Aquaterro

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

AARDVARK Tactical Expands Night Vision Capabilities Through L3Harris Partnership

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

La Verne, CA | SEP 23, 2025 — AARDVARK Tactical, a leading provider of mission-critical equipment for elite military and law enforcement teams, announced today a new distribution agreement with L3Harris® Technologies, a global leader in advanced defense and tactical solutions. Through this agreement, AARDVARK will distribute L3Harris’ industry-leading night vision and electro-optical systems to U.S. tactical teams, further expanding AARDVARK’s portfolio of cutting-edge operator-focused technologies.

As part of this partnership, AARDVARK will provide access to L3Harris’ full range of night vision solutions, including the BNVD-1531 and AN/PVS-31A Binocular Night Vision Devices, and the Next Generation Aiming Laser (NGAL), among others. These systems are renowned for their exceptional clarity, rugged durability, and advanced fusion capabilities that enhance operator performance in low-light and no-light environments.

“Night vision is mission-critical technology, and our goal has always been to equip operators with the very best tools available,” said Jon Becker, CEO of AARDVARK. “By partnering with L3Harris, we can deliver the most advanced electro-optical systems in the world directly to the teams who need them most.”

With decades of experience supporting law enforcement, military, and federal units, AARDVARK has built its reputation on curating best-in-class technologies that solve the toughest operational challenges. The addition of L3Harris’ night vision portfolio strengthens AARDVARK’s ability to deliver complete, integrated solutions across armor, breaching, communications, and situational awareness domains.

D&M Holding Company and DEMCO Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement at DSEI to Develop Propellant and Primer Production Facilities within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Monday, September 22nd, 2025

TAMPA, FL (September 22, 2025) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), the global leader in delivering complete solutions for ammunition, primer, and propellant manufacturing facilities, and DEMCO Holding Company (DEMCO), a Saudi Arabian defense company, signed a strategic partnership agreement at the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) pavilion during the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI 2025) event in London. The agreement focuses on developing, constructing, and commissioning state-of-the-art propellant and primer manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, D&M and DEMCO will collaborate to deliver single-base and double-base propellant factories as well as a modern primer manufacturing facility to support Saudi Arabia’s defense industrialization goals. The agreement combines DEMCO’s local market knowledge and regulatory expertise with D&M’s technical and project-delivery capabilities.

“We look forward to working closely with our partners to transfer expertise and build sustainable, locally operated facilities that meet Saudi Arabia’s strategic requirements,” said Dan Powers, President and CEO, D&M Holding Company.

The facilities will produce propellants and primers for small, medium, and large caliber ammunition.

About D&M Holding Company

D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M) is an ammunition and energetics engineering company headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with additional operations in Cabot, Arkansas. D&M specializes in the design and manufacture of ammunition and energetics equipment and turnkey factories for customers worldwide.

For more information visit D&M Holding Company.

DroneShield Expands U.S. R&D Operations to Drive Next-Gen Counter-Drone Solutions

Monday, September 22nd, 2025

Company announces major U.S. expansion following closely on the heels of Australian and European expansion – a clear signal of DroneShield’s push to lead and reshape the global counter-drone landscape

Warrenton, Virginia – September 22, 2025 – DroneShield, a global leader in counter-uncrewed systems (CUxS) technology, today announces it is significantly expanding its research and development (R&D) operations in the United States.

This move emphasizes DroneShield’s commitment to expand its R&D and testing capabilities and will result in more than doubling its workforce in the U.S. Over 30% of the new roles will be dedicated to software development and further strengthening its artificial intelligence (AI) team and capabilities.

As part of this strategic investment, DroneShield will also double the square footage of its U.S. headquarters in Virginia, reinforcing its dedication to breakthrough technology and better positioning the team to meet rapidly growing global demand for advanced CUxS solutions.

This U.S. expansion follows the company’s recent announcement of its expansion of production facilities in Australia and new office established in the European Union. DroneShield’s global strategic investments are part of a concerted effort to broaden its international footprint and establish a stronger physical presence near customers in key markets.

“As we continue to scale our operations globally, this expansion in the U.S. plays a crucial role in enhancing our ability to innovate and deliver advanced solutions for the evolving defense industrial base right here in the U.S.,”said Matt McCrann, CEO of DroneShield LLC. “We’re investing in the future of defense, and our growing footprint and impact in the U.S. market directly supports that effort.”

The expanded U.S. facility will enable DroneShield to accelerate its product development cycles and better service its growing customer base. The addition of key personnel to the R&D team will help drive forward-thinking technological advancements and ensure the company remains responsive to the needs of its customers.

“We’re not just expanding our operations, we’re doubling down on our commitment to providing best-in-class counter-drone solutions,” said Tom Branstetter, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, DroneShield LLC. “This investment enables us to be more responsive to the growing needs of our U.S. customers across the various sectors we serve.”

Combined with expanded R&D and planned U.S. production initiatives, the robust growth positions DroneShield to support U.S. Department of Defense’s push for fast, risk-embracing acquisition of cutting-edge counter-drone solutions.

“Expanding our U.S. technology team strengthens our ability to support critical programs and deliver advanced solutions with greater speed and precision. This investment ensures end users benefit from responsive, real-time support and the depth of expertise required for mission success,” said DroneShield’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, Angus Bean.

This expansion supports DroneShield’s bold strategy for global growth. With a commitment to innovation and leadership in counter-UxS technology, DroneShield is positioning itself to meet the increasing global demand for advancing security solutions. These strategic moves ensure that the company remains at the forefront of the industry, ready to address the evolving challenges of an interconnected and rapidly changing world.

DroneShield Surpasses 4,000 Systems Sold, $7.9m orders

Saturday, September 20th, 2025

DroneShield (ASX:DRO) is pleased to announce it has surpassed 4,000 systems sold worldwide with the receipt of a package of 2 standalone contracts totalling $7.9 million for handheld systems for delivery to the U.S. Department of Defense. DroneShield expects to deliver all equipment in Q4 2025, with cash payment expected in Q4 2025. No additional material conditions need to be satisfied. There is no obligation for any additional contracts from this customer.

DroneShield has previously received standalone orders from this customer. These repeat orders strengthen DroneShield’s position as a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions to address the growing challenge of drone threats on the modern battlefield and the civilian sector.

The latest orders build on existing Department of Defense programs already deploying DroneShield systems. With this milestone, more than 4,000 DroneShield solutions are now fielded globally, highlighting sustained end-user confidence and the solutions’ effectiveness in operational environments.

“Passing 4,000 systems in service is an important milestone for our team and our customers,” said Matt McCrann, U.S. CEO of DroneShield. “It underlines the performance and dependability of our solutions in the field, and the trust placed in DroneShield by those who rely on them.”


Image: DroneShield DroneGun Mk4 utilised by the U.S. Army at a training exercise

DroneShield’s handheld solutions form a cornerstone of its wider counter-drone portfolio, which spans dismounted, vehicle-mounted, and fixed-site solutions that fuse multiple sensors and effectors integrated through DroneShield’s advanced software. Together, they provide a layered defense architecture enabling operators to detect, track, identify, and defeat hostile drones with speed and precision. Customers enrolled into the SaaS-based AI software updates receive new firmware quarterly through the Company’s secure portal.

The entire order is expected to be fulfilled within 30 days from existing stock. This is important for this and other DroneShield customers due to their urgent operational requirements, and is an important factor of securing more orders.

The milestone comes as DroneShield reported a record 1H2025 revenue of $72.3 million (up 210% vs. 1H2024), 1H2025 Profit Before Tax of $5.2 million for the June 2025 period.

3Q25 recognised revenue to date (with significant additional deliveries and further revenue anticipated prior to September month end) is currently standing at $77 million and growing, already in excess of the previous two record quarters combined. The quarterly revenue and cash receipts will be released in October as part of the 3Q25 4C investor report.

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented, “As our customers seek to step up from their early small-scale evaluation purchases into full scale procurement, we are seeing rapidly rising customer demand. Counterdrone is still at its nascency with our customers requiring very significant additional purchases to progress to the required levels of counterdrone defence. DroneShield is a well regarded industry leader globally, and we expect to continue to benefit from this rising demand.”

Operational Excellence

The 4,000 devices sold, includes over 2,200 RfPatrols, produced by an Australian contract manufacturing partner, following rigorous in-house quality assurance testing. The RfPatrol has featured in multiple high-profile programs, including:

The Company’s all-time record $61.6 million European contract in mid-2025

The recent $5 million order for the Australian Government’s Land 156 Line of Effort 2 program, delivering handheld drone detection and neutralisation equipment to the Australian Defence Force

A $10.4 million contract to Ukraine in 2023, through the Australian Government’s only Ukraine counter-drone aid package


Image: DroneShield RfPatrol Mk2 utilised by the U.S. Army at a training exercise

The RfPatrol is a passive (non-emitting) lightweight, intuitive, and reliable drone detection device, designed to enhance situational awareness by alerting users to the presence of drones in real time, without requiring specialist training or complex setup. The device receives quarterly AI-firmware updates for customers enrolled into its SaaS plans. 

Production of the significant volume of the complex devices, underscores DroneShield’s advanced manufacturing and production capability, underpinned by a robust Australian supply chain. Around 85 per cent of the device’s components are sourced from local manufacturers across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

US and European-made versions of RfPatrol will be available in those markets from 2026, as the Company expects local production to further boost sales in those geographic segments. 

DroneShield remains focused on advancing its current and next-generation counter-drone technology solutions, leveraging export success, deep counter-drone technology expertise, and a strong manufacturing base, to deliver sustained growth.

Learn more at droneshield.com.

Franklin Armory Issues Statement on ATF Action Regarding Antithesis Firearms

Saturday, September 20th, 2025

Minden, Nev. – September 19, 2025 – Franklin Armory®, one of America’s leading manufacturers of innovative firearms and accessories, issued the following statement today regarding Franklin Armory’s Antithesis™ line of short-barreled firearms:

Last night, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requested that we voluntarily bring back all 5.56 caliber Antithesis firearms in advance of the agency issuing a new classification. We were surprised by this in light of the U.S. District Court’s ruling in FRAC v. Bondi.

Out of an abundance of caution and for the well-being of consumers, dealers, and distributors, we are voluntarily requesting all of our customers to return their 5.56 caliber Antithesis firearms for a full refund.

We encourage customers who have taken possession of an Antithesis firearm to contact Franklin Armory Customer service for an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) and shipping label. This return does not affect Reformation, the .410/45LC Antithesis, or any other firearm made by Franklin Armory.  

As Facilitators of Freedom, we are actively raising our concerns with various entities within Congress and the Trump Administration. We are also hopeful that continued negotiations with ATF can arrive at a solution that avoids litigation if at all possible.

Be assured, this will not be the final chapter on Antithesis.

High Speed Gear Launches New Website and Dealer Portal to Enhance Customer Experience and Support Partners

Friday, September 19th, 2025

SWANSBORO, NC – September 18, 2025 – High Speed Gear®, an industry leader in American-made tactical gear and accessories, is excited to announce the official launch of its newly redesigned website: www.highspeedgear.com, along with a brand-new B2B Dealer Portal. Together, these platforms reflect HSG’s commitment to delivering a best-in-class digital experience for both end-users and professional partners.

The High Speed Gear website is the first of the four brands under High Speed Gear Products Group to launch.  Comp-Tac Holsters will follow soon, along with BlackPoint Tactical and Crucial Concealment.

Retail Website Enhancements (D2C)

• Improved User Experience: Streamlined navigation, faster load times, and intuitive mobile performance.

• Smarter Shopping Tools: Enhanced search, product filtering, and educational resources to guide purchase decisions.

• Showcase of Premium Gear: Easy access to the full line of HSG tactical products, including the iconic TACO® pouches, belts, medical kits, and accessories.

• Customer Confidence: A fast, secure, and user-friendly platform that ensures military, law enforcement, and civilian buyers can find and purchase the gear they need with confidence.

Dealer Portal Benefits (B2B)

• 24 / 7 / 365 Streamlined Ordering: A simplified purchasing process designed to save time and reduce manual administration of order placement, tracking and fulfillment.

• Dealer-Specific Pricing & Programs: Quick access to current promotionsand exclusive volume dealer pricing.

• Faster Fulfillment & Order Tracking: Tools that help dealers serve their customers more efficiently.

• Digital Assets: Guaranteed access to genuine HSG product imagery, videos, product specification sheets and more.

Commitment to Growth and Innovation

“We’re extremely excited to launch a more modern, technologically customer-focused and user-friendly website, and a Dealer portal that reflect the strength of our products and our brand, along with the ease of doing business with a trusted and valued manufacturer,” said Brandon Shirey, Director of E-Business at High Speed Gear Products Group. “Whether you’re a first-time retail buyer or a long-standing distribution partner, our goal was to create a seamless experience that makes it easier than ever to get the gear you need, when you need it, through enhanced systems and integrations.”

Built with scalability and performance in mind, the new retail website and dealer portal highlight HSG’s dedication to supporting its diverse customer base and valued partners worldwide.

Visit the new website today at www.highspeedgear.com

Dealer Portal: Direct access available for HSG dealers and distributors. Contact Brandon@hsgproductsgroup.com for access today!

Wiley X Secures Exclusive Global License Agreement with Buzzworks for Revolutionary Wraith Facial Protection System

Wednesday, September 17th, 2025

FRISCO, Texas (September 16, 2025) – Wiley X, a leading provider of premium protective eyewear and gear, is proud to announce it has signed a multi-year exclusive global patent and trademark license agreement with Australian-based Buzzworks to bring the revolutionary Wraith® design to market.

Buzzworks, based in Australia, has earned global recognition for its innovation in protective systems. The agreement marks the beginning of a powerful collaboration between two veteran-founded, family-owned companies with shared values, a commitment to innovation, and a mission to protect those who protect us.

The Wraith® is a next-generation facial protection system designed to save lives in the field and on duty, reduce facial injuries, and safeguard the everyday lives of troops and first responders. While currently in the testing phase, the system represents a significant advancement in protective equipment and is poised to set a new standard in facial safety and performance.

“This partnership reflects our dedication to pushing the boundaries of protective technology,” said Dan Freeman, CEO of Wiley X. “Working alongside Buzzworks allows us to combine our decades of expertise in protective eyewear with their groundbreaking design to deliver solutions that help our military and first responders come home safe.”

Red Cat Collaborates with Safe Pro Group to Embed Real-Time AI-Powered Threat Detection Onboard the Black Widow Drone Platform

Tuesday, September 16th, 2025

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Sept. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced, all-domain robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced a strategic collaboration with Safe Pro Group Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAI) (Safe Pro), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-computer vision technologies.

Through this collaboration, Safe Pro’s patented AI-powered image analysis technology will be embedded into Red Cat’s Black Widow drones, enabling U.S. and allied ground personnel to rapidly identify and locate more than 150 types of explosive threats including landmines, anti-personnel mines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in real-time.

The integration will allow Safe Pro’s Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) system to process real-time 4k video onboard the Black Widow at the tactical edge and deliver live threat data directly to military situational awareness platforms such as the U.S. Army’s Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) software ecosystem, enhancing and accelerating decision making critical to mission success.

The Black Widow will also integrate with Safe Pro’s new SPOTD Navigation, Observation and Detection Engine (NODE), a powerful, edge-based solution designed to process, map and share mission critical information collected by drones. Supporting rapid deployment at the edge, the SPOTD NODE “kit” enables end users to collect real-time visual data, receive threat alerts, and utilize that imagery to create 2D and 3D interactive maps and plot hazard detections. This capability provides enhanced situational awareness, supporting a wide array of ground missions even in connectivity-denied environments.

Powering Safe Pro’s SPOTD technology is one of the world’s largest real-world landmine and UXO datasets consisting of high-resolution imagery and GPS-tagged geospatial data encompassing over 1.88 million drone images analyzed to date, and 34,200+ threats identified across 8,119 hectares (20,062 acres) in Ukraine.

“The Black Widow continues to distinguish itself as a leading sUAS platform for defense and security, ideally suited to supporting the evolving needs of the U.S. Army and its global allies. By incorporating field-proven innovations such as Safe Pro’s unique AI-powered threat detection technology, we continue to redefine the future of force protection and battlefield awareness,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO.

“As demonstrated in Ukraine, the battlefield is dramatically evolving, establishing a critical need to provide today’s warfighter with access to enhanced, real-time situational awareness. By harnessing the power of the Black Widow with Safe Pro’s battle-tested threat detection technology, we have created a platform that can uniquely support the needs of the U.S. Army for real-time battlefield intelligence, and we look forward to bringing this capability to our warfighters,” added Dan Erdberg, Chairman and CEO of Safe Pro Group Inc.