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Exosens Makes First US Investment in Night Vision Production Capacity to Address Growing Demand and Benefit from New Opportunities

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE – MARCH, 3RD 2025

In response to increasing demand, Exosens will invest €20M over the next two years to expand production capacity in both Europe and the U.S.

This investment will establish Exosens’ first U.S. manufacturing site for producing “Made in America” image intensifier tubes

It strengthens Exosens’ position to capture a larger share of the world’s largest market, which represents 45% of the global market and is set for strong growth in both commercial and defense sectors

The global night vision market is benefiting from growing demand, driven by increasing defense budgets and the need for armies worldwide to enhance their night fighting capabilities. The return of high-density combat has underscored the critical importance of night operation abilities as a key tactical advantage. NATO and Tier-1 allies continued to ramp up their procurement of night vision systems in 2024, though they are still far from reaching the targeted equipment rate.

With decades of expertise, Photonis, brand of Exosens, offers image intensifier tubes, the engine of night vision devices, which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, in the darkest of nights.

In order to meet increasing night vision demand, Exosens invests €20m to expand its production capacity not only in Europe but also in the US with, for the first time, a new production plant in the US underscoring additional market opportunities with locally produced “Made in America” image intensifier tubes.

This new installation will take place in Sturbridge (Massachusetts) where the group has already its Photonis Scientific Inc subsidiary. Exosens will take advantage of the support and synergies available within the group to optimize the time setup for the manufacturing of the image intensifier tubes, which is expected to begin in early 2027.

“We are pleased to announce a new investment in our capacity on the US ground, which represents a major step in our strategy. Expansion into the US market presents a significant opportunity to strengthen our position as a global leader in image intensifier tubes. This new capacity will also enable us to meet customers’ demand for large-volume, high-performance products manufactured in the US.” said Exosens CEO, Jérôme Cerisier

www.exosens.com

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General Atomics Acquires North Point Defense

Monday, March 3rd, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 03 March 2025 – General Atomics (GA) today announced the strategic acquisition of North Point Defense, Inc. (NPD), a leading provider of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) exploitation software and sensor integration, by General Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc. (GA-III), formerly known as General Atomics Commonwealth Computer Research, Inc. This acquisition enhances GA’s capabilities in the rapidly evolving SIGINT field, positioning the company to deliver advanced ISR solutions for air, sea, ground, and space platforms.

From concept to deployment, NPD delivers AI/ML-based autonomous signal processing and data dissemination solutions providing real-time actionable intelligence, supporting tactical and national mission priorities. “Joining GA represents an incredible opportunity to enhance our impact in delivering cutting-edge SIGINT solutions in support of national and tactical users,” said Bruce Benenati, President of NPD. “As part of a mission-focused organization with a proven track-record in tactical intelligence across the DoD and IC, we can accelerate innovation and deployment at scale. The integration gives our team access to unmatched operational expertise, resources, and a broader customer base. Together, we are poised to deliver even greater capabilities to those who depend on us in the field.”

GA-III is committed to providing a comprehensive suite of “out-of-the-box” hardware and software tools to meet mission requirements and expand the innovative intelligence capabilities within the GA group of companies. “The integration of NPD technologies into a division of GA-III is a strategic shift, enhancing GA’s ability to innovate rapidly and provide greater value to customers with end-to-end ISR solutions that are more efficient, effective, and technologically advanced.” said Brian Ralston, President of GA-III.

Baird served as the exclusive financial adviser and Miles & Stockbridge acted as legal counsel to North Point Defense on the transaction.

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Savage Arms Continues Support of Pass It On Outdoor Mentors

Sunday, March 2nd, 2025

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – February 26, 2025 – Savage Arms® announces its continued support of Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors in 2025. Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors has been working to expand opportunities for young hunters to experience safe, mentored hunts. The organization’s efforts help preserve and grow America’s outdoor heritage.

Through its partnership, Savage is providing vital support and resources to help more youth experience hunting firsthand. Savage provides firearms, equipment, personnel and dollars to help ensure safe and successful experiences afield for young hunters.

“Getting kids in the outdoors is essential to the future of our pastime, and our conservation efforts,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms and Board Member of Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors. “As a company, Savage is committed to preserving the hunting heritage by fostering new opportunities for the next generation. Personally, it has been rewarding and inspiring to be directly involved. We’re excited for more hunts and hunting experiences done the right way for young hunters.”

In addition to putting more kids in the field, Savage’s support will also allow Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors to recruit and train more mentors. Bridging the gap between young outdoor enthusiasts and the experience that will shape the future of hunting and conservation is another challenge Savage’s support allows Pass it On – Outdoor Mentors to address.

To learn more about Savage, the organizations it supports and the latest news, visit savagearms.com.

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Sons of Liberty Gun Works Appoints Nate Horvath as Chief Executive Officer

Friday, February 28th, 2025

San Antonio, Texas – February 27, 2025 – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (“SOLGW™”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nate Horvath as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 27, 2025. Horvath brings extensive executive leadership experience in the firearms industry with a proven track record of driving growth and operational excellence.

Horvath joins SOLGW following his successful tenure as CEO of Staccato where from 2018 to 2024 he led the company through a turnaround and significant growth. His “always forward” leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with SOLGW’s unwavering commitment to dependability, products engineered for precision performance and duty-grade reliability, and standing firmly behind every product that bears the SOLGW name.

SOLGW co-founder Mike Mihalski shared the following: “Nate was our number one choice to lead Sons of Liberty through our next stage of growth and development as a company. I have known Nate for several years and couldn’t be more excited to partner with him to take the business to the next level.”

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Horvath brings a unique combination of military experience and business acumen to SOLGW. Horvath’s experience includes building and developing winning teams and cultures, strategic planning, business development, marketing, operations and finance. Prior to Staccato, Horvath spent fourteen years in private equity and debt investing, gaining exposure to a broad range of industries and transactions. He holds an MBA from Stanford University, and he spent his early career as a CPA at global leaders Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young.

Horvath expressed enthusiasm about joining SOLGW: “I am honored to be joining Mike Mihalski and his team at another great Texas firearms company empowering American citizens who are exercising their 2nd amendment rights. In addition, SOLGW’s support for our law enforcement and military communities is strong and growing with its rifles in active duty use by over 200 agencies in over 36 states. I look forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing growth and to supporting all patriots: civilian, military, and first responders.”

SOLGW co-founder Kyle Grothues added, “We are lucky to have someone as experienced as Nate to take us into the next decade of our growth. Nate’s performance at Staccato has been an inspiration any company would want to emulate, and I look forward to our success under his leadership.”

For more information about Sons of Liberty Gun Works and its products, please visit sonsoflibertygw.com or contact info@solgw.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Gilat to Invest up to $3.5 Million in Disruptive ESA Based Drone Detection Startup Crosense

Friday, February 28th, 2025

Gilat expands its HLS and Defense strategic footprint with investment in cutting-edge deep-tech company

Petah Tikva, Israel, February 25, 2025 – Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a global leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, today announced an investment of up to $3.5 million in Crosense, an early-stage startup revolutionizing drone detection and tracking. The investment is part of a funding round co-led by Frontier Capital, reinforcing strong industry confidence in Crosense’s disruptive technology. This move aligns with Gilat’s recently declared strategic focus on expanding its presence in the Homeland Security (HLS) and Defense sectors.

Crosense is developing a disruptive new class of deep-tech, electronically steered antenna (ESA) based drone detection and tracking systems, addressing an urgent, unmet need for securing airports, military bases, and critical infrastructure against unauthorized drone activity. Unlike traditional solutions, Crosense’s passive, all-weather, real-time system will provide 24/7 hermetic coverage, ensuring accurate, scalable, and cost-effective detection in all terrains, including dense urban environments.

“The rapid rise of drone threats has created an immediate demand for more effective detection solutions, and Crosense’s technology is poised to disrupt the market,” said Roni Stoleru, Chief Corporate Development Officer at Gilat. “This investment reflects Gilat’s commitment to the defense sector and our strategy to bring innovative, field-proven solutions to military and government customers worldwide. By supporting Crosense, we are reinforcing our role in safeguarding critical assets with next-generation technologies.”

“We are thrilled to have Gilat as our strategic partner and investor,” stated Crosense founder and CEO, Gil Zwirn. “Gilat’s extensive knowledge and expertise, as well as its robust global marketing and sales channels will be instrumental in our journey. This collaboration is expected to propel Crosense forward, fostering innovation and growth, and amplifying our reach and impact.”

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352nd SOW, Finnish Utti Jaeger Regiment strengthen NATO’s interoperability in austere weather environments

Friday, February 28th, 2025

KOUVOLA, Finland (AFNS) —

Finnish Special Operations forces from the Utti Jaeger Regiment and U.S. Air Force 352nd Special Operations Wing participated in a bilateral training, Jan. 28-31, 2025, at Utti Jaeger Regiment base, Finland.

The training included airdrop operations in cold weather conditions utilizing the 352nd SOW’s MC-130J Commando II.

“The desired learning objective is familiarization with an allied force,” said the 352nd SOW exercise mission commander. “With Finland joining NATO, we want them to gain familiarization of aircraft and procedures involving both cargo and personnel airdrops using proper safety procedures.”

This training qualifies forces from the Utti Jaeger Regiment on static line jumps, military free-fall – both high-altitude high-opening and high-altitude low-opening – jumps, allowing Finnish jumpmasters to perform required maneuvers with U.S. personnel and aircraft.

“We’ve worked with the Finnish military before, but this will be the first time with the Utti Jaegers since Finland joined NATO,” said the mission commander. “The 352nd, and U.S. forces are proficient and well-versed in airdrop and Utti Jaegers are experts in extreme cold weather environments. We can take our combined experience and put them together to get a better product.”

A U.S. Space Force Guardian assigned to the 352nd SOW used the exercise as an opportunity to integrate with SOF operations by providing digital force protection capabilities, allowing U.S. forces to characterize malicious electromagnetic activities through signature matching and anomaly detection.

“Testing these sensors allows for higher fidelity in characterizing interference used by adversaries,” the Guardian said. “With this exercise we seek to build our knowledge base and better understand processes and procedures to set up a baseline of operations for future deployments of these sensors or others like it.”

By SSgt Caroline Parks, 352nd Special Operations Wing

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HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany Expand Their Cooperation: Training for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Systems in Germany

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Taufkirchen, 26.02.2025 – The sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany have strengthened their collaboration in the field of uncrewed aerial vehicles and systems, with ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH serving as the prime contractor.

This strengthened alliance supports QinetiQ’s Global Threat Representation strategy, reinforcing its reputation as a global service provider for military exercises, from operational analysis to implementing new capabilities.

The expanded partnership focuses on three key areas including:

· Capability enhancement.

· Military uncrewed aerial vehicles of category IIa.

· Training and certified testing.

This partnership builds on years of successful cooperation between, QinetiQ and HENSOLDT in Germany and Europe particularly in airborne radar systems using PC-12 test aircraft and the supply of reconnaissance technology for QinetiQ’s fleet.

With key locations in Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein, QinetiQ and HENSOLDT are well-positioned to support the German Armed Forces and other security authorities in operating uncrewed systems.

HENSOLDT has been integrated as a certified body by the German Armed Forces Aviation Office for military uncrewed aerial vehicles of category IIa. This category encompasses drones used for flight target presentation, prototypes and system demonstrators.

HENSOLDT will also act as a recognised training and certified testing centre for remote pilots of civil uncrewed aircraft in QinetiQ’s category 2c, which includes drones that do not require prior approval. As a multi-certified body, HENSOLDT can provide comprehensive system support within this strengthened partnership.

Thorsten Heil, Head of Flight Operations at HENSOLDT in Germany, added: “As a reliable technology and innovation partner and an approved aviation company for both uncrewed and crewed aircraft, we are committed to developing specific, customer-oriented, and market-driven solutions that maintain our armed forces’ defence capabilities and enhance public safety. The intensified cooperation with QinetiQ is a critical step towards improving education and training for uncrewed aircraft and systems in Germany, contributing to the sustainable strengthening of our security.”

Matthias Grögor, Head of Strategic Business Development at QinetiQ in Germany, said:

“Through our partnership with HENSOLDT, we demonstrate a proven collaboration with the German Armed Forces and other security authorities, backed by years of successful work, particularly with the German Air Force,” Matthias said. “Together, we aim to expand our services in uncrewed systems – from development and certification to education and training, around our Bavarian location in Augsburg, helping to establish Bavaria as a leading hub for drone technology.”

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Streamlight Names Michael F. Dineen to President

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Dineen Promoted to Head Global Flashlight Company

EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 26, 2025 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance lighting, announced that it has promoted Michael F. Dineen to President. Formerly Chief Revenue Officer, Dineen succeeds Raymond L. Sharrah. Sharrah will retain the title of Chief Executive Officer while continuing to provide overall corporate executive oversight.

Dineen joined the company in 2009 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, where he was responsible for the overall sales management and leadership of all Streamlight markets, both domestic and international, including Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Industrial, Military and Federal Government, Automotive, and Fire/EMS. During his tenure, he managed the company’s sales organization, which includes direct sales staff and a network of independent sales representatives and distributors, while also leading the development and execution of the company’s marketing strategy.

He was appointed Chief Revenue Officer in 2022, where he oversaw the company’s Materials and Operations departments, in addition to directing Sales and Marketing.

In his new role, Dineen will maintain his previous responsibilities as well as lead Product Management, Accounting and Finance, and IT operations.

Dineen joined Streamlight following a 17-year career with MSA Safety, a global leader in advanced safety products for markets including public safety, military and industrial, which account for a significant portion of Streamlight’s business. He served as the Director of Sales – North American First Responder Markets managing a 35-person sales organization, as well as collaborating on product development and marketing strategies for the company’s Fire Service, Law Enforcement, and Military Base markets. He formerly was Northern North America Sales Manager for the MSA Fire Service Market and held several other sales posts at the company.

“Mike’s deep understanding of our business, combined with his forward-thinking approach to leadership, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Streamlight into its next phase of growth,” said Sharrah. “During his tenures as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and as Chief Revenue Officer, he consistently demonstrated his ability to drive results, foster innovation and build strong relationships with our employees, customers, and suppliers. I am confident that he will show the same exemplary leadership as president of our company.”

Dineen holds a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Saint Joseph’s University as well as an MBA with a focus in Marketing from Seton Hall University.

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