Industry | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

HFI Inc Expanding into Military & Tactical Market

Tuesday, August 25th, 2026

Leveraging Cut & Sew, Lamination, and Assembly Expertise Across Multiple U.S. Locations

CANAL WINCHESTER, Ohio – HFI Inc., a leading North American manufacturer of soft goods and interior components, today announced its expansion into the military and tactical gear market. With more than 70 years of manufacturing experience, HFI brings proven capabilities in precision cut & sew, lamination, and assembly to support defense and tactical applications.

HFI specializes in converting technical fabrics and materials into high-quality soft goods through advanced cut-and-sew processes, multi-layer lamination, and complete component assembly. The company works with materials commonly specified in tactical and military programs, including Solution Dyed CORDURA®, VELCRO®, Curv®, MOLLE systems, mil-spec webbing, and mil-spec hardware. These core competencies, refined through decades of work with demanding automotive OEMs under IATF 16949 quality systems, are well-suited to the rigorous requirements of tactical gear and related soft-goods applications. HFI is also focused on supporting Berry Amendment-compliant production to meet domestic sourcing requirements.

With approximately 3,500 team members and 10 manufacturing locations across North America, HFI offers scalable capacity and geographic flexibility to serve military and defense customers efficiently. The company’s multi-site U.S. footprint enables responsive production, reduced logistics complexity, and reliable supply for both prototype and volume programs.

“HFI’s combination of technical soft-goods expertise, process discipline, and distributed U.S. manufacturing positions us to be a strong partner for the tactical community,” said Matt Kerchner, Director of New Business Development, HFI Inc. “We look forward to applying our capabilities in cut & sew, lamination, and assembly to support mission-critical soft goods needs.”

HFI invites defense contractors, OEMs, and tactical gear integrators to explore partnership opportunities.

About HFI Inc.

Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Canal Winchester, Ohio, HFI Inc. is a Tier 2 manufacturer specializing in cut & sew, foam processing, lamination, and assembly of soft interior and soft-goods components. With more than 3,500 employees across 10 North American locations, HFI delivers high-quality, process-controlled solutions for demanding industries, including support for Berry-compliant tactical and military soft goods.

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

Blue Ops, a Red Cat Company, and Havoc Partner to Develop Open-Architecture Autonomous Maritime Defense Systems

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Companies plan to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software across Blue Ops’ USV portfolio to establish operational fleets

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 17, 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, and Havoc, a leader in all-domain collaborative autonomy, announced a partnership today, formalized through Red Cat’s maritime division, Blue Ops.

Under the partnership, Blue Ops and Havoc plan to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software and command-and-control capabilities across multiple Blue Ops uncrewed surface vessels, including the Variant 7 and additional platforms as they are introduced. The integration is intended to enable coordinated multi-vessel operations and expand the range of autonomous functions available to U.S. and allied defense customers.

The partnership builds on Blue Ops’ Modular Open Systems Architecture (“MOSA”) approach to maritime systems, which is designed to support the rapid integration of autonomy, sensors, communications, payloads, and other mission technologies based on evolving operational requirements. Havoc’s collaborative autonomy technology has been successfully deployed on behalf of the U.S. Department of War in multiple operational contexts.

“This partnership is exactly what our open-architecture strategy was built for,” said Barry Hinckley, President of Blue Ops. “Our goal is to build the best small USVs in the world while making it easy to integrate leading technologies from across the U.S. and our allies. Havoc has developed a powerful collaborative autonomy solution and integrating it with Blue Ops platforms gives customers greater choice and flexibility while accelerating how quickly advanced autonomous maritime capabilities can be fielded.”

Blue Ops and Havoc also plan to establish operational fleets at Havoc’s headquarters in Rhode Island and Blue Ops’ headquarters in Florida. These locations will provide U.S. and allied defense customers and partners with access to integrated Blue Ops and Havoc systems for live demonstrations, testing, training and operational evaluation, including both single-vessel autonomy and coordinated multi-vessel operations.

“Havoc’s primary strategy is to pair our leading-edge collaborative autonomy software with platform manufacturers who have already proven innovation, excellence, and scale,” said Paul Lwin, CEO and Co-Founder of Havoc. “Blue Ops is the perfect partner to continue our journey because they are building an open, flexible family of maritime systems that align directly with how we believe autonomy should be deployed. By integrating Havoc across the Blue Ops portfolio, we can give operators the ability to command and coordinate multiple autonomous vessels while preserving the flexibility to adapt as operational requirements evolve.”

Additionally, the companies plan to work together to expand market access for their respective technologies. Blue Ops and Red Cat intend to introduce Havoc’s autonomy and command-and-control capabilities to their government and commercial customers, while Havoc intends to market Blue Ops’ family of USVs to its customer base. Together, the companies plan to pursue opportunities requiring integrated autonomous maritime systems.

The partnership provides a framework for continued technical integration, demonstrations and joint customer engagement as the companies further develop their commercial relationship.

Posted in Admin, Industry, Maritime, Press Release, UxS | Comments Off on Blue Ops, a Red Cat Company, and Havoc Partner to Develop Open-Architecture Autonomous Maritime Defense Systems

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 | Comments Off on Department of War Orders Research Security Audits at 30 Academic Institutions

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 | Comments Off on Red Cat Announces Multiyear Partnership with Washington Commanders to Support America’s Military Community

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 | Comments Off on Cana Provisions Expands to Europe and the United Kingdom with Two New International Distributors

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