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Team LionStrike Delivers New Battlefield Ambulance to the UK MoD LMV Competition

Thursday, November 5th, 2026

Team LionStrike has delivered three vehicles, including a new Battlefield Ambulance (BFA) variant, to the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) for the Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) competition. Other variants include one each of the Tactical Mobility Vehicle (TMV) and the General Purpose Vehicle (GPV). Overall, these deliveries mark another important milestone for the team’s mission to deliver modern, adaptable and UK-supported vehicle capability to the British Armed Forces.

The new Battlefield Ambulance variant is built on the Chevrolet Silverado Heavy-Duty (HD) platform that was first launched to the UK defence market in May 2026 and displayed in its base pickup configuration at the DVD event. The Silverado HD platform delivers significant payload and capacity that eases the complexity of integration and enhances the capability of the BFA offer. The BFA variant has been designed and integrated by NP Aerospace and GM Defense, a demonstration of the original equipment manufacturer- (OEM) backed, UK on-shore vehicle integration capability offered by Team LionStrike. The new BFA has a payload of over 1100kg and can carry two seated casualties, two stretcher casualties, and two medics in the rear along with a two-person crew cab. It is also configured with storage for the required medical supplies and equipment.

The TMV is a version of the well-proven GM Defense ISV-U that has been sold in very large numbers to the U.S. military. The GPV is a slightly modified Chevrolet Silverado Light-Duty truck that maintains maximum commonality with the commercial off-the-shelf pickup, built by GM in huge volumes globally, but adapted and integrated in the UK to meet the LMV GPV requirement set.

Bringing together NP Aerospace, GM Defense and BAE Systems, Team LionStrike combines proven vehicle technology with UK engineering, manufacturing and through-life support expertise. The LionStrike proposal is designed around operationally proven platforms, configured to meet UK requirements while minimising unnecessary modification and integration risk. The approach also provides a clear pathway to increased UK industrial participation, supporting sovereign capability, skilled jobs and opportunities across the UK supply chain.

David Petheram, Managing Director & Senior Vice President, NP Aerospace Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares, said: “Delivering the three variants to the MoD is a major step for NP Aerospace as the prime contractor working alongside our Team LionStrike partners. The development of the new BFA variant has been a live demonstration of how the customer benefits from having the OEM fully embedded into the team. The BFA design and integration is fully OEM-endorsed, increasing confidence, compliance, reliability and safety. And it’s all been done here in the UK.”

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

Flexotrap Wins Major Tender for Five Shooting Ranges in France

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026

Flexotrap AB, together with its French partner FGCI Defence, has won a tender to supply modular bullet trap systems to GIGN, the French Gendarmerie’s elite intervention and counter-terrorism unit. The order covers five shooting ranges at two facilities in France.

The delivery comprises 68 modules from Flexotrap’s CORE platform, combining CS Pro, CS Tactical and CS Strike to meet different ballistic requirements indoors and outdoors. The common modular platform can accommodate different calibres, shooting distances and applications, while enabling coordinated servicing, spare parts, training and future upgrades.

“This is a significant order for Flexotrap and an important step in establishing our presence in the French market. It also demonstrates the strength of using a common technical platform rather than separate solutions for each shooting range. We can meet very different operational needs with the same core system, creating clear benefits both during implementation and throughout the systems’ life cycle,” says Elias Mibesjö, CEO of Flexotrap.

For several years, FGCI Defence has supported Flexotrap’s development and establishment in France through market development, local requirements, customer dialogue and an understanding of operational needs. The partnership remains central to Flexotrap’s long-term commitment and continued expansion in France.

“For us, this is about more than a single delivery. A common platform makes it possible to gradually standardise shooting range infrastructure while meeting increasingly stringent requirements for environmental performance and regulatory compliance. When the same core system is used across different types of ranges, the benefits of coordination become very clear – in after-sales support, spare parts, training, maintenance and long-term cost efficiency. This also provides a sound basis for further development in the French market,” says Fabrice Gallou, CEO of FGCI Defence.

RAMSSART Ingénierie is the project’s French engineering and installation partner, responsible for local technical coordination and integration of the systems at each facility.

Flexotrap’s CORE platform uses a common modular architecture for permanent, temporary and deployable shooting ranges, adaptable to different environments and ballistic performance requirements. The systems enable centralised collection of projectiles and residual material without loose rubber granulate and allow straightforward maintenance and replacement of wear parts.

Deliveries will take place during 2027 as part of the French programme.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, Training | No Comments »

Finnish Defence Forces and Varjo Announce Collaboration – New Technology for Counter-UAS Training

Monday, November 2nd, 2026

The Finnish Defence Forces Innovation Unit and VR/XR company Varjo are collaborating to test and develop virtual solutions for counter-UAS training.

Helsinki, Finland – October 29, 2026 – The partnership between the Defence Forces and Varjo reflects the growing need to prepare for drone threats. The war in Ukraine has shown that First Person View (FPV ) micro-drone systems and loitering munitions constitute a constant threat. Soldiers on the battlefield must understand the effects of drones and know how to operate under threat. Training solutions must be realistic, repeatable and readily available. 

The Defence Forces and Varjo are piloting and developing virtual training solutions which aim at improving soldiers’ counter-UAS readiness. Varjo is cooperating with a Defence Forces brigade-level unit. The project deploys the Varjo XR-4 Series mixed reality headset, which provides visual clarity sufficient for training to counter even a five-inch FPV drone from realistic distances. Preparations for this partnership started in February 2026. 

“The drone threat is one of the critical challenges of the modern battlefield, and training must keep up with the changes”, says Timo Toikkanen, CEO of Varjo. “Partnership with the Defence Forces makes it possible to improve training and make it match operational needs. We are proud to see Finnish technology at the forefront of this work.” 

The battlefield is changing rapidly, and new technologies are becoming ever more important. The Defence Forces’ coordinated innovation activity is doing its share in responding to the changes, seeking, testing and working on new solutions together with its partners.

“We at our end are also proud of our partnership with Varjo. Virtual technology offers a possibility to train and prepare for drone threats in a realistic and repeated manner without consuming real resources. This partnership brings together a real operational need and Finnish technology. This pilot gives us valuable insights into how virtual training can be put into even better use in the Finnish military training”, said Major Ville Kuparinen, Head of the FDF Innovation Unit.

Posted in C-UAS, International, Press Release, Training | No Comments »

B&T AG Founder’s Statement On Recent Terror Attack

Monday, November 2nd, 2026

For those of you unfamiliar, B&T AG suffered an arson attack by terrorists on their headquarters and factory in Thune, Switzerland. It is my understanding that a terror group has claimed responsibility. What follows is Karl Brúgger’s statement:

Statement by B&T AG on Recent Events

The recent events, including the destruction of our operational facilities, have deeply affected us. They have caused substantial damage and placed an extraordinary burden on our company and our employees.

Our message to those responsible for these acts is clear and unequivocal:

You can damage or destroy our buildings. You can destroy our machinery, equipment and materials. You can inflict enormous financial losses upon us. You can threaten our management and attempt to intimidate and discredit us and our entire industry.

But there is one thing you will never achieve: bringing B&T and our industry to their knees!

Because you cannot destroy what truly defines B&T: our people, our knowledge, our experience, our passion, our convictions and our solidarity.

We have built this company over decades through hard work, perseverance and responsible entrepreneurship. We are straightforward, honest and stand by one another. We have endured difficult times, overcome challenges, solved problems and consistently found new ways forward.

And that is exactly what we will do again.

We respect differing opinions, political beliefs and the right to peaceful criticism – including criticism of our company and our industry. Open and even controversial debate is an essential part of a democratic society.

What we will never accept, however, is violence, destruction of property, threats or intimidation as a means of political or social confrontation.

No one has the right to pressure people through threats or to prevent companies from carrying out their lawful activities through violence and destruction.

We trust that the competent authorities will thoroughly investigate these events, establish responsibility and ensure that any criminal offences identified are prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law and due legal process.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing remains certain:

Our motto is, and always will be:

We stand together.

We will not be intimidated.

We will not be defeated.

We will come back stronger.

B&T is far more than buildings, machinery or material assets. B&T is a community of people who believe in their work, take responsibility and stand by one another, even in the most difficult of times.

Our strength lies not only in what we have built, but above all in the people who make this company what it is every single day.

We will overcome the damage that has been inflicted, continue our work and move forward with the same conviction and determination with which we have built B&T over the past decades.

Violence will not silence us. Threats will not deter us from our path. And destruction will not break our unity.

We have faith in the rule of law and trust that justice will prevail.

B&T AG

This statement by B&T AG addresses the impact of recent events on the company. Determining the cause of the fire, identifying those responsible and assessing any criminal liability remain the responsibility of the competent authorities.

For more information and to stay informed on updates, please visit bt-swiss.us or send us an email to: info@bt-swiss.us

To view images of the aftermath of the attack, (more…)

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

Maris-Tech Introduces Advanced Edge AI Platform Enabling Real-Time Video Intelligence and Autonomous UAV Operations

Saturday, October 31st, 2026

Uranus-Drones-V2 combines simultaneous multi-camera processing, day/night sensor fusion and direct autopilot integration in a compact, low-SWaP platform

Rehovot, Israel, October 28 2026 – Maris-Tech Ltd. (Nasdaq: MTEK, MTEKW), a provider of edge computing, AI and video intelligence solutions for defense applications, today introduced Uranus-Drones-V2, an advanced onboard video and AI processing platform designed to enhance the operational capabilities and autonomy of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including platforms used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), target tracking and loitering munition applications.

Uranus-Drones-V2 enables UAVs to process video, analyze visual data and generate actionable intelligence in real time directly onboard the aircraft, without relying on ground-based processing. By integrating advanced AI capabilities with the UAV’s autopilot, the system can translate visual intelligence into flight commands, enabling the aircraft to respond autonomously to detected targets and changing mission conditions.

Uranus-Drones-V2 simultaneously processes and fuses video feeds from up to eight cameras, including day and night sensors, with support for four ultra-high-definition (UHD) inputs. This advanced multi-sensor capability provides comprehensive situational awareness, enabling UAVs to monitor their surroundings and process visual information in real time.

Delivering more than 30 tera operations per second (TOPS) of AI processing performance, Uranus-Drones-V2 combines advanced computing capabilities with low size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements, enabling integration into UAV platforms where onboard computing resources are limited.

Already in production and integrated into customer platforms, Uranus-Drones-V2 builds on Maris-Tech’s experience supplying video processing solutions across thousands of operational deployments.

“UAV autonomy is increasingly driven by the ability to understand the surrounding environment and act on that information in real time,” said Israel Bar, CEO of Maris-Tech. “Uranus-Drones-V2 brings together advanced onboard AI, simultaneous multi-sensor processing and direct autopilot integration, enabling UAVs to move beyond video collection toward autonomous, intelligence-driven operations. We believe this combination of capabilities, delivered in such a compact platform, represents a significant advancement for next-generation unmanned systems.”

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors, Unmanned Systems | No Comments »

Rheinmetall Delivers First Caracal Series-Production Vehicles to the German and Dutch armed forces

Saturday, October 31st, 2026

Rheinmetall has delivered the first Caracal series-production vehicles to the German and Dutch armed forces. During a formal ceremony on 29th October 2026 at the Dutch production site in Ede, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. handed over the first production vehicles to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and to the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The latter had already received the first vehicle for the drivers’ training on 29 September 2026.

The delivery of the first series-production vehicles of the Caracal – the military designation being “Einsatzsystem Luftlandeplattform” (Deployment System Airmobile Platform) – marks an important milestone in the project’s progress. This is the foundation for the delivery of further vehicles, which offer an impressive variety of roles, with a current total of 28 different equipment kits.

The contract not only covers the delivery of the vehicles but also full life-cycle support over 20 years, thus providing a long, sustainable service life. A total of more than 1,500 vehicles will be delivered by 2030 to the German Bundeswehr and the Dutch Armed Forces.

The Caracal is a modular, multipurpose, highly mobile vehicle. It is built on the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class (464 model series) military production chassis, which is also used for the Wolf 2. Its lightweight, modular superstructure is manufactured to suit its specific role. Final assembly of the vehicle will take place at Rheinmetall Defence Nederland’s production site in Ede, the Netherlands.

The Caracal provides the Bundeswehr and the Dutch armed forces with a tactical vehicle that significantly improves the mobility of airborne forces. In its basic configuration, the Caracal can accommodate four soldiers, alongside their personal and mission-specific equipment.

Thanks to its compact design, it can be transported in different variants with mission-specific configurations, either within a cargo hold area or as an underslung load carried by a heavy-lift transport helicopter.

With its versatility, it covers a wide range of operational scenarios for light and specialised units, whilst offering modular, scalable protection against mines and ballistic threats. The armament mounted on the vehicle’s ring mount ranging from MG5 machine guns and heavy machine guns (HMGs) to automatic grenade launchers and anti-tank weapons. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with secondary armament consisting of a machine gun mounted on a co-driver’s weapon mount.

“The highly mobile and modular Caracal is one of the most versatile vehicles in our portfolio,” said Björn Bernhard, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Landsysteme. “Rheinmetall colleagues from Germany and the Netherlands are working closely with other industry partners to make this project a reality. We are delighted to be able to mark this milestone in the delivery process together with our German and Dutch customers, and look forward to a long and trusting partnership.”

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

Major Contract for Rheinmetall: Schakal Wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicles for the Bundeswehr and the Dutch Armed Forces

Friday, October 30th, 2026

Rheinmetall has once again received a major order in the field of 8×8 combat vehicles. The European defence organisation OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has commissioned Artec GmbH to deliver further Schakal (German for “jackal”) wheeled infantry fighting vehicles to the German and Dutch armed forces: 35 for the Bundeswehr and 34 for the Royal Dutch Land Forces. Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, is the prime contractor for the Boxer. As a key industrial partner, Rheinmetall is making a significant contribution to the programme’s implementation. For the Düsseldorf-based technology group, the two option call-offs have a combined order value in the medium three-digit million-euro range. According to current plans, the vehicles are to be delivered between May 2032 and November 2033. 

On 24 June 2026, the Budget Committee of the German Parliament, the Bundestag, approved the first call-off of the contractually agreed options for the Schakal. The main contract, which was awarded in October 2025, already covers 222 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles and includes an option for up to 200 additional vehicles. Following this initial option call-off, the total number of Schakal vehicles to be delivered will increase to 291.

“The activation of additional options for the Schakal confirms our customers’ confidence in this state-of-the-art system”, said Dr Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division. “It also gives us greater insurance for us as an industry and for our suppliers concerning the planning. Together with our partners, we are contribution significantly to the modernisation of European land forces and are strengthening industrial capacity in Europe”.

The Schakal wheeled infantry fighting vehicle combines the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. It thus combines modularity, mobility, protection and firepower to the highest degree. This enables medium forces to cover long distances independently in the shortest possible time. The system features state-of-the-art fire control technology, digital networking and a high level of protection, and can carry a fully equipped group of grenadiers. Its main weapon system is the MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, manufactured by Rheinmetall. This is complemented by the MELLS anti-tank guided missile. Together, these provide adequate fire power against a wide variety of targets in dynamic combat situations. As the Schakal is part of the Boxer family, training, logistics and lifecycle costs are reduced.

The German-Dutch OCCAR programme highlights the effectiveness of European defence cooperation and strengthens the European defence industry against foreign competition in the 8×8 vehicle sector. This is also beneficial for the German land systems industry. Key assemblies and components are produced at sites in Germany, operated by Rheinmetall, KNDS Deutschland, MTU, Hensoldt and many other small and medium-sized champions in the national defence sector. The programme strengthens the industrial base and secures highly skilled jobs in the long term. Should the large-scale ‘Arminius’ Boxer programme be commissioned, German industry has guaranteed a significantly accelerated delivery of the vehicles, which are ordered as an option.

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

Galvion Awarded Five-Year Latvian Helmet Framework Contract Under EU SAFE Program

Friday, October 30th, 2026

MONTREAL, CANADA – Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and advanced capability solutions, has been awarded a five-year framework contract with a potential value of up to €27.8 million by Latvia’s State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement (VALIC) to supply Batlskin® Hellbender™ helmet systems in support of the Latvian National Armed Forces. The agreement was concluded under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative and represents one of the first contracts awarded to a Canadian defence company through the new procurement framework.

The framework covers Hellbender helmet systems in both high-cut and mid/full-cut configurations, together with associated spare parts, accessories and comprehensive lifecycle support, including maintenance and refurbishment. Galvion will also engage with local Latvian industry throughout the duration of the program, supporting regional cooperation and strengthening security of supply.

The Batlskin Hellbender is a lightweight, modular ballistic helmet system featuring enhanced shell geometry for increased rear ballistic protection, structural rigidity and impact protection. Available in high-cut and mid/full-cut configurations with Galvion’s APEX™ liner system, Hellbender is designed to integrate with mission-critical equipment including NVGs, communications devices, face shields and chemical/biological masks.

The award comes as Galvion continues to expand its European industrial presence and develop an increasingly localized and resilient supply chain. The company opened its European production hub in Gda?sk, Poland, in 2025, establishing in-region helmet assembly, finishing and inspection capabilities. Together with a growing network of European manufacturing and supply-chain partners, this investment positions Galvion to increase regional production, strengthen security of supply and provide long-term support closer to its European customers.

Galvion’s expanding European capabilities complement its established Canadian and global operations and support the sourcing, supply-chain and security-of-supply requirements of the SAFE framework. The new Latvian contract further strengthens Galvion’s position within the European defence industrial base and adds to a growing community of European defence forces operating Galvion head systems. This expanding installed base supports greater commonality across allied forces, strengthens regional supply and sustainment capabilities, and creates opportunities for more coordinated maintenance, refurbishment and future system upgrades.

“A stronger Canada means a stronger defence industry. When Canadian companies compete and win internationally, they create good jobs at home, strengthen our industrial capacity and help our Allies meet their security needs,” said The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence. “As Canada and Europe deepen our defence cooperation, we’re creating new opportunities for Canadian innovation and expertise to contribute to our collective security and readiness.”

“This is an important step towards strengthening defence cooperation between Latvia and Canada. It demonstrates that closer cooperation between the European Union and Canada in the field of security can bring real benefits to both countries and their defence industries. Initiatives like this can provide a practical foundation for broader cooperation between European countries and their partners in developing defence capabilities,” said Latvian Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis.

Alans Andrulis, Director of the State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement (VALIC) adds: “At VALIC, our task is to ensure that the needs of the Latvian National Armed Forces are met not only today but also in the long term. This framework agreement allows us to plan equipment procurement over several years while also covering maintenance, repair and full life cycle management. It is important to us that every defence procurement delivers maximum value and provides reliable, sustainable solutions to meet the needs of the armed force”.

“Canada’s participation in SAFE creates an important new avenue for Canadian and European defence industries to work together, and we are incredibly proud that Galvion is among the first Canadian companies to secure an award through this initiative,” said Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman of Galvion. “We have strategically invested in our European capabilities, partnerships and supply chain for a number of years, and this contract validates the strength of that approach. With Galvion head systems already in service across Europe, in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands, among others, each new partnership contributes to a growing regional fleet, creating greater opportunities for commonality, security of supply and long-term sustainment. We look forward to building on our relationship with Latvia and continuing to strengthen Galvion’s contribution to European defence.”

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, International, Press Release | No Comments »

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