Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Parsons and DroneShield Highlight Open-Architecture Approach to Countering Evolving Drone Threats

Thursday, June 18th, 2026

Recent Demonstration Showcases Interoperable Counter-UAS Capabilities for National Security and Critical Infrastructure Missions

Warrenton, VA. – 16 June 2026 – DroneShield, a global leader in advanced counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS), recently highlighted its participation in a recent C-UAS demonstration with Parsons Corporation, showcasing how interoperable technologies can help organizations detect, track, and respond to evolving drone threats.

The demonstration brought together advanced sensing, command-and-control, and counter-drone technologies within a common operational environment, highlighting how organizations can leverage best-of-breed capabilities to improve situational awareness and accelerate decision-making during complex security operations.

As part of the demonstration, DroneShield provided drone detection, electronic warfare, and mitigation capabilities within Parsons’ DroneArmor™ command-and-control environment. The event highlighted how open architectures enable technologies from multiple providers to work together, giving operators greater flexibility to build solutions tailored to mission requirements.

DroneShield’s portfolio of counter-UAS and electronic warfare solutions is deployed globally across military, government, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, and commercial environments.

Parsons is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cyber and electronic warfare, space and missile defense, transportation, water and environment, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. The demonstration underscored the value of industry collaboration in addressing increasingly sophisticated airspace security challenges. The demonstration underscored the value of industry collaboration in addressing increasingly sophisticated airspace security challenges.

“Drone threats continue to evolve, and organizations need technologies that work together seamlessly,” said Nate Webb, Director of Strategic Projects at DroneShield. “This demonstration highlighted the value of interoperability and open architectures, allowing customers to combine best-of-breed capabilities into effective counter-drone solutions that can adapt as mission requirements change.”

DroneShield’s solutions are designed to integrate with a broad range of command-and-control systems, sensors, and mitigation technologies. This approach enables customers to build layered counter-drone ecosystems that meet operational requirements while maintaining flexibility as technologies and threats continue to evolve.

GM Defense and Lockheed Martin Collaborate to Strengthen America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Lockheed Martin, GM Defense Collaborate to Strengthen America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base

BETHESDA, Md., and DETROIT, June 16, 2026 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and GM Defense today announced a new collaboration to strengthen America’s manufacturing and defense industrial base, facilitated by the U.S. Department of War. Working under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Lockheed Martin and GM Defense will explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities and innovation by combining Lockheed Martin’s defense production expertise with General Motors’ advanced industrial capabilities in high-rate commercial manufacturing and engineering.

The collaboration will focus on three areas: strengthening defense supply chains, advancing manufacturing and design capabilities, and evaluating opportunities to expand production capacity through commercial manufacturing expertise and infrastructure. Initial efforts will include exploring ways to accelerate production readiness and apply proven commercial manufacturing approaches to support defense production requirements.

“America’s security depends not only on developing advanced technologies, but on our ability to produce them quickly, reliably and at scale,” said Frank St. John, chief operating officer, Lockheed Martin. “This collaboration brings together two leaders in American manufacturing and innovation to explore new ways to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand production capacity and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities for the United States and its allies.”

“Working together, GM Defense and Lockheed will further strengthen American manufacturing and national defense by driving greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify initial projects to pursue together.”

The collaboration reflects growing demand for greater production capacity, supply chain resilience and manufacturing agility across the defense sector. By combining commercial and defense expertise, the companies aim to identify opportunities that can accelerate production timelines while maintaining the quality, performance and reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.lockheedmartin.com.

About GM Defense LLC

GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.

Rampart USA Announces New Partnership with Sordin

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Rampart USA has announced a new partnership with Sordin, adding the company’s electronic hearing protection systems to its growing portfolio of operational equipment solutions.

Designed and manufactured in Sweden, Sordin products are recognized for their audio quality, hearing protection performance, and user-focused design. Available through Rampart USA is the Sordin Supreme T2, Sordin’s next-generation tactical hearing protection platform.

Key features of the Sordin Supreme T2 include:

  • SordinFLEX modular platform with headband, neckband, ARC Rail, and Rear ARC Rail configurations
  • SordinHEAR2 audio system with four selectable audio profiles
  • Slim cup design optimized for use with helmets and long guns
  • Waterproof microphones and battery compartment
  • AUX input capability and support for communication accessories

Learn more: rampartcorpusa.com/brand/brand/sordin

Streamlight Names Christina Zeman Regional Sales Manager – Federal/Military Division

Monday, June 15th, 2026

EAGLEVILLE, PA, June 15, 2026 – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance flashlights, has appointed Christina Zeman as a Regional Sales Manager in its Federal/Military Division.

In her new position, Zeman is responsible for sales of Streamlight products to federal, military and government agencies, as well as for maintaining relationships with distributors and independent sales agencies.

Most recently, she was a Federal Account Manager for Axon Enterprise, a manufacturer of weapons and technology products for military and law enforcement, where she managed existing contracts and oversaw the development of new business across multiple federal agencies.

From 2013 to 2023, Zeman served first as Inside Account Manager and then as Account Manager for ADS, Inc., which provides military equipment, Army procurement, logistics, and supply chain solutions for federal agencies and protective services. There she was responsible for business development within federal agencies, as well as maintaining relationships with partners and suppliers.

“We’re excited to welcome Christina to the Streamlight Federal/Military team, with her extensive sales experience with the federal government as well as various U.S. military divisions,” said Matt Baker, Streamlight Director of Sales – Federal/Military Division. “Her experience in these areas will be instrumental in responding to the lighting needs of our existing customers in these markets, as well as recognizing opportunities for future growth.”

Zeman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing as well as a Master’s degree in Organizational Management/Entrepreneurial and Economic Development, both from Peru State College, Peru, NE.

Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions Unites Germany’s NewSpace Capabilities for Sovereign Reconnaissance from Space

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Berlin, 10 June 2026 – Rheinmetall and ICEYE are establishing new space-based reconnaissance capabilities for Germany through their joint venture, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions GmbH. Initial partners are the leading German NewSpace companies Reflex Aerospace, OroraTech, ConstellR and LiveEO.

Modern conflicts are decided by how quickly critical data becomes available. Space-based reconnaissance, AI-enabled processing and rapid target acquisition are no longer future capabilities – they define operational reality today. Strategic autonomy in space has become an immediate operational requirement: the ability to collect, process and act on sovereign intelligence independently and at scale is a prerequisite for credible and cutting-edge defence.

“The challenge is not access to data, but connecting existing capabilities in a way that enables operational decision-making across domains. Germany already has the technological building blocks for sovereign space-based reconnaissance. Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions integrates them into a single operational architecture,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall.

“Europe’s security depends on what Europe can see. We have already proven that a sovereign space system can be operational within twelve months. Now Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions builds on this foundation by connecting Germany’s leading NewSpace capabilities in an open architecture. This is how Europe creates true strategic autonomy from space,” said Rafa? Modrzewski, Co-Founder and CEO of ICEYE.

Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions integrates, for the first time, key capabilities of the German NewSpace and defence ecosystem into a unified, end-to-end architecture for space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).

This partnership therefore unlocks a unique multi-modal Earth observation capability today. Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions acts as a catalyst for the German space innovation ecosystem, transforming state-of-the-art capabilities into a functioning, integrated system. By integrating sensors, analytics, command support and operational effects across the domains of space, air, land, sea and cyber, space-based reconnaissance is made usable where decisions are taken.

The approach deliberately follows an open architecture. The objective is not to create isolated entities, but to build an open, resilient, expandable and long-term sovereign ISR platform. The partnership lays the foundation for scalable, long-term security and defence capabilities in Germany and Europe.

Further information on Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions GmbH can be found here (press release from November 2025 on the establishment of the joint venture):

www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2025/11/2025-11-07-space-based-reconnaissance-from-the-lower-rhine-region

Firearms & Ammunition Compliance Conference: July 22–23, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Things are changing fast. The regulatory landscape for firearms import and export is undergoing its most significant transformation in years, and F.A.I.R. is uniquely positioned to put your organization in the room where it happens.

  • July 22–23, 2026  |  7:30 AM – 5:00 PM EDT each day
  • The Westin Arlington Gateway, 801 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203

For over 30 years, F.A.I.R. has been the authoritative voice of the firearms and ammunition import/export community, the first trade organization to work with ATF to create a conference dedicated to import/export regulatory matters. As a 501(c)(6) organization, F.A.I.R. builds strong relationships within the U.S. government in a constructive, non-confrontational manner while eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies that drive up costs for both government and private sector.

This summer, join us in Arlington for two full days of first-hand briefings and frank discussions with ATF, BIS, and DDTC, all focused on the Trump Administration’s most significant regulatory and policy changes affecting your business.

Agencies at the Table

Exclusive Roundtable Sessions

One of F.A.I.R.’s most valued features: small-group, rotating roundtable sessions where attendees sit directly across from agency heads: ATF, FATD, Imports, NFA, BIS, DDTC, and more. No mass Q&A. No bureaucratic filter. Direct access to the people who make the decisions.

WHY F.A.I.R.

F.A.I.R. is the only organization exclusively dedicated to the firearms and ammunition import/export community. Since 1994, F.A.I.R. has engaged Congress, advocated before the United Nations on the Arms Trade Treaty, and worked directly with ATF, U.S. Customs, and the State Department. Recent achievements include:

Special Recognition:  

During the conference, F.A.I.R. will formally present the Chairman Emeritus designation to Charles “Cholly” Steen, F.A.I.R.’s Founding President, in recognition of his foundational leadership since 1994.  

Full agenda posted as available at fairtradegroup.org

  • Networking reception, peer-to-peer learning & industry exhibitors
  • Register Now & Secure Your Seat
  • Space is limited; roundtable sessions fill quickly

WWW.FAIRTRADEGROUP.ORG

New Leadership of Technology Systems Division at Rohde & Schwarz

Monday, June 8th, 2026

On July 1, 2026, Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will take over as Executive Vice Presidents Technology Systems at Rohde & Schwarz. They follow Dr. Luis Alejandro Orellano, who will leave the company on June 30 at his own request. The decision to establish a dual leadership position is a logical next step to align the division even more consistently with customers and markets.

Munich, June 5, 2026 — Rohde & Schwarz relies on two experienced, entrepreneurial managers with a strategic vision. Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will strategically divide responsibility for the different topics of the Technology Systems Division.

Herrbold has more than 20 years of experience in defense at Rohde & Schwarz, providing comprehensive knowledge of customers and their requirements. Among other things, he led the naval communications segment on a long-term growth path. Most recently, he headed the Information and Business Technology Division and was a member of the group’s Corporate Management in this role.

Hägele has extensive expertise in critical infrastructure and physical security. In his five years with Rohde & Schwarz, he has established the Microwave Imaging business unit and particularly led the R&S QPS security scanner to success. More than 2,000 scanners are now used at airports around the world to ensure secure, convenient passenger screening. Prior to that, he worked at a digital security company, where he was managing director and was responsible for several hundred million euros in revenue.

In their new position, Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will remain or become members of the Corporate Management of Rohde & Schwarz.

CTOMS Celebrates 20 Years

Monday, June 8th, 2026

In 2026, CTOMS proudly marks the twentieth anniversary of active operations. Founded by Chris Kopp in response to the 2002 loss of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, the company was formally incorporated in 2005 and launched operations in 2006. What began as a personal mission to honor the fallen has become a leading provider of tactical medical training and equipment solutions for military, law enforcement, first responders, and prepared citizens.

CTOMS has always followed a training-first philosophy: skills and knowledge must come before gear. Our evidence-based programs focus on critical thinking, self-reliance, and the full spectrum of care, from Care Under Fire to prolonged field care. Through CTOMS Academy, we offer accessible online tactical and emergency medicine courses. We also develop our own innovative brands including MGTD Systems™, TRACE™, FireFly™, CTOMS Essentials™, and PROKITS™, and are a proud distributor of industry leading brands.

Over two decades, we have trained thousands of professionals, supplied frontline agencies across Canada and internationally, and refined our methodologies based on real-world feedback, research, and rigorous evaluation. Our newly unveiled 2026 logo with its longsword, King Cobra, golden wings, and crocus flower symbolizes this journey: resilience after tragedy, the seamless integration of tactical and medical excellence, and the lifelong pursuit of mastery.

Looking Forward

As we enter our third decade, CTOMS remains dedicated to becoming a world leader in tactical, medical, and rescue solutions. We will continue expanding CTOMS Academy, developing cutting-edge gear, and supporting those who do the work with the best training.

Thank you to our clients, partners, instructors, and team for two decades of saving lives. Here’s to the next twenty years!

Visit us at: ctomsinc.com