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Aquaterro Secures Over $160m in Survivability and Lethality Contracts with ADF

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026

The Australian Government today announced two major Department of Defence contracts signed with Aquaterro for arms and armour. It is one of the largest Defence contract-value announcements to any Australian company of 2026.

Founded 32 years ago, Aquaterro is 100% Australian owned and employs around 70 Australians, working in close cooperation with world-class US OEM partners.

Aquaterro supplies, integrates, supports, maintains, and manufactures products and systems for: defence, law enforcement, first response, and rescue, for Sea, Land, and Air domains.

“The confidence and trust the Commonwealth has shown in Aquaterro, is incredibly rewarding for our team.” said Aquaterro Founder and CEO, Graeme Bulte.

“These vital elements of the Integrated Soldier System, combining both Arms and Armour, with total integration, engineering, support and sustainment being provided by Australians, in Australia, is a great example of what can be accomplished with an Australian owned company delivering on major contract requirements for Australians in uniform.”

Bulte went on to say; “The long-standing partnerships we have with SIG SAUER and Team Wendy Ceradyne are critical to the success of the work we do and these programs in particular; supporting the Australian Warfighter with the very best equipment in the world.”

The two Soldier Systems contracts the Australian Department of Defence has signed with Aquaterro are;

The Combat Helmet Contract an investment by the Australian Department of Defence of up to AUD$160 million (US$115m), for supply and support of the Combat Helmet and Combat Vehicle Crewman-Enhanced Helmet, as well as enabling advancements in technology to be adopted throughout the contract term. Aquaterro has invested in the only Combat Ballistic Helmet Refurbishment Facility outside the United States, a multi-million dollar sovereign capability which provides through-life complete refurbishment of the fleet to ensure protection and life-of- type value is maximised.

Aquaterro has supported the ADF with headborne protection systems for 10 years, supplying over 75,000 Team Wendy ballistic helmets, as well as Armor Source/Peacemaker CVC-E helmets, and conducting refurbishment maintenance services on over 30,000 helmets from the ADF fleet.

Graeme Bulte said; “The close working relationship we have had for over a decade with Team Wendy Ceradyne, is the key to the success of the program to date, and behind our selection by the Commonwealth to continue this capability provision.”

The new contract also includes the provision of 100% Designed and Made in Australia Peacemaker® camouflage helmet covers for Combat and CVC-E Helmets. Aquaterro and its’ Peacemaker® design and manufacturing enterprise, is one of the very few entities licensed to manufacture with AMCU (Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform). The first purchase order under the new contract for Peacemaker® Helmet Covers has been published, valued at AUD$2.45m (US$1.72m).

Peacemaker® has become Australia’s premier domestic brand of tactical textile products, with widespread major contract supply to Australian state and federal law enforcement, as well as Defence.

The Aquaterro Services Contract, a versatile “Support” contract (similar in many ways to a US IDIQ contract) in support of the Australian Army’s Integrated Soldier Systems LAND300 Program, will provide recurring-services direct support for SIG SAUER small-arms systems, as well as enable future provisions and next generations of technology and support. The work will be centred at Aquaterro’s 4.5 acre, high-security defence precinct, including, its armoury, range, secure warehouse, advanced manufacturing workshops, and integration facility. The contract includes the joint capabilities of Aquaterro and SIG SAUER working together collaboratively to directly support the Australian Defence Force.

Graeme Bulte said; “The collaborative partnership Aquaterro and SIG have developed over many years, is best described in SIG’s stated mission: to be a reliable, long-term partner to our customers, recognized for the quality and value of our products and the reliability of our commitments. This newly executed contract will provide the Australian Defence Force with the direct benefit of that commitment, and the vertical capability SIG and Aquaterro can deliver.”

Aquaterro has invested over $25m in specialised high-security defence infrastructure to support Integrated Soldier Systems, including small arms, ammunition, and ancillaries. All SIG small arms systems supplied to Defence to date, have completed their manufacturing and final checks at Aquaterro’s facility, where specialised laser marking to meet ADF requirements is conducted.

Australian Federal Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP said;

“This investment is about keeping Australian soldiers, sailors and aviators safe and supporting local defence industry and jobs. Aquaterro’s work will play an important role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign domestic supply chains and supporting the sustainment of critical ADF capability.”

The two contracts represent a substantial investment by the Australian Government to support the individual men and women of the Australian Defence Force – the most important of all defence platforms – with world leading integrated soldier systems.

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

Quantum Systems Announces Major Upgrades to Its Long-Range Unmanned Aerial System RELIANT

Monday, August 3rd, 2026

Quantum Systems has upgraded its long-range Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) RELIANT. The latest generation offers increased payload capacity, broader mission flexibility, and software integration into the company’s MOSAIC UXS ecosystem. Designed around a fully European supply chain and minimal logistical footprint, Reliant will now compete for major global contracts.

Gilching, Germany, 27 July 2026 – Quantum Systems is announcing major upgrades to its long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system, Reliant. Following Quantum Systems’ policy of continuous development and R&D, the new features significantly expand Reliant’s mission flexibility while maintaining the ease of deployment and low logistical footprint that define Quantum Systems’ platforms.

The latest generation of Reliant features a hybrid-electric power unit and increases the system’s payload capacity to up to 9 kg, enabling a much broader range of missions. Depending on operational requirements, Reliant can now carry electro-optical sensors, laser-target designators, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), SIGINT and electronic warfare payloads, as well as SATCOM, relay and other mission-specific capabilities.

Despite its expanded capabilities, Reliant maintains its minimal logistical footprint with easy-packaging options and operations enablement for assembly by a two-person team and operations by a single operator. The hybrid-electric VTOL platform requires only a 10 × 10 metre launch and recovery area, making it independent of start- and recovery infrastructure and suitable for ship-based operations.

Beyond the platform itself, Reliant is fully integrated into the MOSAIC UXS software platform, making it interoperable with other unmanned systems in multi-domain operations. Together with operator workstations, training, sustainment and lifecycle support, Quantum Systems delivers a complete long-range unmanned capability rather than a standalone aircraft.

Reliant also completes Quantum Systems’ Family of Aerial Systems, complementing the short-range Twister and the mid-range Vector AI platforms. Quantum Systems UAS solutions are already in service with a range of NATO and allied armed forces, notably with the German Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Reliant is built around a secure European supply chain and supported by Quantum Systems’ growing industrial base, providing customers with a system without any Chinese components or ITAR restrictions.

“Reliant’s upgrades are the result of continuous feedback from military users and partners, and our answer to enhance long-range capabilities for NATO, Europe and our allies,” said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer at Quantum Systems. “We can now offer a truly unique capability, with a minimal logistical footprint, payload superpower and impressive range and endurance – completely built on a resilient supply chain. We are very proud of that.”

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

Soldier Pushes Limits for Hard-Earned Skippy Badge

Sunday, August 2nd, 2026

It was just before midnight as Private Ryan Doyle quietly prepared his gear for the final test to become a fully fledged rifleman.

Clouds smothered what little light the stars could provide, so he watched his breath fog in the air through night optics as he waited.

“I was more excited than anything, to be honest. We didn’t quite know what was in store, they didn’t really give us a brief, so I was in anticipation of what was coming,” Private Doyle said.

The signal finally came from the platoon commander and the section stepped off, carrying stores and heavy packs.

It wasn’t long before enemy engaged from the darkness.

Under direction of their section commander, they fought back with bursts of gunfire lighting up the night, and a soldier was wounded in the ambush.

After applying tactical care to the combat casualty, the section carried their teammate on a stretcher, the hardest part for Private Doyle.

“We had just come off 10 days of digging defensive positions, so my grip was quite gone. I wasn’t expecting that,” he said.

As they marched, Private Doyle reflected on the past 17 weeks of intense training at the Australian Army’s School of Infantry.

He learned to use multiple weapon systems, from pistols to 84mm Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles.

He dug defensive positions, fought in hand-to-hand combat, set barbed wire and trip flares, and negated those threats when he encountered them.

‘I wanted a challenge and to do things that you don’t get to do as an ordinary person. The equipment you use, the lifestyle, it stood out to me.’

With his section, he breached and cleared buildings or conducted patrols through the scrub to seek out, close with and destroy the enemy, regardless of weather or terrain – as the role of the infantry goes.

Now, he had to prove it on Exercise HardCorps, the final test before posting to a battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment.

The stretcher carry ended at the tunnels leading from Singleton Range to Lone Pine Barracks and the sun had started to rise.

The section cleared an urban facility before making their way through the obstacle and bayonet assault course one last time.

Their final stand was at the 25-metre range, with a live-fire shoot to finish the test.

After clearing off the range, they headed back to their lines – with broad smiles and laughter in contrast to the determined stoicism a few hours earlier.

A quick shower, cleaned rifles and fresh uniforms got them ready for the most anticipated event of the day: the Skippy Badge presentation.

With the mark of a qualified rifleman cradled in his hand, Private Doyle was excited for the next stage of his career in the Royal Australian Infantry.

“I wanted a challenge and to do things that you don’t get to do as an ordinary person. The equipment you use, the lifestyle, it stood out to me,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to learning what it’s like to be a soldier. We’ve completed this training and now we move on to learn and develop more. That will be really interesting.”

– Via Australia Department of Defence

Posted in Guest Post, International, Training | No Comments »

12 Months In: Galvion’s Poland Operation Emerges as a European and NATO Centre of Excellence

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced that at the 12-month point from formal opening, their European and NATO production hub in Gdansk, Poland, has emerged as a significant centre of excellence.

Galvion’s facility was first announced in September 2023, was completed in June 2024, and was fully operational in April 2025. The facility was formally opened by Her Excellency, Catherin Godin, the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Poland, at a ceremony held on 23rd June 2025. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities, Galvion has been serving their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

Since the formal opening last June, Galvion’s Gda?sk manufacturing facility has rapidly established itself as the cornerstone of the company’s European and NATO operations. In just 12 months, the site has grown to employ more than 100 people and has shipped over 90,000 ballistic helmets to NATO allies, supporting customers in 10 countries across NATO and allied nations worldwide, including Europe, Canada and the Middle East. With an annual production capacity of 100,000 helmets on a single shift, the facility manufactures multiple helmet platforms and has established a robust European manufacturing footprint, strengthening supply chain resilience and enabling closer proximity to customers. Continued investment in advanced technologies, automation and expanded production capabilities underscores Galvion’s long-term commitment to innovation, operational excellence and supporting the evolving needs of defence and security partners across Europe and beyond.

Following consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. The Polish factory houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Building on its long-established leadership in ballistic head protection, Galvion is now extending the role of the helmet as the foundation of an integrated soldier system. The company’s latest Cortex™ EVO and EVO HALO technologies enable power, data and digital capabilities to be incorporated directly into existing or new helmet platforms, creating a pathway for militaries to modernize equipment already in service. As these capabilities are introduced across European programs, Galvion’s Gda?sk facility is positioned to support both new production and the upgrade, refurbishment and integration of in-service helmet fleets, further expanding its role as a regional centre of excellence.

Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman at Galvion, said: “When we invested in Poland, our objective was never simply to build another manufacturing facility. We wanted to establish a long-term operational centre that could serve our European and NATO customers with local production, sustainment, modernization and technical support. One year later, the team has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated exactly what that model can achieve.” He continued:

“Looking ahead, the opportunity is even greater. As soldiers become increasingly connected, the helmet is evolving into the platform that brings together protection, power, data and digital capability. Our vision is to help customers not only procure next-generation integrated systems but also upgrade equipment already in service. Gda?sk will play a central role in delivering that capability across Europe for many years to come.”

Posted in Helmets, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | Comments Off on 12 Months In: Galvion’s Poland Operation Emerges as a European and NATO Centre of Excellence

Canada Launches Defence Drone Initiative

Wednesday, July 29th, 2026

Earlier this week the Government of Canada launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) to accelerate the development, testing, adaptation, and production of uncrewed and autonomous systems for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). Led collaboratively by the Department of National Defence and the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), the initiative will establish a competitive supply arrangement that connects operational requirements with Canadian innovation and creates a more agile pathway to develop, acquire and integrate these technologies.

Recent conflicts have shown that drone technology evolves rapidly. Canada has world-class expertise across aerospace, robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, sensors, secure communications, propulsion and advanced materials but these capabilities are distributed across industry, academia and government. The DDI will help build a more responsive and scalable Canadian ecosystem and it reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide the CAF and CCG with access to Canadian-developed technologies that enhance operational readiness while supporting Canadian innovation, skilled jobs and long-term economic growth.

Initial priority areas

Six initial use cases have been identified to provide focus for industry engagement and capability development.

Low-cost tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones
Small, affordable uncrewed aircraft could provide tactical units with local intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The objective is to identify secure and affordable systems that can be made widely available to operators, tested in the field and adapted based on user feedback.

Uncrewed ground vehicles for logistics and complex terrain
Ground-based robotic systems could help carry equipment, batteries, water and other supplies across difficult or dangerous terrain.

Potential applications could also include casualty support, communications relay and operations in environments where sending personnel may present additional risk.

Uncrewed maritime surface and underwater systems
Maritime systems could support route surveys, the detection and classification of mine-like objects, maritime awareness and operations in constrained waters.

These technologies may also help support Arctic and coastal surveillance, port security and the protection of critical maritime routes.

Standardized drone munitions and explosive payloads
The initiative will examine options for standardized and properly certified payloads, interfaces and safety systems for military uncrewed platforms.

A common approach could reduce duplication, improve interoperability and support safer integration across different systems.

Low-cost, low collateral counter-drone interceptors
The initiative will explore affordable systems that could detect, track or defeat hostile drones.

This includes potential non-explosive interceptors and other low-collateral options that could contribute to the protection of military personnel, installations and infrastructure.

Deep precision strike systems
The initiative will examine technologies that could contribute to a sovereign Canadian long-range precision capability.

This is a more complex area that will require additional technical, operational, policy, legal, safety and security work. No acquisition decision is being announced at this stage.

Competitive supplier process

A Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA) will establish a pool of Canadian qualified suppliers across multiple areas of uncrewed and autonomous systems. Applicants will be assessed against the requirements set out in the RFSA. Qualification will not guarantee a contract but may allow successful suppliers to compete for future work, including research, prototyping, testing, demonstrations, limited acquisitions and potential production opportunities.

The process is intended to engage a broad range of organizations, including start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, established manufacturers, defence and aerospace firms, universities, colleges, research organizations and Indigenous businesses.
Previous defence experience is not necessarily required.
Relevant technical experience, security readiness and the ability to meet operational requirements will be assessed through the formal process.

The RFSA is open until August 14, 2026. To support interested suppliers, the DIA will host a virtual information session on July 30, 2026, to provide additional information on the RFSA and the submission process. Representatives from the Canadian Joint Forces Command will be present to answer any questions on capability requirements.

Participation in earlier outreach activities is not required to apply.

All formal procurement requirements and deadlines will be made available through CanadaBuys, the Government of Canada’s official electronic tendering service

Posted in Admin, Drone, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Saab Receives Order for GlobalEye

Monday, July 27th, 2026

Saab has received an order for two GlobalEye aircraft from a country in the Middle East region. The order value is SEK 10.1 billion, and deliveries will take place in 2030.

“This order underscores our commitment to providing customers with mission-proven, multi-domain AEW&C capability. The increasing international interest in GlobalEye reflects its effectiveness and reliability in modern air defence operations”, says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

GlobalEye is an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution with an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea and over land. By providing real-time information to joint forces, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats.

Due to the nature of the industry, circumstances concerning the customer and national security interests, no further information regarding this order or the customer will be provided.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, International, ISR, Press Release | No Comments »

Foundation-Laying Ceremony in Aschau: Rheinmetall is Constructing One of Europe’s Largest and Most Modern Powder Plants – National Production Capacity for Over One Million Propellant Charge Modules

Friday, July 24th, 2026

Rheinmetall is one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the Western world and is continuing to significantly expand its production capacity through the Project Firepower. For this purpose, one of Europe’s largest and most modern powder factories is being constructed at Rheinmetall’s long-standing Aschau am Inn site, which is also home to the headquarters of its subsidiary Rheinmetall Nitrochemie. The Minister-President of the Free State of Bavaria, Dr Markus Söder, Member of the Bavarian Parliament, the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence, Dr Nils Schmid, and the Bavarian Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Dr Hubert Aiwanger, Member of the Bavarian Parliament, attended the foundation-laying ceremony.

Production capacity for propellant components for barrel artillery and other large-calibre systems will be significantly expanded at the Aschau site. The site currently covers 90 hectares and is set to grow to around 110 hectares. Several hundred million Euro will be invested in the project. The workforce in Aschau continues to grow. Since 2022, the number of employees has risen by around 80 per cent to over 800. Several hundred more jobs are set to be created, meaning that 1,400 employees will work here in future.

Production is set to begin gradually at the newly established facilities from 2027 onwards. The Aschau site currently operates in shifts around the clock to produce around 1,700 tonnes of powder and 300,000 propellant charge modules per year. Over the next 24 months, the production of powder and propellant charge modules is set to more than double. This equates to an additional 2,500 tonnes of powder, over five million combustible components, and over one million modular propellant charge modules to be manufactured in Aschau. The entire value chain for modular propellant charges is managed from a single source and site. Maximum production capacity will be reached in 2028.

The propellant charge, or powder, is one of the most important components in weapon systems. Once ignited, it burns in a controlled manner, leaving no residue. This propels the projectile out of the barrel and towards the target.

“Security and defence capability are the prerequisites for freedom: the laying of the foundation stone for the plant expansion of Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Nitrochemie in Aschau am Inn is a good day for security,” said Minister-President Dr Markus Söder. “Rheinmetall is investing €500 million in Europe’s largest and most modern powder factory. This makes a decisive contribution to resilience and autonomy in the defence sector and creates 500 new, secure jobs in the region. This benefits Germany, the EU and NATO. After all, only those who can defend themselves will not be attacked. In Bavaria, security and defence are a priority – a third of Germany’s defence technology companies are based in the Free State. With our own Defence Industry Act, we are ensuring that defence companies are given priority. Just as with the Bundeswehr Act, we are pioneers throughout Germany!”

Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Nils Schmid: “Expanding production capacity in Germany, particularly for ammunition, is a security necessity and is also of the utmost importance to our partners. I am therefore grateful that the security and defence industry is making efforts at all levels to make supply chains more resilient. The results are truly impressive. The new facility here in Aschau is a response to the urgent demand for ammunition in Germany and across Europe. The additional production capacity will, overall, enhance Germany’s and Europe’s strategic autonomy. It demonstrates that democratic states are prepared to take responsibility and stand up for one another. On behalf of the Federal Government, we wish you a swift construction process and every success with this important contribution to the defence of Germany and Europe.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “Since its foundation, Rheinmetall has been a competence centre for weapons and ammunition systems. We are one of the few manufacturers in the ammunition sector to cover the entire value chain, from propellant charges and primers to fuzes and shell bodies, as well as explosive and active charges. None of these components shall be a bottleneck. This is particularly important when it comes to propellant, as there are only a few manufacturers worldwide. Self-sufficiency is therefore crucial. The Aschau site will thus make a decisive contribution to the national sovereignty and credible defence capability of Germany and Europe”.

Background: Rheinmetall’s Firepower project and further capacity expansion

In response to the urgent need for ammunition in the Western world, Rheinmetall has launched Project Firepower. The company is investing heavily in its manufacturing operations by building new plants, such as the one in Unterlüß, and expanding existing sites, such as Nitrochemie. The aim is to increase the Group’s annual propellant powder capacity to 20,000 tonnes by 2030, in order to meet the ammunition requirements of the Bundeswehr, NATO and the EU. Over a fifth of this capacity – 4,200 tonnes – will come from Aschau. Rheinmetall is investing a total of around €650 million in the production of propellant powder and its energy-intensive precursors, €350 million of which is being invested in Aschau. Alongside the Aschau am Inn site, production facilities in Wimmis (Switzerland) as well as in Murcia and Burgos (Spain), amongst others, are contributing to the capacity expansion.

Posted in Ammo, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

Elistair and Exail Bring Persistent Aerial Surveillance to Unmanned Surface Vessels

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

Persistent aerial surveillance delivered by a tethered drone launched from an unmanned surface vessel, for coastal security, port protection, and wide-area maritime monitoring.

Elistair and Exail have partnered to integrate the Khronos automated tethered DroneBox on Exail’s DriX unmanned surface vessel (USV), giving maritime operators a persistent “eye in the sky” launched directly from the vessel. The combination extends surveillance well beyond the range of the platform’s surface sensors, while keeping personnel safe on shore.

Launched directly from the deck of the DriX, Khronos provides persistent, continuous aerial surveillance. Its autonomous deployment and “follow-me” capability keep the drone stationed above the vessel while under way. Powered through its tether, Khronos flies for up to 24 hours at a height of 60 m. It streams live, encrypted video over a secure data link, delivering real-time imagery even in contested, GNSS-denied environments.

By adding a tethered drone to a long-endurance autonomous vessel, the pairing pushes the surveillance horizon far beyond the reach of surface radar and cameras. Both the vessel and the drone can be operated remotely from shore. The configuration is suited to coastal surveillance, port and critical-infrastructure protection, counter-trafficking operations, and search and rescue.

“Integrating a tethered drone on an autonomous vessel marks a major step forward for maritime surveillance,” said Guilhem de Marliave, CEO of Elistair. “Surface sensors stop at the horizon; flown from the DriX, Khronos lifts that limit with a persistent, mobile view that stays airborne for hours. For operators, that means wider coverage and earlier detection, with no crew at sea.”

DriX was designed as an open platform, able to integrate new payloads as operational needs evolve,” said Stéphane Vannuffelen, Maritime Autonomy Solution Technical Director at Exail. “The integration of Khronos adds a persistent aerial perspective to the vessel’s existing surveillance capabilities, significantly extending the monitored area.

elistair.com

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release, Sensors | No Comments »