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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

FirstSpear Deepens “Built for The X” Mission with Hire of Special Operations Aviation Expert Brian Erb

Friday, November 14th, 2025

FENTON, Mo. (Nov 11th, 2025) – FirstSpear®, the leader in uncompromising equipment for professionals bound for “The X,” today announced the appointment of Brian Erb as Director, Aviation Business Development. The strategic hire of the decorated Special Operations aviator brings a career defined by moments of extreme pressure and critical decision-making, the very challenges FirstSpear equipment is engineered to overcome.

A retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5), Erb brings nearly 30 years of distinguished military aviation experience, including 18 years with the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR (A)). A seasoned MH-47 instructor pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours (over 1,000 in combat and 1,000 under night vision) his career embodies the operational precision and field-tested knowledge that define FirstSpear’s approach. His leadership of the Regimental ALSE (Aviation Life Support Equipment) Shop was pivotal in advancing mission survivability, where he drove the adoption of key aviation and rotary protective systems like the FirstSpear Aviation Body Armor Vest (ABAV) and the Rotary Wing Advanced Tactical Helmet (RATH).

“FirstSpear exists to give operators total confidence in the moments where there is no margin for error. To do that authentically, our team must include professionals who have lived it,” said Scott Carver, Founder and CEO of FirstSpear. “Brian Erb doesn’t just understand ‘The X’; he has navigated it for decades. His expertise makes him a direct partner in readiness, ensuring our design process is always anchored to the unforgiving realities of the mission. He is here to help us uphold our promise: to build and deploy uncompromising equipment for superiority and durability.”

“Throughout my career with the 160th, the safety and effectiveness of fellow Night Stalkers was paramount. I saw firsthand how FirstSpear consistently listened to the operator and delivered equipment that made a real difference for our aircrews,” said Brian Erb. “I’m incredibly proud to now join a company that has been so dedicated to our community. My mission here is to use my experience to help drive the next evolution of gear, ensuring our military aviators have the decisive edge in safety, comfort, and lethality for years to come.”

At FirstSpear, Erb will lead efforts to expand aviation partnerships and product integrations. He will be responsible for translating the evolving demands of aviators and aircrews into tangible, life-saving equipment, ensuring the next generation of operators is equipped for their defining moments.

Digital Force Technologies Selects Echodyne Radar for Seraphim Counter-UAS Family of Systems

Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

MESA® radars tapped by Seraphim C-UAS autonomous sensor and effector solutions for exceptional data fidelity, OTM capabilities

Kirkland, WA, November 11, 2025 – Echodyne, the radar platform company, is pleased to announce that its radars have been selected by Digital Force Technologies (DFT) as the primary radars across its Seraphim C-UAS family of systems. DFT combines extensive defense expertise and cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled solutions that meet the evolving needs of the warfighter from concept to battlefield application. The Seraphim C-UAS is a modular, expandable family of autonomous solutions for detection, assessment, tracking, deterrence and defeat of UAS threats.

The end customer solutions range from expeditionary systems to fixed-site, in-garrison protection and maintain an agile, rapid-deployment approach. DFT was selected as part of the TERAPIN project to deliver an ultra-endurance autonomous mobile sensor/effector platform with robust edge processing for the expeditionary warfighter operating in austere, remote locations. Echodyne’s portfolio of market-leading radars, including EchoShield® and EchoGuard®, are now integrated components, adding high fidelity detection, classification, and precision tracking data across the Seraphim C-UAS family of systems.

TERAPIN is part of a United States Marine Corps program to provide persistent, all-domain sensing and surveillance support, tactical early warning, multi-domain intrusion-detection, and forward edge processing/computing of an AI/ML- based computer vision capability. These capabilities are being deployed by the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), at the Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR), down to any sized Marine element, to support the Naval Expeditionary Force (NEF) in the conduct of Sea Denial and Sea Control operations, and to enable force protection for Expeditionary Advanced Bases (EABs), forward fixed sites, and installations.

“Echodyne shares Digital Force Technologies’ commitment to delivering adaptable solutions that advance mission success and enhance warfighter safety, awareness, and capabilities,” said Justin MacLaurin, CEO of Digital Force Technologies. “The demand for autonomous systems that accurately sense their environment, identify threats, and inform and protect the warfighter is evolving quickly, and Seraphim C-UAS is proving that cutting-edge, autonomous solutions are available today.”

Echodyne’s patented MESA architecture creates ultra-low SWaP, high performance radar systems that deliver extraordinarily accurate situational awareness data. A solid-state, zero sustainment architecture makes MESA radars ideal for missions in water, coastal, land, and air domains and complements rapid adaptability to fixed, portable, temporary, or on-the-move (OTM) requirements. 

“Echodyne is thrilled to be acknowledged by Digital Force Technologies as having the ideal radars for their Seraphim C-UAS solutions,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “Counter-UAS is critical to every force and mission, and this selection demonstrates again that cutting-edge Defense solutions are turning to Echodyne radar for market-leading accuracy, precision, and reliability.”

Carrington Textiles Launches New Fabric Collection Guides at A+A

Tuesday, November 11th, 2025

Adlington, United Kingdom: Global workwear textiles manufacturer Carrington Textiles marked a successful return to A+A in Düsseldorf with the launch of 13 new fabrics and the official debut of their redesigned Fabric Collection Guides. The stand attracted a high number of visitors across the four days of the exhibition, with excellent feedback on both the new products and the innovative format of the guides.

Paul Farrell, Sales Director at Carrington Textiles, said: “We were delighted with the response at A+A. The new fabrics were extremely well received, with customers particularly interested in how we are pushing the boundaries with stretch, sustainability and flame retardancy. The launch of our new Fabric Collection Guides was another highlight, giving visitors a completely new way to explore our portfolio.”

The Fabric Collection Guides have been developed to combine practicality with a premium look. Their smart half Canadian bound format allows pages to open flat for effortless display, while detailed product sections give buyers the key information they need at a glance, from composition and weave to fibre types and certifications. Each guide also integrates QR codes for instant access to deeper technical content, as well as dedicated info pages to provide additional insight into sub-ranges such as polycotton and stretch.

Fabric swatches have been built into the guides so customers can feel the quality directly, while a QR-coded online colour chart provides access to the latest shade information at any time. The collection is completed by a durable slip case that keeps the guides together, easy to carry and presentable in any setting. Printed on FSC recycled paper, they also reflect Carrington Textiles’ ongoing commitment to sustainability.

To showcase these features at A+A, Carrington Textiles premiered a sleek 3D animation. With cinematic lighting, high-end textures and minimal narration, the film dramatised the shape, finish and usability of the guides, reinforcing their premium feel and the company’s strong brand presence.

Together, the new fabrics and Fabric Collection Guides reinforced Carrington Textiles’ position as a global leader in workwear textiles, with innovation in both product and presentation.

For more information visit carrington.co.uk.

Veteran Entrepreneur Austin Holmes Leads Signal Raptor in Advancing Digital Trust and Innovation

Tuesday, November 11th, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (November, 2025) — As the country celebrates Veterans Day and National Entrepreneurship Month, U.S. Army veteran and entrepreneur Austin Holmes, founder of Signal Raptor, shines a light on how veterans are shaping the future of technology through mission-driven innovation. This is a purpose-driven tech company in the business of digital trust and secure communication, reflecting Holmes’s journey from combat to the C-suite, where integrity, accountability, and dependability remain the mission.

After years serving in the military, Holmes drew parallels between mission-critical communication in the field and the growing need for clarity and security in the digital environment. Signal Raptor was built on that foundation to ensure that people, businesses, and organizations can operate with confidence and transparency in the digital space.

“Veterans understand that trust is at the heart of every mission,” said Holmes. “That very same principle drives our work at Signal Raptor: building technology that’s dependable, disciplined, and focused on protecting what matters most.”

Signal Raptor is part of a growing wave of veteran-owned technology companies redefining the meaning of entrepreneurship. Holmes brings business and technology development through leadership qualities instilled in his military background: precision, adaptability, and service.

This veteran, father, and founder supports his fellow service members in transitioning from active duty back into civilian life and eventually into becoming entrepreneurs. This season, the outreach efforts of Signal Raptor are in line with that mission, including partnerships with veteran business networks in support of veteran innovation and digital literacy.

The following are highlights of the continued Signal Raptor mission:

Veteran-Led Innovation: Applying the lessons of strategy, teamwork, and resilience learned in military service to drive technological solutions.

Digital Trust Commitment: Building trust, reliability, safety, and privacy into all products surrounding communication.

Community Involvement: Partnerships with organizations that serve veterans to extend technology entrepreneurship resources even further.

This Veterans Day and throughout National Entrepreneurship Month, Holmes and Signal Raptor want to highlight the value that veterans bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Indeed, because of their discipline and problem-solving approach, veteran founders are leading the charge in innovation, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. 

To Holmes, the vision for Signal Raptor goes beyond just building software; it is about building trust in an increasingly complex digital world. His story shows just how much the lessons learned in service can power meaningful innovation in civilian life. “Service doesn’t end when you leave the military-it evolves,” Holmes says. “To us, that means creating technology that serves people, protects them, and helps them connect more securely.” 

Learn more at signalraptor.com.

Renishaw to Showcase Advanced Additive Manufacturing Solutions for Defense at DMC 2025

Tuesday, November 11th, 2025

Renishaw, a global additive manufacturing specialist, has announced its attendance at the Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) 2025. This premier national forum for advancing defense manufacturing will take place at Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida, from November 17-20, 2025 March 30-April 2 2026. Renishaw will be showcasing its innovative technologies and services that support the aerospace and defense sector, including for suppressor applications.

Renishaw uses its expertise in additive manufacturing and metrology to support various aspects of the aerospace and defense sector. The company’s products and technologies are used in manufacturing to boost efficiency, dimensional accuracy, and cost reduction. Renishaw’s technology is applied in diverse applications, from fighter jet systems to personal defense platforms.

John Laureto, Business Manager for Renishaw’s Additive Manufacturing Group in the Americas, commented, “DMC 2025 is an invaluable opportunity for Renishaw to connect directly with the defense community. Our long-standing success in supporting critical sectors, particularly the suppressor industry, highlights our commitment to delivering advanced solutions.”

Renishaw will be showcasing its RenAM 500Q metal additive manufacturing (AM) system. The RenAM 500Q boasts exceptional laser density on the powder bed, at 64 lasers per square meter, making it ideal for manufacturers aiming to produce top-quality components at a lower cost per part. It offers fast build speeds of up to 254 cc/hour with its four 500 W lasers, automatic powder recycling, and vacuum atmosphere preparation. This system delivers consistent and repeatable part quality, achieving 99.9 per cent density and optimized properties across the entire build plate.

Another focus will be TEMPUS™ technology, a new scanning algorithm for the RenAM 500 series systems. This innovative technology allows the system’s lasers to fire while the powder recoater is moving, removing up to nine seconds of build time from every layer. With builds frequently containing thousands of layers, this can cut build times by tens of hours, leading to a time reduction of up to 50 per cent without affecting part quality. This time and cost saving maximizes return on machine investment for existing users and makes new applications viable for AM.

At DMC 2025 Renishaw will demonstrate the capabilities of its platforms, technologies, and services that support its customers in the US defense manufacturing community. Renishaw’s booth will feature various components and mock-ups of machines, including aluminum heat exchange components and suppressor displays.

Renishaw looks forward to engaging with industry leaders, experts and policymakers at DMC 2025, demonstrating its continued dedication to advancing manufacturing capabilities within the defense sector.

For further information visit Renishaw’s website or contact the US sales team at Jeffrey.Seliga@renishaw.com

Update: DMC is rescheduled to March 30-April 2 2026 due to the gov shutdown.

Systems Engineering Earns CMMC Level 2 Certification with Perfect Score, Demonstrating Operational Cybersecurity Excellence

Monday, November 10th, 2025

The company’s 110/110 assessment score confirms the maturity, rigor, and real-world readiness of its program to meet DoD standards and protect sensitive information.

PORTLAND, Maine, Nov. 6, 2025 — Systems Engineering, a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) and Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) serving highly regulated industries, announced today that it has successfully achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 with a perfect score of 110. This milestone confirms its managed services, engineering capabilities, technology platforms, and advisory offerings meet the rigorous cybersecurity requirements established by the U.S. Department of Defense.

“Achieving CMMC certification is significant, but receiving a perfect 110 out of 110 assessment score with no deficiencies highlights the maturity and rigor of our information security program,” said Erik Thomas, Director of Advisory Services at Systems Engineering. “This isn’t theory-it’s operational proof that we walk the walk when it comes to cybersecurity maturity.”

The certification was attained for Systems Engineering’s secure enclave environment, where its own Managed Services were deployed and operated just as they are for its clients’ computing systems. Achieving CMMC Level 2 certification validates our ability to protect sensitive data, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), demonstrates the strength and compliance of Systems Engineering’s Managed Services offerings, enforces a compliant vendor ecosystem, and further enhances the capability of SE’s consulting practice.

What This Means for Clients

Proven Compliance Maturity: Systems Engineering clients can trust that its managed service offerings and engineering solutions stand up to one of the most demanding cybersecurity frameworks in the nation.

Enhanced Advisory Credibility: Unlike firms that only advise, Systems Engineering has gone through the entire CMMC certification process. This hands-on experience equips the team to offer practical, tested guidance to clients preparing for their own assessments.

A Trusted Vendor Ecosystem: The certification reinforces that Systems Engineering’s technology stack and vendor partners are thoroughly vetted and aligned with the CMMC framework.

A Proven Partner for CMMC Readiness and Beyond

As CMMC requirements begin to appear in defense contracts starting in November 2025, Systems Engineering is actively supporting defense contractors and subcontractors through every stage of their compliance journey. Our CMMC Services include CUI network scoping, gap analysis, remediation, program documentation, and long-term compliance program management. These services, when coupled with our managed IT operational services and cybersecurity services, position our clients for successful Assessments and beyond.

“Our clients demand more than checklists. They need end-to-end solutions that are field-tested and future-ready,” added Kent Goodrow, Chief Information Security Officer at Systems Engineering. “This certification gives us even more credibility to guide them forward with confidence.”

DroneShield Names US Advisory Board

Monday, November 10th, 2025
  • DroneShield brings together leading U.S. military and national security experts to support continued expansion across U.S. and allied markets 
  • The Advisory Board strengthens strategic engagement with government and industry partners 

Sydney, Australia – Warrenton, Viriginia – 7 November, 2025– DroneShield, a global leader in advanced counter-drone technology, is pleased to announce the establishment of its U.S. Advisory Board, comprising senior military and national security leaders with extensive operational and industry expertise.&

The Advisory Board will support DroneShield’s expanding U.S. operations, providing strategic guidance on growth, policy engagement, and technology adoption within military, intelligence, and critical infrastructure sectors.

General Mark D. Kelly (Ret.), U.S. Air Force 

General Kelly completed a 38-year career in the United States Air Force, most recently serving as Commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, where he led and prepared combat-ready air, space, cyber, and intelligence forces for global operations. His distinguished career includes previous roles as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon, and as Commander of both 9th and 12th Air Forces. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School and the National War College, General Kelly is a command pilot with over 6,000 flight hours, including 800 combat hours in fighter aircraft.

Brigadier General Gwyn Armfield (Ret.), U.S. Air Force

Brigadier General Armfield recently completed nearly three decades of service in the U.S. Air Force. He is the founder of RGA Consulting Group, advising clients in leadership, risk management, and technology development. His military career included roles as Vice Director for Strategy and Plans at U.S. Central Command and Deputy Commanding General for U.S. and Coalition Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan. A former National Security Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, he was also Chief of Strategy for U.S. European Command and recipient of the Air Force’s Lance Sijan Leadership Award for his actions in Afghanistan.

Lt. Jay Humphlett (Ret.), U.S. Navy  

A business transformation and military industry leader, Jay Humphlett has driven high-impact strategic capture initiatives at Raytheon and Dataminr. A former U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer and TOPGUN graduate, he has held senior executive roles across venture capital, military, and intelligence-driven technology sectors. His experience spans a variety of markets and business models to include SaaS, AI, PAI/OSINT, Special Mission Aviation, hardware, systems integration, and services. His career includes leadership positions as President of a special mission aviation firm and CEO of a global health protection company.

Anthony P. Reardon (Ret.), U.S. Air Force 

Anthony Reardon served as Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia, as a member of the Senior Executive Service prior to his retirement. As the Air Force’s senior career civilian advisor to the Secretary, he oversaw a $5.6 billion annual portfolio and more than 37,000 personnel, implementing Secretariat policies, goals, and objectives. Earlier in his career, Mr. Reardon held senior roles including Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements; Director of Policy, Plans, and Strategy for Air Force International Affairs; and Deputy Director of Legislative Liaison. A former active-duty Air Force Weapons Systems Officer, fling the RF-4C and held staff positions across multiple commands, accruing over 1,900 flight hours.

DroneShield continues to expand its U.S. footprint across government and commercial markets, with growing demand for its AI-enabled counter-UAS, electronic warfare, and threat-detection solutions.

“The formation of our U.S. Advisory Board marks another milestone in DroneShield’s growth trajectory. Each member brings unique insight from decades of leadership across military operations, military technology, and national security. Their collective experience will strengthen DroneShield’s ability to support U.S. and allied partners in addressing the evolving drone threat environment,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO, DroneShield. 

ARK Protection Group Partners with HOP Munitions as Official Ammunition Provider

Monday, November 10th, 2025

Haysville, OHHOP Munitions, a veteran-operated ammunition manufacturer based in Ohio, is proud to announce its new partnership with ARK Protection Group, a premier security and executive protection firm. Through this partnership, HOP Munitions will serve as ARK’s official ammunition provider for both training and operational requirements.

Several key factors contributed to this collaboration, including the close geographic proximity of the two companies, HOP Munitions’ proven record of producing high-quality, consistent ammunition, and a shared mission to support and equip law enforcement and security professionals with the necessary tools to protect and serve.

“Partnering with ARK Protection Group aligns perfectly with our mission of supporting those serving in the line of duty,” said Tyler, Operations Manager of HOP Munitions. “Their professionalism and dedication to training & protecting mirror our own commitment to quality and performance in every round we produce.”

ARK Protection Group, founded by Ron Gazboda, a former U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant with extensive operational and training experience, provides executive protection, estate security, event security, tactical training, and armored vehicle solutions to clients worldwide. Leveraging decades of combined military and private security experience, ARK delivers a comprehensive range of protective services. The company’s agents are trained to manage complex, high-threat environments with discretion and effectiveness.

“This partnership demonstrates both companies’ pledge to support law enforcement and security professionals with reliable equipment, standardized training procedures, and optimal performance.”

– Ron Gazboda

This partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to supporting law enforcement and security professionals with reliable tools, proven training standards, and real-world performance.