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GM Defense Establishes UK Entity and Accelerates Team LionStrike Delivery Planning

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

FARNBOROUGH, UK – GM Defense has launched GM Defense UK, creating a dedicated presence to support the UK’s defence priorities and strengthen sovereign capability.

Operating from GM’s sites in Leamington Spa and Silverstone, the new entity will lead all UK Ministry of Defence engagement and anchor GM’s wider NATO and European defence activity—boosting UK industry and export potential.

The launch comes as GM Defense intensifies its delivery and support planning for Team LionStrike, ahead of bidding for the UK’s upcoming Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme.

“Standing up GM Defense UK is a major milestone in our long?term commitment to the United Kingdom,” said Bradley Watters, vice president of international business development. “Team LionStrike is different because GM—backed by more than a century of engineering excellence—is directly embedded as the vehicle OEM. That level of involvement delivers real capability, efficiency and long?term assurance for the UK Armed Forces. Establishing a UK business is essential to providing that through?life support.”

The announcement aligns with the International Armoured Vehicles conference and follows the UK MoD’s recent LMV Industry Day. It builds on a strong year of momentum for Team LionStrike, including the debut of GM Defense’s General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) at DSEI and a UK Ride & Drive event highlighting four proven COTS light and utility vehicles.

Team LionStrike—composed of GM Defense with NP Aerospace, BAE Systems, and multiple UK-based subject matter experts—aims to deliver a modern, scalable mobility solution for the British Army while supporting the Land Industrial Strategy. The team is building a sustainable UK supply chain, backed by GM’s global parts distribution network, the new UK hub, and the experience of NP Aerospace and BAE Systems in sustaining the UK Military.

“We are fully committed to the UK LMV programme and to investing in British industry and communities. GM Defense UK strengthens our ability to fully support Team LionStrike and deliver exactly what the British Army needs—now and for decades to come,” Watters added.

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense Form Strategic Partnership

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

NP Aerospace, the global armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator, has formed a strategic partnership with ITEN Defense, a US-based specialist in opaque and transparent armour technologies. The partnership brings together two highly complementary businesses to deliver an enhanced, locally supported specialist armour and survivability engineering offering to the US market, alongside selected wider global opportunities.

Over the last seven years, NP Aerospace has significantly expanded its global survivability and protection portfolio, establishing itself as a mid-tier defence business with a strong international footprint. The company provides turnkey survivability solutions across land, maritime, and aerospace platforms, underpinned by a comprehensive platform armour product range. This includes advanced composite vehicle armour systems, mission-specific platform protection kits, and a leading personal protection portfolio encompassing proprietary helmet shell technologies and high-end specialist ballistic plates designed to meet demanding military requirements.

ITEN Defense is a US-based armour manufacturing specialist with advanced materials processing and integration capabilities across both opaque and transparent armour. The company has built a strong reputation for process engineering expertise, rapid prototyping, and the delivery of high-volume, high-performance armour solutions optimised for US defence and law enforcement programs, with a particular focus on domestic manufacturing, quality assurance, and responsive customer support.

The partnership announcement, which coincides with SHOT Show in Las Vegas, USA, this week (20-23 January 2026), establishes a framework for both companies to explore joint manufacturing and market access opportunities. NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense will collaborate across a range of upcoming US platform armour opportunities spanning land, maritime, and aerospace domains. In parallel, the partnership will extend into personal protection programs for military customers and OEMs, combining NP Aerospace’s deep expertise in composite armour systems engineering, vehicle survivability, helmet shell and specialist body armour plate technologies with ITEN Defense’s advanced materials design and large-scale production capabilities.

James Kempston, Chief Executive Officer of NP Aerospace, said: “This partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both companies and reflects a shared intent to explore how, together, we can support our customers. By working with ITEN Defense, we are seeking to strengthen our US market access, enhance manufacturing resilience, and respond to increasing demand for locally supported high-performance protection solutions for military platforms and the individual soldier.”

Damon Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of ITEN Defense, added: “NP Aerospace is a highly respected partner in the global survivability and protection space and we’re looking forward to working closely with them to continue our collective tradition of protecting those in harm’s way. We’re proud to have established this partnership as it brings together two highly skilled and experienced businesses to improve market access for both parties while delivering best-in-class capability, innovation, and value to our customers.”

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense Form Strategic Partnership

NP Aerospace Enters Full Rate Production with Their Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Armoured Vehicle

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

NP Aerospace enters full rate production with their Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 armoured vehicle

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has announced the entry into full rate production, with their upgraded armoured Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 vehicle. NP Aerospace acquired the IP for this product, along with certain other assets of Jankel Armouring Limited from Administration, in 2024. Since then, NP Aerospace has applied their acclaimed vehicle engineering and integration, production and supply chain skill sets to this vehicle to reach this important production milestone.

In October 2025 NP Aerospace launched their LC300 product as a significantly refined and upgraded NP Aerospace platform and having recently completed Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) they are entering their full rate programme, from January 2026. With the current contracted orders and the future product sales pipeline, NP Aerospace are expecting to produce over 100 LC300 vehicles over the next 12-18 months. This announcement coincides with the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference taking place in Farnborough, 20-22 January 26, where NP Aerospace will have a team in attendance.

Delivering unprecedented levels of protection, functionality and reliability based upon many years of user feedback, the NP Aerospace LC300 is being sought after and contracted by a multitude of global defence ministries and Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s). Having qualified the LC300 to the latest Edition 3 of the international VPAM BRV and ERV (VR7) standards as well as PAS 300 ballistic and blast and PAS 301 vehicle performance criteria, NP Aerospace has ensured the platform provides optimum protection and remains road-legal for NATO and European-based NGO customers, maximising the export potential to wider international user groups. The vehicle was the very first to be certified to VPAM VR7 BRV and ERV with a 2m side blast with a third row of seats in accordance with Edition 3 which uses biofidelic dummies, to understand the true impacts to the vehicle occupants.

As well as entire armoured vehicle products, such as the LC300, add-on or “applique” armour systems is a service provided by NP Aerospace. Integrated add-on armour systems include: internal spall liners; external applique; and seating systems to counter a range of ballistic and blast threats. NP’s survivability services are cross-OEM and global, ranging from Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) through logistic and utility vehicles to full armoured fighting systems.

NP Aerospace has been selected as the armouring partner by a number of OEM prime contractors, globally, to design and deliver such add-on systems. In May 2025, NPA announced a contract for Armoured Personnel Transport Modules (APTM) being delivered, through Marshall Canada, to the Power Team for the Canadian LVM programme -Canada’s solution for logistic vehicle procurement. There is another significant vehicle armour contract due to be announced imminently – further underlining NP’s position as the survivability partner of choice.

David Petheram, MD & SVP, NP Aerospace Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares said: “we’ve worked very hard to ensure our newly upgraded armoured LC300 is suitably prepared in all regards to enter full rate production this month. Specifically, our integration, production and supply chain skill sets have been applied to this project to optimise the benefits to the procurer, the fleet manager and the user. What we now have is an excellent platform when viewed from all perspectives and we’re pleased to be able to offer it to global markets. The Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) market offers great growth potential and is a significant area of focus for us as we continue to expand our team.”

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Vector Heavy Chest Pack

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

Putting my money where my mouth is…

I’m Ben. I’m the Product Development Manager for Fine Group.

I was recently talking to our Managing Director about the products we have developed. I told him we needed to be sure they were up to the standards of robustness required for use in arduous environments before they went anywhere near serious end-users. He agreed and off I went to Malaysia for a fortnight with the Maddog Adventures crew to go and thrash our kit in the jungle. Nothing beats real world feedback, and the jungle is the harshest environment to test kit in.

I’m very proud of the products we make at Fine Group. We feel a personal responsibility to those end-users who will be using what we have made in the most testing of circumstances. If we can’t trust it, it doesn’t go out the door!

The Vector Heavy Chest Pack is a super-robust and versatile piece of expedition equipment. Allowing you to keep key pieces of survival and navigation equipment to hand in a chest mounted pack. Your critical equipment can stay with you even when you pack is off. Ideal for kayaks and canoes, mountain biking, as well as cross-country skiing, or even simply hiking and trekking. The laser cut PALS in the outside, base and inside the two compartments allows you to organise and customise your equipment even more.

• Laser Cut Laminate: Made from the same tough laminate fabric as our Vector Tactical products, and with laser cut PALS, the Heavy Chest Pack is incredibly flexible in terms of organisation. With PALS inside, outside, and even on the bottom, you can set this chest pack up for any activity.

• Internal Organisation: Both of the compartments feature internal organisation above and beyond the PALS panels, allowing you to find your key equipment without having to dig around.

• Water Resistant Zips: YKK Aquaguard Zips prevent water ingress and keep your critical equipment dry. Twin zips on each opening make sure that you have redundancy enabling you to still seal the compartment in the unlikely event a zip slider should fail.

• Mesh Harness: A highly breathable and robust harness made from the same military-grade mesh as our Vector Tactical Side Pouches. Contoured to wrap your shoulders for day-long comfort, no matter what your activity. Fully adjustable to fit you regardless of your shape. Held in place by metal G-Hooks for maximum strength and to make taking it on and off a doddle.

Available from TRC Outdoors: Vector Heavy Chest Pack – TRC Outdoors

Posted in International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Perunika Tactical Releases New Combat Shirt and Restocks PenCott-MetroPolis Items

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Enhanced Performance, Superior Camouflage

Perunika Tactical, a European leader in premium tactical apparel, is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new Perunika Tactial Combat Shirt in PenCott-MetroPolis™ and the restock of several fan-favorite tactical garments in the same camouflage pattern.

New Arrival: Perunika Tactical Combat Shirt
Designed for high-intensity field operations and layered wear under ballistic vests, the new Perunika Tactial Combat Shirt in PenCott-MetroPolis™ delivers outstanding durability, comfort, and tactical performance. Constructed from robust NYCO ripstop with low IR visibility, this shirt features breathable mesh under the arms for enhanced airflow, strategic pocket placement for essentials, and Velcro panels for IDs and accessories — everything the modern tactical professional demands.

What’s Back In Stock

• ACU Combat Pants: Rugged and versatile with reinforced knees and multiple utility pockets — ideal for demanding missions and everyday carry gear.

• Gorka 3 Smock: Lightweight yet tough, with adjustable hood and spacious pockets — a tactical favorite for transitional weather and layering.

• Gorka 4 Anorak: Durable outerwear with low-IR signature and protective hood — perfect for unpredictable conditions.

• Boonie Hat: Practical headgear with a wide brim and ventilation — excellent for sun and light rain protection.

Why PenCott-MetroPolis™?
All products feature the MetroPolis™ colorway of the PenCott® hybrid camouflage pattern family. All PenCott patterns employ an omni-directional multi-fractal design that includes micro, midi, and macro-sized shape elements thatdeliver superior disruption of the human silhouette and improved terrain blending. With its unique colorway and pattern technology, MetroPolis™ delivers superior concealment in urban, industrial and rocky terrain.

Availability
These products are available now at Perunika’s online store with immediate shipping.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, International, Press Release | No Comments »

GA-ASI and USN Test Expanded Sonobuoy Dispensing System For MQ-9B SeaGuardian

Thursday, January 15th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 13 January 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Navy continue to expand the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Flight test was performed on December 17 and featured Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) pods, more than previously tested, doubling the number of sonobuoys available.

“Expanding sonobuoy capacity, including Multi-static Active Coherent (MAC) technology for SeaGuardian, has been an integral part of our advanced ASW strategy to broaden and enhance search areas,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The wider maritime coverage our MQ-9B’s ASW capability provides is extremely valuable to our customers.”

Sonobuoys are naval sensors that drop from an aircraft into the ocean and help detect submarines. The SeaGuardian deployed AN/SSQ-36 Bathythermal, AN/SSQ-53G Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) (passive), and AN/SSQ-62F Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) (active) buoys. This was the first time Multi-static Active Coherent (MAC) buoys have been dispensed from an uncrewed aircraft. The MAC buoys are better at detecting submarines over large areas and require fewer buoys compared to using DIFAR and DICASS.

Sponsored by the U.S. Navy, the flight tests were specifically aimed at certifying the SDS. This flight testing supports the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Operational Evaluation deployment to SEVENTH Fleet and enjoyed additional support and governmental supervision from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks.

Upon completion of the testing and data review, the U.S. Navy is expected to give GA-ASI deployment flight clearance for ASW operations using MQ-9B SeaGuardian in January 2026.

SeaGuardian has also been used by the U.S. Navy in various recent exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Edgar Brothers Invests £12 Million in New Headquarters and National Defence Manufacturing & Innovation Centre (NDMC)

Thursday, January 15th, 2026

Edgar Brothers, a key UK Defence supplier and leading wholesaler of firearms and ammunition to the shooting sports market since 1947, is proud to announce a £12 million investment in a new, purpose-built 70,000 sq ft facility that will serve as both our new Headquarters and the National Defence Manufacturing & Innovation Centre (NDMC).

Located just 8 miles from our current site, the move will allow Edgar Brothers to maintain current operations with 100% staff retention while expanding into new areas of manufacture. This aligns with the Government’s Defence Strategic Review emphasis on increasing UK-based manufacturing and sovereign capability.

Mike Newman, Director, Edgar Brothers, said:

“With the growing demand for UK sovereign capability and the adoption of advanced manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing, now is the ideal time for Edgar Brothers to lead this transformation. This investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UK MOD and establishing the North West as a hub for innovation and manufacturing. We plan to work closely with our existing suppliers to ensure that years of innovation and expertise are preserved, and that the quality of the final product remains market-leading. The move will also open up export markets we are currently not utilising and will create many skilled jobs in the region.”

The NDMC will feature a state-of-the-art testing and range facility, as well as dedicated education and training spaces, and is expected to be completed by October 2026.

For further information, please contact:

Edgar Brothers Press Office

pmd@edgarbrothers.com

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

Rheinmetall to Supply Lynx to Ukraine – Order Value for the First Batch in the Mid Double-Digit Million Euro Range

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with additional systems for national defence. The country is set to receive its first Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles as early as the beginning of 2026. A contract to this effect was signed in December 2025. The order value for the first five combat vehicles is in the mid double-digit million euro range, with the systems being financed by the Federal Republic of Germany.

The decision in favour of the Lynx KF41 was made after extensive testing of the next-generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The IFVs will feature the two-man Lance turret and be configured specifically for the Ukraine’s armed forces. The next step is to procure additional batches, including production in Ukraine.

‘We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us,’ said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. ‘We would also like to thank the German government for its support. This order is a fundamental success that underscores our continued efforts to support Ukraine.’

The Lynx KF41 combat vehicle family has been developed to meet current and future requirements. The Lynx KF41 stands for maximum modularity. Thanks to its open electronic architecture and the largest protected interior volume in its class, the vehicle offers exceptional growth potential for future technologies and mission profiles. With a scalable weight concept, a highly efficient drive system and state-of-the-art protection technology, it combines mobility with maximum safety. At the same time, the Lynx impresses with its high level of ergonomics for the crew, which enables efficient and comfortable operation even during long missions.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »