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Nokia to Provide Intelligent Connectivity for Finnish Border Guard Counter-Drone Initiative Nationwide

Friday, June 26th, 2026

· Nokia Defense joins Finnish-Nordic consortium to strengthen counter-UAS border security

· Secure, scalable connectivity enables real-time threat detection and interoperable mission-critical operations across land and sea

Espoo, Finland, June 25, 2026 – Nokia today announced its participation in a new industrial consortium led by the Finnish Border Guard to develop the next-generation counter-drone capabilities for patrol vehicles and boats. Nokia’s Defense unit will help support border security duties, surveillance, protection of territorial integrity and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure by providing an intelligent network solution that enables secure, high-performance connectivity, real-time data exchange and interoperability across systems.

The initiative supports the Finnish Border Guard’s goal of building a sovereign, integrated counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and threat detection capability to be deployed nationwide. By connecting platforms, sensors and command-and-control systems, the solution is designed to deliver enhanced real-time situational awareness and enable faster, more coordinated responses to evolving multi-domain threats.

Nokia’s role reflects the growing importance of trusted and intelligent connectivity as a foundation for modern defense and border security. As drones become more accessible and widely used, threat detection, sensing and connectivity must work seamlessly to protect personnel, infrastructure and mission effectiveness. Through the consortium, Nokia Defense will work with key partners to support a scalable, future-ready system aligned with national and allied requirements.

Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer, and Chairman, Nokia Defense, said: “Reliable, secure connectivity is becoming essential to how defense organizations detect, understand and respond to fast-moving threats. By contributing Nokia’s intelligent connectivity and sensing technology to this consortium, we are helping build an operational and interoperable solution that gives border authorities the real-time awareness and resilience they need in complex land and maritime environments.”

The Finnish Border Guard initiative includes the procurement and deployment of evaluation platforms, connectivity and sensing capabilities, and system integration. The solutions will be evaluated during 2027 and early 2028.

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Mehler Protection at Eurosatory 2026: From Armoured Mobility to Counter-UAS

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, FULDA, GERMANY (24 June 2026)

From protected mobility and Counter-UAS technologies to modular body armour systems, Mehler Protection presented a comprehensive portfolio of protection solutions at Eurosatory 2026.

Exhibiting at Hall 5B, Stand C220, the company welcomed military, law enforcement, and industry representatives from around the world, highlighting developments designed to address evolving operational requirements across both vehicle and personal protection domains.

Among the highlights was the first public presentation of the M-RACC KE protected mobility concept, an armoured tractor developed in cooperation with STEYR. Based on the STEYR Terrus CVT platform, the vehicle combines multifunctional work and transport capabilities with certified ballistic, fragmentation, and mine protection in accordance with STANAG 4569 and AEP-55 requirements. Designed for demanding operational environments, it supports tasks such as engineering operations, route clearance, infrastructure repair, logistics, and the restoration of damaged areas where ballistic threats, unexploded ordnance, fragmentation hazards, or mines may still be present.

The exhibition also featured SCILT, Mehler Protection’s close-range Counter-UAS system designed to protect vehicles against FPV drones, loitering munitions, and other aerial threats approaching from short distances and low angles. Developed as a dedicated last layer of vehicle protection, SCILT addresses a growing capability gap between conventional air-defence systems and passive armour solutions.

Alongside its platform protection portfolio, Mehler Protection showcased a comprehensive range of personal protection solutions for military and law enforcement applications.

Among the key exhibits was the latest generation of the ExoM Exoskeleton, a passive load-bearing system designed to reduce operator burden while maintaining mobility under heavy loads. Visitors also explored the full M.U.S.T. configuration, demonstrating how the modular protection system can be adapted and scaled according to mission requirements.

Additional exhibits included the MOBAST protective vest system developed for the German Armed Forces, covert and overt body armour systems, waistcoats, plate carriers, soft- and hard-ballistic protection solutions, ballistic helmets, and shields.

Learn more about Mehler Protection at mehler-protection.com.

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Team Boxer UK Delivers 100th Boxer Vehicle for the British Army

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Built in Britain for Britain: Landmark milestone showcases UK manufacturing excellence, sovereign capability and defence readiness

Telford, UK – 25 June 2026 – Team Boxer UK has reached a major programme milestone with the delivery of the 100th Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) to the UK Ministry of Defence, demonstrating the successful mobilisation of sovereign manufacturing capability and the continued momentum of one of the UK’s most important land defence programmes.

Built in Britain for Britain, Boxer is providing the British Army with a highly protected, modular and adaptable vehicle that will form a key element of the Army’s future warfighting capability.

Reaching the 100-vehicle milestone marks a significant achievement for the programme, highlighting the successful establishment of two UK production facilities, the growth of a nationwide supply chain and the enduring partnership between government, industry and the Armed Forces. It is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when international collaboration is combined with British industrial expertise.

The programme is delivered through collaboration between Rheinmetall, KNDS, the British Army, the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group), Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), OCCAR and the ARTEC consortium, alongside a network of UK supply chain partners. Together, they are delivering a critical capability for the Army’s future force while strengthening the UK’s sovereign industrial base.

The milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of hundreds of engineers, technicians, apprentices, programme specialists, military personnel and supply chain partners working across the United Kingdom to deliver this vital capability for the British Army.

Martyn Williams, Senior Responsible Owner for Boxer at the NAD Group, said:

“The delivery of the 100th Boxer to the UK Ministry of Defence is a significant milestone and reflects the tremendous work done by OCCAR, ARTEC, KNDS, Rheinmetall, the NAD Group and wider MOD to establish two UK Boxer production lines and the broad supply chains across the UK. The international collaboration through OCCAR and ARTEC has seen technology transfer to the UK, building on the UK’s proud history of armoured vehicle manufacturing.”

Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall UK, said:

“Reaching the 100-vehicle milestone is a significant achievement for the teams delivering Boxer in the UK. It reflects the dedication and expertise of our workforce, suppliers and partners, whose contribution is helping to build long-term manufacturing capacity and strengthen sovereign industrial capability. Boxer is creating lasting skills and investment while delivering a world-class capability for the British Army and supporting prosperity across the UK.”

Tony Webb, Operations Director at KNDS UK, added:

“The delivery of the 100th Boxer vehicle demonstrates the value of long-term investment in sovereign defence capability and the strength of the UK’s defence industrial base. Programmes such as Boxer sustain critical skills, support SMEs across a resilient national supply chain and drive investment in advanced manufacturing. This milestone reflects the power of collaboration between government, industry and international partners to generate lasting strategic advantage for the UK.”

Boxer vehicles are manufactured in the United Kingdom at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford and KNDS UK in Stockport, showcasing the strength of British defence manufacturing and the UK’s ability to deliver complex armoured vehicle programmes on home soil.

Through its extensive UK supply chain, the programme is helping to sustain and develop critical industrial skills, support regional economic growth and strengthen the manufacturing capability needed to meet future defence requirements.

As vehicles continue to enter service, Boxer will provide British Army formations with enhanced mobility, protection and operational flexibility across a wide range of missions and operating environments.

Beyond delivering a world-class military capability, the programme supports highly skilled employment, apprenticeships and advanced engineering expertise across the United Kingdom.

From design and assembly through to supply chain integration and support, Boxer demonstrates the UK’s ability to manufacture and deliver complex armoured vehicle programmes at scale on home soil.

The delivery of the 100th Boxer represents more than a production milestone. It is a celebration of the people, partnerships and industrial expertise that have made the programme possible. Built in Britain for Britain, Boxer demonstrates how international collaboration, British engineering excellence and long-term industrial investment can come together to deliver world-class capability for the Armed Forces.

As Team Boxer UK celebrates this achievement, work continues to deliver the programme and support the modernisation of the British Army’s future land capability.

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Rheinmetall’s Caracal 6×6: Modular Mobility Platform for Demanding Airborne Operations

Wednesday, June 24th, 2026

Airborne and special forces are among the first units to be deployed in crisis and conflict scenarios. They require systems that combine strategic deployability, high mobility, and maximum operational flexibility. With the new Caracal 6×6, Rheinmetall is expanding its family of air-mobile vehicles with a high-performance platform for demanding mission profiles. On the ground, they also rely on high-mobility, rapid maneuverability, and flexible operational capability.

During Eurosatory, Rheinmetall unveiled a new 6×6 version of the Caracal airborne vehicle for the first time. Developed in close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and MAGNA International, the Caracal 6×6 expands the proven W464 chassis with a third axle and a modular flatbed concept.

Designed for modern airborne operations

The Caracal is a highly mobile and modular airborne platform designed for rapid deployment and maximum operational flexibility. Based on the battle-proven architecture of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and optimized by Rheinmetall’s leading expertise in military integration, the system combines strategic mobility, high payload capacity, and operational flexibility in a lightweight airborne platform.

The Caracal 6×6 is designed for rapid strategic deployment in airborne and air assault operations. The system is air-loadable in the A400M and the heavy transport helicopters CH-47F Chinook and CH-53, and can also be carried as an external load by other helicopters.

Maximum operational flexibility

With a payload of up to 3,200 kilograms, the Caracal 6×6 combines exceptional air mobility with the ability to carry extensive mission equipment and munitions.

The modular flatbed architecture enables the rapid integration of various mission modules and payloads depending on operational requirements. The modular concept enables rapid adaptation to different operational scenarios, from airborne operations and reconnaissance missions to fire support and c-UAS missions, as well as special forces and logistics operations.

The Caracal 6×6 shares significant logistical commonality with the smaller Caracal 4×4. There are also major similarities regarding training.

With the Caracal 6×6, Rheinmetall presents a new generation of air-transportable platforms that combines strategic deployability, high payload, and maximum mission flexibility in a single system.

Under the existing framework agreement, Germany has various procurement options to expand the CARACAL fleet with 6×6 vehicles in the roles of group transport vehicle and material transport vehicle. This lays the foundation for a needs-based and phased expansion of air-mobile capabilities based on a platform that has already been introduced and proven its worth.

www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/tactical-wheeled-vehicles/caracal-air-assault-vehicle

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UNI&FORMA Named Slovenia’s Exporter of the Year 2026

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (18 June 2026)

UNI&FORMA, part of Mehler Systems and the company behind the UF PRO brand, has received Slovenia’s prestigious “Exporter of the Year” (Izvoznik leta) 2026 award, recognising excellence in exports, innovation, and international growth.

Presented annually by Finance, Slovenia’s leading business newspaper, the award is one of the country’s most respected business recognitions. It honours Slovenian companies that successfully compete on international markets while demonstrating innovation, sustainable growth, and the creation of high added value. UNI&FORMA was selected among a strong group of finalists, which also included Atlantic Droga Kolinska, KO-SI, and Mebor.

The award recognises UNI&FORMA’s journey from a Slovenian manufacturer supplying domestic organisations to a globally recognised developer of premium tactical clothing systems. Since its founding in 1997, the company has continuously invested in product development, advanced materials, and proprietary technologies while working closely with professional end users to understand their evolving requirements.

This expertise later formed the foundation of the UF PRO brand, created to address the specific needs of military, law enforcement, and special operations units operating in demanding environments. Today, UF PRO products are used by military, law enforcement, and other professional users in more than 50 countries worldwide. Its users include Slovenia’s Special Police Unit (SEP) and Special Operations Unit (ESD), more than 300 SWAT units in the United States, Germany’s SEK and GSG 9 units, Austria’s EKO COBRA, Latvia’s Omega unit, and many other elite units around the world.

“When I look at how far we have come, I see the contribution of everyone who helped build UNI&FORMA and UF PRO along the way. This award belongs to them. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence have made our growth and international success possible,” said Jože Kastelic, Managing Director of UNI&FORMA.

During the accompanying conference programme, Kastelic joined representatives of the other finalists to discuss how digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and productivity improvements are shaping the future competitiveness of exporting companies.

“The success of UF PRO has always been built on understanding the needs of the professionals who use our products. As those needs evolve, we will continue investing in innovation, product development, and close cooperation with end users to ensure we remain a trusted partner around the world,” Kastelic added.

For UNI&FORMA, the award recognises nearly three decades of innovation, growth, and international expansion while providing additional motivation for the journey ahead.

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ROTTWEIL Extends Its International Defence & Law Enforcement Portfolio Significantly

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026

The prestigious ammunition brand ROTTWEIL known for its shotshell products launches fourteen (14) different product solutions for law enforcement and security agencies as well as special forces. Besides door breaching cartridges, ROTTWEIL’s portfolio now also carries a slug, buckshot, training as well as an anti-drone (C-UAV) range meeting the remarkably increasing demand for respective products and boosting the DLE portfolio of the German brand substantially. Shotguns have been part of the arsenal of armies and police units for over a century.

Even today, shotguns remain standard issue for armed forces and police forces worldwide.

The range of applications is vast, but the choice of ammunition remains crucial to the desired effect. The new ROTTWEIL DEFENCE & LAW ENFORCEMENT product line provides professional users with suitable ammunition that can be deployed effectively and cost-efficiently for a wide variety of purposes.

ROTTWEIL’s offer now encompasses three (3) slug, five (5) buckshot, two (2) training, and four (4) C-UAV cartridges.

• The three slug loads feature an outstandingly impactful 12/76 Brenneke Magnum EDP load with 38g for hard targets, one in 12/70 with 32g, and one in 12/67.5 with 28g, The latter two are both designed for soft targets.

• The five buckshot products come in two calibres: four in 12/70 calibre ranging from 32g (21 pellets #3) to 30g (9 and 8 pellets, #0 and #00 respectively) down to 20.5g (9 pellets #0) plus a 12/67.5 calibre in 18g (9 pellets #1). The latter two products have copper loads.

• The new training range of ROTTWEIL includes a steel and a hard lead product, in calibre 12/70 with 31g (#1) and 34g (#5) respectively.

• Three out of the four anti-drone or C-UAV product solutions come all in 12/70 calibre with two copper loads in 34g (#4 & #6), and the third one with hard lead in 34g (#4). The fourth round is a lead load in 12/70 calibre featuring a special construction ensuring a tight and stable pattern effectively engaging drone targets.

The cartridges are suitable for use in both bolt-action and semi-automatic shotguns across all loadings. The use of high-quality, specially matched components and designs ensures reliable performance in a wide range of applications. Both requirements as well as product features are and will be defined in close collaboration with customers and users worldwide.

The international Eurosatory show, the global event for defence and security in Paris, France, offers the perfect platform to present the new portfolio to a selected professional audience.

More detailed information can be found on the website of ROTTWEIL’s brand and trademark owner, RWS based in Fuerth, Germany.

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Alpine Eagle and Origin Robotics Partner to Strengthen European Drone Defence Capabilities

Monday, June 22nd, 2026

Alpine Eagle and Origin Robotics partner to integrate the BLAZE interceptor into Sentinel, creating a layered sensor-to-effector drone defence architecture
The companies are announcing their partnership and showcasing their capabilities during Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.
The German and Latvian defence innovators plan local manufacturing and future deployments in Germany

Paris, France, 16th June 2026: Alpine Eagle, the European counter-drone defence technology company, and Origin Robotics, the Latvian developer of autonomous unmanned aerial weapons systems, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine Origin Robotics’ BLAZE interceptor with Alpine Eagle’s Sentinel architecture, creating a layered sensor-to-effector counter-drone capability.

The agreement marks a significant step in Alpine Eagle’s strategy to build the next generation of air defence, connecting sensing, decision-making and interception into a single layered network. It also reflects a broader shift towards integrated air-defence architectures that combine sensors, command-and-control and multiple interception layers into a single operational system.

Alpine Eagle’s Sentinel architecture combines airborne and ground-based radar with distributed sensor networks and Sentinel-OS, the company’s software backbone that unifies sensors, platforms, and effectors into an integrated network. Together, these capabilities provide earlier detection, improved situational awareness and more time for operators and warfighters to make informed decisions in complex environments. The integration of BLAZE, a radar-guided autonomous interceptor designed to defeat drones and loitering munitions, adds a further interception layer, strengthening Sentinel’s ability to coordinate detection, decision-making and response through its system-of-systems approach.

European governments are accelerating investment in counter-drone capability following lessons from Ukraine and recent conflicts in the Middle East, where large-scale drone attacks have demonstrated the need for earlier detection, layered defence and more cost-effective interception.

Under the agreement, the companies will initially focus on technical integration, customer demonstrations and operational validation, while establishing a pathway towards future local manufacturing of BLAZE in Germany.

Jan-Hendrik Boelens, co-founder and CEO of Alpine Eagle, said: “Drone warfare is forcing militaries to rethink how they protect airspace. The challenge is to bring detection, tracking, and interception together into an integrated system that can respond quickly and scale with the threat. Integrating BLAZE into Sentinel expands our sensor-to-effector architecture and gives customers another effective layer within a broader counter-drone network.”

Agris Kipurs, co-founder and CEO of Origin Robotics, said: “The future of drone defence depends on combining the right sensors, software and effectors. No single system can solve the challenge alone. By integrating BLAZE into Sentinel, we are bringing together complementary capabilities that help customers detect threats earlier and respond more effectively.”

The partnership builds on successful initial integration activities between the two companies and reflects a growing trend towards European defence technology companies combining specialised capabilities into integrated systems that can be deployed, adapted and scaled more rapidly than traditional programmes. By strengthening interoperability between complementary technologies, the collaboration supports the development of a more resilient European defence industrial base and the ability to scale production as demand grows.

Alpine Eagle will be exhibiting at Eurosatory 2026 and can be found in Hall 5b, booth D414. Origin Robotics will be in Hall 5b, booth C423.

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Rigad and Qore Performance Partner to Expand Access to Advanced Thermoregulation and Hydration Equipment in the Czech Republic

Monday, June 22nd, 2026

Knoxville, TN and Semily, Czech Republic — Qore Performance, Inc., the inventors of the ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM of thermoregulation and hydration technologies, is proud to announce Rigad as an authorized dealer for the Czech Republic. This partnership provides Czech military, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals with direct, local access to Qore Performance tools, which are purpose-built to increase the work capacity and survivability at war and at work.

Since 2011, Rigad has operated as a leading supplier of top-tier tactical clothing, outdoor equipment, and military gear. Known for rigorous internal selection standards and a commitment to carrying only proven, reliable brands, Rigad ensures that its customers receive the highest quality kit available on the market. By adding Qore Performance to their inventory, Rigad expands its capability to provide mission-essential climate control and hydration solutions to Czech professional end-users.

Direct Access to the ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM

Through this partnership, customers in the Czech Republic can now purchase Qore Performance’s industry-leading technologies directly from Rigad’s inventory, bypassing long-distance shipping complexities. Key solutions now available include:

ICEPLATE® Gen 3: The world’s most advanced conformal hydration system. This hard-cell bladder provides 52.4 fl oz (1.55 L) of hydration while offering cooling or heating capabilities when frozen or filled with hot water.

ICEFLASK®: A rugged, 16.9 oz (500ml) hard-cell canteen designed to carry water while fitting into standard radio pouches, providing consumable cooling or heating in a compact form factor.

ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3: As the definitive human readiness infrastructure, ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 integrates patented ICEPLATE®, ICEFLASK®, and ICEVENTS® technologies into the world’s only plate carrier built to optimize the human machine.

“We are proud to partner with Qore Performance and bring their innovative thermoregulation solutions to customers across the Czech Republic. Qore’s approach to performance, durability, and mission-focused equipment aligns naturally with RIGAD’s long-term commitment to professional users, military personnel, law enforcement, and demanding outdoor customers.” said Jan Karas, Sales Representative at Rigad.

“Rigad is an exceptional partner with a deep understanding of the unique demands faced by professionals in the Czech Republic,” said Austin Pitsch, Marketing Manager of Qore Performance. “By stocking the ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM locally, Rigad is ensuring that operatorshave immediate access to the best possible tools to weaponize temperature and maintain peak capability in any environment.”

Today, RIGAD combines a modern e-commerce platform with brick-and-mortar stores and professional customer support for both civilian and professional end users.

Opening retail locations in Semily, Olomouc, and Ostrava
Expansion into firearms and shooting equipment
Launch of a complete company rebrand and new e-commerce platform in 2024

In addition to retail and distribution, RIGAD invests heavily in original content creation and community engagement. Through Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and its online magazine, the company regularly publishes product presentations, educational content, field-focused articles, and videos covering tactical culture, shooting, preparedness, and outdoor lifestyles.

This direct connection with end users has helped RIGAD establish a loyal customer base and a strong reputation within the European tactical community.

Professional end-users and customers can shop the Qore Performance collection online now at Rigad.com.

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