Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Belgium Places First Order of Polaris MRZR D Tactical Off-Road Vehicles Through NATO Contract

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS – July 13, 2026Polaris Government and Defense, a division of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), has secured an order for MRZR D4 vehicles from the Belgium Ministry of Defence, leveraging the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. The contract is valued at $10.6 million and is the first call order from the NSPA framework contract, which was first awarded to Polaris in September 2025. This procurement approach fulfills competition requirements, streamlines the acquisition process and eliminates the need for additional, time-consuming and costly trials and competitions. In addition to bulk pricing benefits and expedited acquisition, NSPA enables interoperability, standardization and a reduced logistics footprint across NATO members and partners.

“The Belgium Ministry of Defence helped establish the MRZR D on the framework contract, with additional partner countries including the United Kingdom,” said Steve Canner, senior manager, EMEIA, Polaris Government and Defense. “The vehicle’s capabilities and commonality with other NATO nations will serve Belgium forces very well and we’re proud to support them.”

The Belgium MoD managed the acquisition of Polaris ATVs through the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) platform, considered as a secured, web-based marketplace application allowing the users to directly explore and order the purchase of systems and mission related configurable items. The NLSE platform provides NATO National Ministries of Defence access to validated and quality assured products easily, including cargo and transportation kits, parts and service kits and maintenance and operator training courses.

“With these new vehicles, we are significantly increasing our mobility and operational capabilities,” said Colonel Kristof Van Poecke, Commander, Belgium Special Operations Regiment. “They enable our operators to respond more quickly and flexibly in challenging conditions, where speed and manoeuvrability make the difference. This is an important step to maintain our operational capacity at the highest level.”

Belgium joins more than 50 other military and security forces worldwide who field MRZR D tactical off-road vehicles from Polaris to support expeditionary, rapid response and special operations missions. The MRZR D’s modular payload design, diesel powertrain, air and sea transportability make it a trusted platform for tactical mobility in complex terrain and contested zones. The acquisition of the MRZR D4 will support the replacement of Belgium’s aging Groundhog vehicle fleet which have been in service since 2009.

Polaris first introduced the MRZR platform in 2012 and has continued to enhance the vehicle to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, delivering gas and diesel variants to more than 50 allied forces worldwide. MRZRs feature a mission-flexible modular design, collapsible roll cage for internal tactical air transport, one meter fording capability, greater payload and extended range over commercial platforms. The MRZR D is combat-proven and transportable inside AW101 Merlin, CH-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and most in-service fixed wing aircraft, as well as maritime vessels, enabling rapid deployment and dispersal of forces from aircraft or ship-to-shore platforms into theater. It is a highly configurable platform that supports personnel transport, casualty evacuation, command and control and light cargo roles — all with a focus on speed, versatility and off-road capability.

Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), weapons and high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for medical and casualty evacuation, aircraft refueling systems and communication equipment.

The MRZR D is part of Polaris Government and Defense’s broader portfolio of off-road mobility solutions that include the MRZR Alpha, MV 850, DAGOR and militarized snowmobiles. 

Contract Worth Almost €1 billion: Rheinmetall Takes on a Key Role in the Digitalisation of British Army Combat Training

Monday, July 13th, 2026

Rheinmetall Electronics UK is playing a key role as a member of Omnia Training, the consortium selected to deliver the Army Collective Training Service(ACTS) as part of the British Army’s Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP). Led by Raytheon UK as the prime contractor, Omnia Training brings together a range of leading industry partners to deliver a transformative collective training capability for the British Army. Raytheon is an RTX business.

Rheinmetall, as the Land Collective Training Partner, supports the design and delivery of key elements of the programme. Rheinmetall’s share of the contract, worth just under €1 billion, The consortium will begin operational implementation in summer 2026, and the service contract is for 15 years.

The substantial project volume and extensive scope of services will enable Rheinmetall to expand its local sites, workforce, and industrial supply capacities sustainably in the United Kingdom. Over the 15-year contract period, the project will secure and create numerous skilled jobs. This applies not only to the Rheinmetall Electronics UK headquarters on the Isle of Wight and the Southampton site, but also to other key strategic locations such as Bristol and Warminster, where new employment opportunities will be created.

Omnia Training and its industry partners will be responsible for integrating and delivering modern live, virtual and constructive simulation systems. As the Land Collective Training Partner, Rheinmetall will support the delivery of these capabilities, as well as managing physical training infrastructure, system configuration and logistical aspects in support of Army Collective Training.

The UK is one of Rheinmetall’s core strategic markets in Europe, where the company has a strong presence through its subsidiaries and joint ventures. In addition to Rheinmetall Electronics UK, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land plays a key role in the British Army’s platform modernisation programmes. This strong local presence ensures the armed forces receive seamless support and strengthens local value creation.

Skapion Secures $36 Million Seed Funding to Accelerate Mobile Counter-Swarm Defense System

Friday, July 10th, 2026

Funding will accelerate development, system validation and expansion of the company’s engineering capabilities

Washington, D.C. / Ramat Gan, Israel, July 09, 2026 – Skapion, a defense technology company developing a mobile counter-swarm defense system for large-scale drone attacks, today announced that it has secured $36 million in Seed funding. The round was co-led by UP. Partners and Khosla Ventures, with participation from existing investors TBD VC, qFund and Fusion VC, new investor Stratos Ventures, and additional investors.

The investment comes as defense organizations worldwide accelerate efforts to field scalable counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities in response to the growing use of mass drone attacks across modern battlefields.

Skapion is developing a mobile, end-to-end counter-swarm defense system designed to detect, engage and neutralize large-scale drone attacks. The system is being developed to support hundreds of simultaneous engagements while significantly reducing interception costs compared with conventional air defense solutions. It is intended to operate alongside maneuvering forces or deployed in forward operating bases, critical infrastructure and fixed air-defense assets, including communication-denied , challenging weather conditions and contested operational environments.

The funding will accelerate engineering development, system validation and continued expansion of the company’s technical capabilities, while supporting engagement with defense organizations and strategic partners in Israel, the United States and allied markets.

Skapion was founded by an experienced team of defense, engineering and technology leaders. The founding team includes Brig. Gen. (Res.) Pini Yungman, former General Manager of Rafael’s Air and Missile Defense Systems division and one of the architects of Iron drone and David’s Sling – Israel’s advanced air-defense programs; Ido Bar-On, former defense executive at XTEND and retired IDF special operations officer; Gal Goren, Co-founder and CTO; entrepreneur Zafrir Yoeli; and defense entrepreneur Yaron Karp.

Skapion is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with its R&D center in Ramat Gan, Israel.

“Drone swarms require a fundamentally different approach to air defense,” said Ido Bar-On, Co-founder and CEO of Skapion. “Our system is designed from the ground up to address the scale, speed and operational demands of coordinated drone attacks. This investment enables us to accelerate development, expand our engineering team and bring this capability to defense customers facing one of today’s fastest-growing operational challenges.”

Rheinmetall Offers Croatia a Long-Term Strategic Industrial Partnership: Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles to Become a Centre of Future Defence

Friday, July 10th, 2026

Croatia is set to become one of Europe’s key hubs for the development, production and export of advanced defence technologies in the field of unmanned systems, creating new opportunities for domestic industry, exports, research and development.

ZAGREB, 8 July 2026 – Rheinmetall AG, one of Europe’s leading technology and defence companies, today presented Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles d.o.o., its joint venture with the Croatian company DOK-ING, marking the beginning of a long-term strategic industrial partnership between Rheinmetall and the Republic of Croatia.

The Inauguration Ceremony was attended by Andrej Plenkovi?, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Armin Papperger, Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall AG, Vjekoslav Majeti?, Founder of DOK-ING, members of the Croatian Government, as well as numerous representatives of Croatian state institutions, the diplomatic corps, industry, academia and international partners.

The establishment of the company represents the first step in Rheinmetall’s long-term vision for Croatia, which includes the development of Croatian industrial, technological and manufacturing capabilities in partnership with domestic industry, research institutions, universities and shipyards, integrating them into Rheinmetall’s European and global programmes. The objective is to position Croatia as one of Europe’s key centres for the development, production and export of unmanned systems and other advanced defence technologies.

ARMIN PAPPERGER, CEO OF RHEINMETALL AG:

“We aim to build a broad industrial partnership with Croatia that will include local suppliers, the shipbuilding industry, research institutions and academia. Croatia has the expertise, industrial tradition and talented people required to become a manufacturing and development hub for advanced defence technologies. Together, we can build capabilities that will serve Croatia, Europe and our allies, while creating new export opportunities for Croatian industry.”

The newly established Rheinmetall Unmanned Vehicles represents the first and most important step in implementing this strategy. The company will combine DOK-ING’s more than thirty years of expertise in unmanned systems with Rheinmetall’s global development, manufacturing and market capabilities, creating a new European centre for the development of next-generation unmanned ground platforms.

Croatian expertise as part of a global system

Research, development and engineering capabilities will remain in Croatia, while the joint venture will provide Croatian experts with access to global markets, advanced technologies, serial production and international development programmes.

Its objective is to develop a new generation of unmanned and autonomous ground platforms for military and security applications, including combat support systems, combat engineering operations, mine clearance and other high-risk missions, building on DOK-ING’s Komodo platform and Rheinmetall’s expertise in the integration of complex defence systems.

VJEKOSLAV MAJETI?, FOUNDER OF DOK-ING:

“More than thirty years ago, DOK-ING was founded on the belief that Croatian knowledge and expertise could create technologies capable of changing the world. Today, we are not closing one chapter—we are opening a new one. I firmly believe that technologies developed in Croatia will contribute to Europe’s security and demonstrate that Croatian industry can stand alongside the world’s leading companies as an equal partner. I am particularly proud that Croatian engineers will have the opportunity to develop, here in Zagreb, systems that will shape the future of the European defence industry.”

An industrial partnership that goes beyond a single investment

Rheinmetall’s strategy in Croatia extends far beyond the development of unmanned ground systems. The company is already present in the naval sector and has, over recent months, further expanded its cooperation with Croatian industry, the shipbuilding sector and academia. This creates the foundations for the long-term localisation of production, the development of new technologies and the stronger integration of Croatian companies into European defence programmes.

Rheinmetall’s industrial model is based on creating local value through the development of domestic suppliers, technology transfer, strengthened research and development, the creation of new jobs and the establishment of sustainable manufacturing capacities with strong export potential.

For this reason, Croatia’s role in Rheinmetall’s strategy extends well beyond hosting a single investment. Croatia has the opportunity to become Rheinmetall’s long-term industrial partner in Southeast Europe.

ANDREJ PLENKOVI?, PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA:

“I congratulate Rheinmetall and DOK-ING on strengthening their partnership, marking a new chapter in the development of Croatia’s defence industry and an important step forward in advanced technologies, innovation, and the strengthening of domestic industrial capabilities.

We want to build a Croatia that develops, manufactures, and exports the most advanced technologies while actively contributing to Europe’s security. This strategic partnership between DOK-ING and Rheinmetall confirms that Croatia is not only a user of advanced technologies, but also a country that helps develop and create them. In today’s evolving security environment, Europe is rapidly strengthening its defence capabilities and industrial base, and Croatia is actively contributing to these efforts. We are implementing the largest modernisation cycle of the Croatian Armed Forces, increasing investment in defence, and supporting the growth of Croatia’s defence industry, which brings together around 200 companies, employs more than 3,000 people, and achieves strong export results across EU and NATO markets. It is particularly important that key development activities will remain in Croatia, where a Centre of Competence for the development of autonomous and uncrewed ground systems will be established. This will enable Croatian engineers, experts, and researchers to play an active role in developing the cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of defence and security.”

Rheinmetall’s approach is fully aligned with the objectives of Croatia’s Industrial Development Plan 2027–2034, including strengthening competitiveness, increasing exports, fostering innovation, accelerating digitalisation and integrating Croatian industry into European value chains. At the same time, the project contributes to strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base, resilient supply chains and technological sovereignty.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi? and Armin Papperger, Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall AG, also held a bilateral meeting to discuss the further development of Rheinmetall’s activities in Croatia, future investments, the integration of Croatian companies into international supply chains and opportunities for expanding manufacturing and research capacities.

Savox Communications and Beechat Network Systems Collaborate to Extend MissionCore with Tactical MANET Connectivity

Thursday, July 9th, 2026

Espoo, Finland – Savox Communications today announced a collaboration with Beechat Network Systems to evaluate interoperability between the Beechat Kaonic 1S next-generation secure mesh radio and the Savox MissionCore system. The collaboration aims to extend MissionCore’s ability to deliver resilient voice and data connectivity across mounted and dismounted operations. The companies have formalised the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding.

Savox MissionCore is an open and interoperable mission platform designed to modernise battlefield networks with limited disruption. Built on a software-defined, modular, IP-based architecture, it integrates voice, video, and data into a scalable C4ISR environment, helping defence forces connect existing assets and transform operational data into actionable situational awareness.

Through the collaboration, tactical MANET connectivity is introduced into the MissionCore environment via the Kaonic 1S, a rugged software-defined radio designed for secure, decentralised communications in denied and infrastructure-free conditions. The architecture supports connectivity across soldiers, vehicles, drones, and other mission nodes, enabling a self-forming and self-healing communications layer at the tactical edge.

The interoperability evaluation extends MissionCore beyond mounted systems into the dismounted domain, enabling mission-critical voice, data, and sensor information to move more efficiently between command elements, deployed units, and remote assets. This supports improved situational awareness and faster operational decision-making.

The collaboration will focus on validating interoperability across dismounted, mounted, and sensor-enabled scenarios, including integration with situational awareness applications and remote sensor connectivity.

Jerry Kettunen, CEO of Savox Communications, said:

“Modern operations require seamless movement of mission-critical voice and data across the battlespace. Our collaboration with Beechat demonstrates how MissionCore can integrate MANET capabilities to support connectivity in denied and degraded conditions.”

Nicholas Quinn, CEO of Beechat Network Systems, said:

“Kaonic 1S is designed for secure, decentralised communication without reliance on fixed infrastructure. Integrating this capability with MissionCore highlights how resilient connectivity can support coordination and situational awareness in complex environments.”

Beechat is part of the NATO DIANA 2026 cohort, reflecting its role in advancing dual use communications technologies for defence and security applications. In Finland, VTT Dual Use Launch Pad serves as a NATO DIANA accelerator site focused on strategic technologies including advanced communications, 5G/6G and quantum technologies.

www.savox.com

Tilak Military – Bivy Bags

Thursday, July 9th, 2026

Tilak has just completed a run of their new bivy bag. These are definitely on the heavier side and designed to be reliable and durable.

Made of a three-layer material with an ePTFE-based membrane, the bottom section is seamless and shaped like a tub. It is designed for a sleeping bag, but in a pinch, it can also accommodate a sleeping pad. There is also space at the foot end for a small backpack, shoes, or spare clothes.

Left had opening with a two-way zipper covered by a flap along its entire length, so rain can’t get in.

The face section of the upper part can be fastened using three Velcro panels, or hung on a loop so it doesn’t rest on the face.

Offered in Khaki.

migbytilak.com/en-global/products/bivy-bag

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Move Forward with ATACMS Co-Production in Europe

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

ANKARA, Türkiye, July 7, 2026 – During the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Rheinmetall announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that addresses the immediate demand for locally produced munitions in Europe.

With the support of the United States and German governments, the agreement marks the next step toward establishing a joint venture to create the first European centre of excellence for the manufacturing, integration and distribution of ATACMS across NATO and allied European forces.

“This partnership marks a watershed moment for European security and allied industrial cooperation. By combining Lockheed Martin’s unmatched missile expertise with Rheinmetall’s manufacturing excellence, we’ll deliver combat-proven capabilities faster and more efficiently to our allies,” said Jay Pitman, president, Lockheed Martin International.

“Bringing ATACMS co-production to Germany is a strong signal for Europe’s defense industry and for NATO’s long-term resilience. This partnership combines proven U.S. technology with European manufacturing strength, creating industrial value in Germany while expanding the capacity allies need to meet growing security demands.” said Dennis Goege, chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin.

Armin Papperger, CEO Rheinmetall AG: “Our aim is to strengthen the defence capabilities of Germany and Europe. Together with our friends at Lockheed Martin, we are now establishing the industrial base in Germany for modern defence systems, which are in great demand by the armed forces of Europe. By establishing ATACMS production at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site, we are creating new capabilities for Germany and Europe, securing supplies for our customers and strengthening our autonomy in defence policy. We are grateful that Rheinmetall has been selected to set up and operate the world’s first and only production facility for ATACMS guided missiles outside the United States.”

Commissioned over 125 years ago, Rheinmetall’s Unterluess facility is one of the company’s most important sites. A total of about 4,000 employees work there. Its core competencies include the production of weapon systems and ammunition, as well as the development, manufacture, and maintenance of tracked vehicles. Unterluess is the largest privately owned firing range in Europe. Last year, the “Werk Niedersachsen”—one of the most modern production facilities for artillery ammunition—was put into operation. A rocket motor factory is currently nearing completion. Production of rocket motors and guided missile components is scheduled to begin as early as 2027.

By co-producing ATACMS missiles on European soil, the partnership supports local capability, increases allied deterrence and contributes to economies on both sides of the Atlantic. Backed by decades of extensive combat employment, ATACMS has consistently proven its operational effectiveness, precision, and mission reliability in high-intensity conflicts. With significant global demand for ATACMS, Lockheed Martin will continue operating its current production line in Camden, Arkansas until transition is complete.

The agreement underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to Europe, forging deep, long-term co-production ties with European industry and customers. Lockheed Martin has been a strategic partner for the defense and security of Europe for more than 75 years and remains steadfast in its support of customers and partners across the region.  

Milrem Robotics and Hanwha Systems Explore Integration of Advanced Sensors and Effectors on Autonomous Ground Vehicles

Tuesday, July 7th, 2026

Milrem Robotics and Hanwha Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Eurosatory 2026 to explore the integration of advanced sensing, electronic warfare, and weapon integration solutions onto autonomous ground vehicles, addressing the growing demand for unmanned force protection and area security capabilities.

The companies will assess opportunities to integrate Hanwha Systems’ payload technologies with Milrem Robotics’ autonomous ground vehicle platforms to support a wide range of mission requirements and customer needs.

Potential payloads under evaluation include electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems, radar, electronic warfare and jamming capabilities, laser systems, and weapon integration solutions.

“The combination of advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems and autonomous ground platforms creates new opportunities for protecting military forces and critical infrastructure. Through this cooperation with Milrem Robotics, we aim to explore integrated capabilities that address evolving operational requirements,” said Peter BAE, Senior Vice President, Hanwha Systems.

“Military forces are looking for versatile unmanned solutions that can rapidly adapt to evolving mission requirements,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Combining Hanwha Systems’ advanced payload technologies with Milrem Robotics’ autonomous ground platforms creates opportunities to develop highly capable unmanned systems that enhance operational effectiveness while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.”