety of international customers and together, bid into numerous upcoming programmes.

Initially, the partnership will focus on defence, security, and police forces within the UK but beyond that, will be positioned to export the joint capabilities. The partnership is already proven, with

Logistik Unicorp, supported by NP Aerospace, having recently been awarded a major contract to supply the Canadian Army’s (CA) light forces Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme with 3,000 kits of advanced protective and load carriage equipment. This contract includes the provision of ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, pack systems and associated pouches, as well as options for additional systems and services.

With some significant UK programmes upcoming, including the MoD’s VIRTUS Torso Sub-System Re-let, the partnership delivers a wide range of potential benefits to the customers. Combining two globally trusted and proven brands, this arrangement unites NP Aerospace’s longstanding reputation as the UK’ leading hard armour supplier with Logistik Unicorp’s military apparel and personal equipment expertise – delivering compliant, validated and trusted solutions. Logistik’s major contracts in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand further reinforce a track record of reliability and operational excellence. Leveraging NP’s established UK supply chain, the partnership is committed to bolstering the UK’s defence manufacturing sector by creating high-skilled jobs, investing in local R&D, and strengthening the national supply chain.

Karine Bibeau, Vice-President, Client Experience at Logistik Unicorp, emphasized the strategic alignment of the two companies’ expertise: “This partnership brings together two highly complementary capabilities—combat-proven armour technology and world-class military apparel and equipment systems—into a unified offering that meets the evolving needs of today’s defence forces. It reflects our shared commitment to delivering fully integrated, user-centric solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and protect those who serve.”

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “we’re delighted to be able to announce this partnership today, that combines the proven strengths of both companies at a time when there are numerous emerging opportunities in this capability space. We are comfortable that what we’re offering, together, is unmatched in terms of proven and compliant capability, delivering advanced protection, usability, comfort and durability to those who need it most. At the same time, we’re able to offer best-value with our integrated approach of lean manufacturing, best-in-class procurement, and comprehensive lifecycle management underpinning a cost-effective solution for the customer.”

He added: “Our deep understanding of UK MoD processes, combined with Logistik Unicorp’s proven performance in multi-year, large-scale military contracts, will enable a smooth and secure transition for any customer, including the UK’s VIRTUS re-let programme, and others.”

Cooperation in Spain: Rheinmetall and Indra Announce a Strategic Agreement on Armoured Vehicles

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, and Indra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic cooperation in the field of armoured vehicles projects of the Spanish Armed Forces.

This further enhances the already strong alliance of Indra with Rheinmetall in other fields like the recently announced agreement with Rhein¬metall Electronics on the Leopard 2E Combat System. 

Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of armored tracked and wheeled vehicles and is the original designer of – among other vehicles – the Keiler NG Armored Breaching Vehicle. Also in the Leopard 2A4 tank Rheinmetall has significant technological shares. Additionally, Rheinmetall has significant know-how and experience in areas such as armored vehicles design, manufacture and support, with REM S.A.U., Rheinmetall already has a strong and important presence in Spain.

Indra is a leading Spanish Company in Defence Systems and the designer of the thermal cameras and the manufacturer of the Leopard 2E combat system in Spain under license from Rheinmetall Electronics, and is the supplier of the Lince BMS currently in service in Leopard 2 in Spain. Indra is also the designer of the Maestre Mission System currently contracted in the Spanish Army VCR 8×8 and is the main design authority for the Spanish BMS. Indra has significant experience in Leopard 2 electronics systems and has solutions for simulation for Leopard 2E and other vehicles.

Indra is making significant investment in capabilities for integration and production or transformation of armored vehicles in Spain including specific facilities for this purpose.

Eduardo Veen Martinez, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Landsysteme: “With this MoU, Indra and Rheinmetall, two leading European companies in the field of defence technology, start a strong alliance to support the efforts of the Spanish Armed Forces to modernize their fleet of combat vehicles.”

Ángel Escribano, Chairman of Indra Group, stated: “The agreement with Rheinmetall represents a significant step forward in Indra’s strategy of forming alliances and partnerships to strengthen its military vehicle manufacturing and digitalization capabilities in Spain’ and he added, ‘This is an example of what Europeans can achieve when working together.”

VKTR Industries Welcomes Bill Vitiello to the Team

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

(House Springs, MO) – VKTR Industries, renowned for their innovative VK-1 self-regulating piston driven AR series of rifles, is pleased to announce the addition of Bill Vitiello totheir sales team as the TALO Sales Manager.

Bill joins VKTR with over a decade of experience in the firearm & outdoor industry sales & marketing. A seasoned combat veteran, Bill’s career in the firearms industry began at Knight’s Armament Company and most recently leading the sales & marketing efforts for Langdon Tactical.  His substantial experience includes helping launch start-ups Flint River Armory & Naroh Arms, as well as OEM sales for Spanish shotshell manufacturer, Rio Ammunition.

VKTR is excited for Vitiello to hit the ground building dealer relationships and supporting our sales rep group,Jones and Co. “The TALO region is a strategic location for our brand.” said Eric Luley, National Sales Manager. “Our goal is to support existing dealers and build up ourcustomer base within Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.”

Bill will also be spearheading the launch of White Label Armory, the OEM parts and kits side of VKTR Industries, across the United States.

VKTR Industries products are available from firearm retailers nationwide – visit www.vktrind.com .  TALO Dealers interested in carrying the VK-1 rifle, or White Label Armory upcoming can contact Bill at bvitiello@vktrind.com.

GA Integrates Software for USMC Common Intelligence Picture WTI Course

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 19 May 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully integrated the advanced Optix software—developed by General Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc. (GA-i3)—into the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Common Intelligence Picture (CIP) for a multi-service Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course.

This milestone marks a significant enhancement in the USMC’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, delivering a unified operational view critical to the training of future aviation leaders. For the USMC, this integration directly supports the deployment and effectiveness of the GA-ASI-supplied MQ-9A Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

Achieved through close collaboration with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), the integration brought together engineers from GA-ASI and GA-i3 alongside USMC unmanned aviation operations experts. Their combined efforts enabled the seamless deployment of the Optix software during the rigorous WTI 2-25 training cycle.

USMC MQ-9A operations during the exercise took place at Yuma, Arizona, and the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field (SELF) at Twenty-Nine Palms, California—the Marine Corps’ only expeditionary runway in the U.S. The live-fire training environment provided an invaluable opportunity to evaluate the MQ-9A’s role in complex combat scenarios.

By introducing Optix into this high-demand setting, Marines gained access to real-time data fusion, a shared operational picture, and enhanced collaborative decision-making—tools critical for modern battlefield success.

“The integration of Optix software represents a key step toward the effective deployment of the MQ-9A MUX MALE platform within the MAGTF and joint operations,” said Doug Brouwer, Senior Director for USMC Programs at GA-ASI. “It enables near real-time situational awareness and improves the decision-making process across the battlespace.”

Andrew Majchrowicz, Project Manager for Department of Defense Programs at GA-i3, added: “Equipping Marines with advanced ISR tools like Optix enhances the common intelligence picture and operational readiness in live-fire environments. This is a critical milestone in our shared goal of enabling joint-force effectiveness and full operational integration of the MQ-9A.”

The successful deployment of Optix within the WTI course underscores General Atomics’ continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower the U.S. military with unmatched intelligence and operational capabilities for future multi-domain operations.