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Thirteen Canadian Companies. One Sovereign Platform.

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

Convergence Design Services to Launch the MIL-V at CANSEC 2026

OTTAWA, ON — On May 27, at Canada’s largest annual defence and security trade show, a new chapter in Canadian sovereign defence capability begins.

The MIL-V is a fully sovereign electrically powered military vehicle platform, built entirely in Canada, owned entirely by Canada, with every line of IP staying right here. But what makes the MIL-V more than a product launch is the story behind it: thirteen Canadian technology and engineering companies who chose to build something together, brought together and integrated by Convergence Design Services as the platform prime.

“Canadian defence companies are the backbone of future technology innovation,” said Ben Seaman, President at Convergence Design Services. “This collaboration of thirteen Canadian companies on one sovereign electric platform showcases what our industry is capable of across a multitude of missions. One hundred percent Canadian-built. Canadian IP. Canadian owned. This is what sovereign defence capability looks like in practice.”

A PLATFORM BUILT BY CANADA, FOR CANADA

The MIL-V is a mission-ready, electrically powered autonomous vehicle platform. It can operate with or without a driver, adapt to any mission in the field, and deploy across any terrain or climate. Its electric powertrain delivers a near-silent acoustic signature and reduced thermal profile, making it well suited for operations where stealth and low observability are critical. Its open modular architecture allows rapid reconfiguration for breaching, CASEVAC, resupply, ISR, and protection missions without returning to base, supported by an internal power distribution system capable of powering multiple mission systems simultaneously. Sensors are fused across multiple domains to give operators and autonomous systems a unified, real-time picture of their environment.

The platform’s IP, integration, and supply chain are entirely Canadian-owned. What sets the MIL-V apart is not only what it is, but how it was built: thirteen independent Canadian companies, each contributing sovereign technology, brought together under one Canadian prime.

As Canada invests in building its domestic defence vehicle capability, the MIL-V represents a new model for how that capability can be developed, with Canadian IP, Canadian partners, and Canadian integration from the ground up. In an era of global supply chain disruption andgeopolitical uncertainty, that matters. A domestic supply chain is not subject to export controls, foreign policy shifts, or global conflict disruption. Every component, every partner, and every line of IP on this platform remains accessible and entirely within Canadian control.

THE THIRTEEN

Convergence brought together twelve Canadian partner companies, each integrating their own sovereign technology directly onto the platform, with Convergence serving as the thirteenth as platform prime and systems integrator:

• Agile Electromagnetics: Counter Drone Systems

• Bubble Technology Industries: Advanced Radiation and Explosives Detection

Technologies

• Calian: Resilient and Anti-Jamming GNSS

• Canimex Group: Electric Powertrain System

• Guardian Mobility: Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications

• Kontron: Powering Autonomous Edge AI with Rugged Servers

• North Vector Dynamics: Counter-UAS Precision-Guided Missile System

• Ottawa Infotainment: Rugged Vehicle Domain Controller and Display Interface

• Pleora Technologies: Rugged Vision Switcher

• STL Engineering: AVRO Mission Critical Distributed Computing

• Tessellate Robotics: GNSS-Denied Autonomous Navigation with LiDAR

• Volthium: Canadian Lithium Battery Systems and Energy Storage

• Convergence Design Services: Sensor Fusion and Vehicle Platform

Each of these companies is Canadian. Each made a deliberate choice to invest their technology in a sovereign Canadian platform. Together they have built something Canada’s defence community has been calling for.

WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS

Canada is at an inflection point. The federal government has committed to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces through the Defence Investment Strategy, raising the share of defence acquisitions awarded to Canadian firms to 70%, prioritizing domestic supply chain resilience, and streamlining procurement. The MIL-V is purpose-built for this moment, and with a fully domestic supply chain, production can scale rapidly when Canada needs it most.From the Prime Minister’s office to the Department of National Defence to Invest Ottawa, the message has been clear: Canada needs to build and own its own advanced defence technology.

For the last six years, Convergence has been investing in developing the sovereign technology that directly aligns with this strategy. The MIL-V is not a reaction to the current moment. It is evidence that Canadian industry was already there.

“The MIL-V demonstrates the strength of Canadian collaboration in advancing sovereign defence capability. Bringing together Canadian organizations and technologies designed and developed here at home reflects the kind of innovation and partnership needed to strengthen Canada’s industrial capability. We are proud to support this effort with our precision and resilient GNSS technology alongside Convergence and other Canadian companies.”

— Darrell Wellington, VP and GNSS GM, Calian

“Being demoed inside an autonomous vehicle at CANSEC with Convergence is a real glimpse of how integrated, mission-ready autonomy is moving from concept to reality. Pleora plays a critical role in enabling this shift by delivering secure, high-performance video connectivity and sensor data transport that defence platforms depend on for real-time situational awareness, autonomy, and mission-critical decision-making.”

— Ed Goffin, Vice President, Product Marketing, Pleora Technologies

ALSO AT CANSEC 2026

Convergence will also showcase the Arctic OWL, a distributed edge-AI sensing network that delivers persistent spatial awareness in remote and austere environments without relying on existing infrastructure. Designed for Arctic conditions and proven in harsh environments, the Arctic OWL addresses Canada’s growing need for sovereign sensing capability across the north.

ABOUT CONVERGENCE DESIGN SERVICES

Ottawa-based Convergence Design Services has over 30 years of experience delivering critical engineering across defence, aerospace, space, and advanced mobility. Formerly known as Blue Systems, the company is 100% Canadian owned, CGP-certified, and has been recognized multiple times as one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing companies by the Ottawa Business Journal.

Backed by a 100% Canadian venture capital firm, Convergence is making a multimillion-dollar investment in defence product innovation and engineering growth.Convergence Design Services will be exhibiting at CANSEC 2026 at booth 4015, EY Centre, Ottawa, May 27-28.

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

GM Defence Appoints ISTEC as Preferred Mission Kit Supplier for UK and Wider EU/NATO Programmes

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

GM Defence has appointed the UK company ISTEC Services Limited as its preferred mission kit supplier for UK and wider EU/NATO programmes. The agreement places ISTEC as the exclusive supplier to GM Defence for all UK opportunities and as a preferred supplier for all other EU/NATO or worldwide markets. This appointment reinforces GM Defence’s UK-based supply chain expansion strategy and is aligned with their wider UK-based development plans, thus supporting the sustainment and creation of UK jobs and increasing UK defence export potential.

ISTEC Services Ltd is a British company with 37 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions for military platforms.

Under this agreement, ISTEC will supply GM Defence with weapons mounts, weapon and ammunition stowage, smoke dischargers and all relevant in-service support including spares, publications and training. The agreement reaches across GM Defence’s light vehicle range including all variants of the ISV, S10 and Silverado platforms, currently being offered to meet the UK’s requirements, but also across a number of wider NATO/EU opportunities.

This collaboration agreement is a clear demonstration of GM Defence’s commitment to supporting UK MoD programmes and, in particular, establishes an exclusive partnership with a well-respected UK-based supplier who has a long pedigree of providing the UK MoD with operationally proven, robust and high-quality products. Remaining OEM agnostic, ISTEC has recently signed a number of high-profile collaboration agreements proving that they are the partner of choice to support many OEMs with battle-proven mission system design, integration, manufacturing and support solutions.

Gilbert Nelson, Vice President for International Sales and Marketing at GM Defence said: “We’re pleased to announce this agreement today that places ISTEC as a tier one supplier to GM Defence. ISTEC is a trusted and proven supplier to the UK MoD so bringing them into our team increases confidence and reduces risk across all of our regional programmes. We are currently developing a robust UK-based supply chain and this appointment is a key part of that strategy, creating and sustaining UK jobs and strengthening UK defence exports.”

Anne Quelch, Director at ISTEC said, “This appointment by GM Defence is a major milestone for the company. We have been working closely and very successfully with GM Defence for some time now and we believe that this exclusive agreement for the UK programmes is a resounding endorsement of our reputation and the proven quality of our products. We are also extremely pleased to have been awarded preferred supplier status by GM Defence for EU/NATO and other worldwide opportunities where GM Defence is ideally placed to succeed.”

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

Leonardo Launches Guardian Vantage, a New Passive Land EW and SIGINT Capability to Detect, Identify and Locate Battlefield Emitters

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

Leonardo has unveiled Guardian Vantage, a new land-based Electronic Warfare (EW) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) capability which detects, recognises, identifies and locates enemy emissions on the battlefield. The system is designed for use on land vehicles, ships, or for mounting onto shelters.

Modern operations are increasingly shaped by how effectively forces can sense and understand the electromagnetic environment. Guardian Vantage provides real time battlefield intelligence on emitting enemy systems such as radars, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and communications. This information can then be exploited by friendly forces for surveillance and target acquisition, to ultimately understand who the enemy is, where they are, and what they are doing.

Enemy emissions are fused into an integrated command and control (C2) system. Guardian Vantage generates an electronic order of battle (ORBAT), mapping detected systems and prioritising the most potent threats to give commanders a better understanding of likely enemy movements and potential danger to friendly forces.

Crucially, Guardian Vantage is a passive system and operates without generating emissions itself. This reduces the risk of detection for friendly forces and provides maximum freedom of action. The system works by analysing the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), looking for anomalies and unusual patterns before comparing these signals against a threat library. Guardian Vantage is also capable of transcribing radio traffic in real time and can use large language models to translate foreign languages into the operator’s native tongue.

The unveiling of Guardian Vantage took place at the Association of Old Crows Europe (AOC Europe) event in Finland, where Leonardo Campaign Manager, Mike Brown, said: “Guardian Vantage turns the electromagnetic spectrum into a decisive operational advantage – enabling commanders to see what the adversary is doing and where they are operating, ultimately providing an indication of their intent. This provides critical decision advantage and enables forces to outmanoeuvre their adversaries.

“Built on an open architecture and designed with freedom of modification in mind, Guardian Vantage offers customers a future-proof path to sovereign electronic warfare and signals intelligence capability – with rapid upgrade potential as threats naturally evolve.”

Platform agnostic, Guardian Vantage can be integrated onto a wide variety of vehicles and maritime platforms, dependent on customer needs. The system is rapidly exportable, with no ITAR restrictions, and uses high-performance components and software from specialist small to medium enterprises (SMEs) CommsAudit, Esroe and Mercury – all manufactured in the UK.

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

Halifax Regional Police Selects GLOCK G45 COA as New Duty Pistol Platform

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

OTTAWA, ON – RAMPART, Canada’s leading supplier of operational equipment to Military and Law Enforcement end users, is proud to announce that Halifax Regional Police (HRP), the largest municipal police service in Atlantic Canada, has selected the GLOCK G45 COA as its new duty pistol platform following a competitive evaluation process focused on safety, reliability, and ease of use.

The new platform includes the GLOCK G45 Gen 5 COA pistol equipped with the Aimpoint COA red dot optic system incorporating an exclusive A-CUT mounting solution, Streamlight TLR-7 X weapon-mounted lights, Safariland duty holsters, and GLOCK G45T training pistols. The transition will also include instructor and armourer training to support long-term deployment of the new system across the service.

The G45 COA platform represents the next evolution of duty pistols, combining the proven GLOCK Gen 5 operating system with a purpose-built optic solution engineered in collaboration with Aimpoint. The A-CUT mounting interface provides an integrated, low-profile optic mounting system designed specifically for duty use.

With this adoption, Halifax Regional Police joins a number ofAtlantic Canadian agencies currently utilizing GLOCK pistol platforms through Rampart, including Fredericton Police Force Tactical Unit, Summerside Police Service, Kensington Police Service, Kentville Police Service, and Grand Falls Police Force. GLOCK pistols are currently deployed by over 90% of Canadian Law Enforcement agencies at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, further reinforcing the platform’s widespread adoption across Canada.

“We are proud to support Halifax Regional Police in this important transition,” said Mike Klein, President of Rampart. “The selection of the GLOCK G45 COA reflects the continued evolution of modern Law Enforcement pistol programs toward integrated optics-ready systems built around reliability and performance. We look forward to supporting HRP throughout the transition and beyond.”

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, LE, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

Saab Receives Carl-Gustaf Order from Lithuania

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Saab has received an order from Lithuania for the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon and training equipment. The order value is SEK 460 million with deliveries planned 2026-2029.

The order is part of a newly signed contract between Saab and Lithuania, which allows for potential options collectively valued up to a total of SEK 640 million. The agreement is valid for ten years and includes Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons, sub-calibre adapters for the use of training ammunition and Carl-Gustaf Outdoor Trainers. The agreement also includes cooperation with the Lithuanian defence industry in accordance with Lithuanian regulations.

“We are proud to continue providing the Lithuanian forces with the highly effective capabilities of the Carl-Gustaf weapon together with our training equipment, enabling the soldiers to prepare for and carry out their missions safely and with confidence,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle is a man-portable, multi-role weapon system that allows dismounted soldiers to safely and effectively deal with multiple challenges on the modern battlefield. Adaptable and flexible, the system is constantly evolving to meet user and market needs. The Carl-Gustaf training systems enable advanced and collective skills training, allowing forces to prepare for a wide range of scenarios.

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

MOD Enhances Its Communications Capability and Supports British Industry with the Procurement of Spectra Group’s GENSS

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

UK MOD enhances its communications capability and supports British Industry with the procurement of Spectra Group’s GENSS tactical communications system

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, specialists in delivering secure, reliable and resilient beyond line-of-sight communications for operations in denied and contested environments, has received its first order from the UK MOD for the recently launched GENSS tactical communications system as a defence unicorn. The UK MOD becomes the GENSS launch customer with an initial order of 40 body-worn systems, 14 platform systems and a full-service wrap.

GENSS is an evergreen software-defined tactical communications system designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, shaped by operational experience and built on UK sovereign engineering expertise. It delivers adaptable, efficient voice and data connectivity for distributed forces, with a system architecture designed to support capability evolution as operational requirements and technologies change. Spectra Group has a long history of producing innovative satellite communication solutions, and the UK MOD was also the first to adopt its award-winning SlingShot system, which enabled L-Band satellite access for existing tactical radios, and has over 10,000 in operation with specialist and regular NATO forces globally.

GENSS delivers tactical communications beyond traditional line-of-sight boundaries, providing secure voice and data connectivity using L-Band tactical satellite networking (L-TAC). GENSS builds on Spectra’s SlingShot heritage, delivering typical networking speeds of 64kbps at 25kHz, and up to 90kbps in optimal conditions and the radio offers flexible bandwidth operations from 5-200kHz. GENSS initially supports three core operational roles: SlingShot capability, MANET / Data bridging beyond line-of-sight and efficient beyond-line-of-sight voice and data connectivity.

By combining efficient bandwidth usage, adaptive coding and modulation and low-power transmission methods, GENSS enables resilient communications for mobile forces operating in contested or denied environments. It maintains reliable link performance in dynamic environments and inherently reduces the probability of detection and interception, using LPI-D techniques, AES encryption and anti-tamper protection, enhancing its security and operational effectiveness. Built as a software-defined system with modular architecture, GENSS is designed to support continuous capability evolution through software development, new waveforms and system integrations.

Simon Davies, Chief Executive at Spectra Group, said, “As a veteran and owner of a British business, it is extremely rewarding to have designed, engineered and manufactured GENSS to meet the complex and evolving communication demands of the modern soldier. Engineered with input from ex-serving military specialists to minimise operator burden and support effective use in demanding field conditions, GENSS is a lightweight, easy-to-use and highly adaptable communication system that provides assured connectivity in the most demanding of environments. We have worked closely with the UK MOD to ensure that GENSS meets their current and future requirements, and I am very pleased that again the UK MOD is leading the way in adopting this new capability.”

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said “This government is backing British innovators and entrepreneurs, doing things differently to deliver for our forces. These are contracts, not words or promises, and they mean that thirteen British companies, many of them new to defence, are receiving real investment to develop the technology our Armed Forces need. This is defence

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

BDT UK Announces Exclusive Partnership with the London Proof House

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

Tampa, Florida, SOF Week, 19 May – Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) has signed an exclusive agreement with the London Proof House, the UK’s statutory authority for the testing and safety certifications of small arms, to provide the advanced testing and proofing for the rifles it is putting forward to replace the current SA80 as part of Project GRAYBURN.

The agreement will mean that, should BDT UK win Project GRAYBURN, the London Proof House will provide all weapon proofing to ensure either the Beretta NARP or Sako ARG40 is ready for frontline service. The decision to sign the exclusive agreement is part of BDT UK’s mature position on Project GRAYBURN and recognises the essential part that proofing will play as part of the UK manufacturing chain.

As part of the development of its proposal for Project GRAYBURN, the business has highlighted that testing and proofing of the weapons is likely to present a critical step in the manufacturing process that is often overlooked. This agreement is aimed at ensuring these steps are at the centre of BDT UK’s offering to streamline the process from weapons manufacturing to front-line fielding.

The London Proof House remains one of only two proofing institutions in the UK. It continues to operate under the authority of the Gun Barrel Proof Act and subsequent legislative updates. The Proof House is responsible for testing both new and imported firearms, as well as re-proofing older guns that have undergone repairs or modifications.

The announcement comes as BDT UK demonstrates its proposal for Project GRAYBURN at SOF Week, focused on the importance of manufacturing the British Army’s future weapon systems in the UK.

Jack Cadman, Military Group Manager at BDT UK, said: “Our exclusive agreement with the London Proof House demonstrates the development of our sovereign manufacturing model for Project GRAYBURN and our focus on limiting risk for the customer. Having a partnership with the UK’s leading proofing organisation will help streamline manufacturing, getting new rifles into the hands of our soldiers faster.”

David Miles, Proof Master at The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, said: “BDT UK engaged us early in their bid preparation cycle and recognised the vital role that proofing will play in the manufacturing and delivery of Project GRAYBURN. This agreement represents a significant opportunity for the London Proof House, and we look forward to supporting BDT UK’s proposition to UK Defence.”

Posted in Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release, SOF Week, weapons | 1 Comment »

Open House at the Foreign Legion Recruitment Group – May 30 and 31, 2026

Sunday, May 17th, 2026

The famed French Foreign Legion has shared this press release with us. Please excuse any translation errors as it was provided in French and I have had to translate it to English.

In English

The Foreign Legion Recruitment Group, based at Fort de Nogent in Fontenay-sous-Bois, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its first-ever Open Days on May 30 and 31, 2026.

This unprecedented event continues the commemorative initiatives undertaken in honor of the 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment—a unit whose regimental flag has been proudly borne by the Legion’s recruiters since 2018.

A PROGRAM RICH IN TRADITION AND FESTIVITIES

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026: The day will begin at 10:30 AM with a military ceremony paying tribute to the 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment.

This ceremony will be distinguished by the first-ever appearance of the Foreign Legion Band at Fort de Nogent, and will be presided over by General Cyrille Youchtchenko, Commander of the Foreign Legion.

The ceremony will be followed by the opening of the fairgrounds, which this year will feature numerous rides, military demonstrations, and entertainment for visitors of all ages throughout the afternoon.

In the early evening, visitors can attend the election of “Miss Képi Blanc”—an iconic event that will crown the Legion’s beauty queen for the coming year.

The evening will continue with a unique musical and pyrotechnic display on the parade ground, followed by the traditional “Legionnaire’s Ball,” where guests can dance until 2:00 AM.

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026: The fairgrounds will open their gates at 11:30 AM for another full day of festivities.

The highlight of this second day will be the raffle drawing at 5:30 PM, offering numerous prizes to be won.

The Open Days will conclude at 9:00 PM, bringing to a close a weekend dedicated to shared experiences, discovery, and the enduring traditions of the Foreign Legion. ON-SITE DINING: Throughout the weekend, a varied selection of food and drink options will be available to visitors. Notably, a special food truck will be hosted by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx, who will offer a set meal—including a hamburger, organic beer, and a pastry—for just 12 euros, combining conviviality with gastronomic quality right at the heart of the event.

FORT DE NOGENT: A MAJOR RECRUITMENT HUB: Since 1962, Fort de Nogent has served as a key hub for Foreign Legion recruitment. Each year, more than 6,000 candidates volunteer, yet only 1,200 will ultimately join the ranks.

En Français

Le Groupement de recrutement de la Légion étrangère, basé au fort de Nogent à Fontenay-sous-Bois, a le plaisir d’annoncer l’organisation, pour la première fois, de ses portes ouvertes les 30 et 31 mai 2026.

Cet événement inédit s’inscrit dans la continuité des actions de mémoire menées autour du 11e régiment étranger d’infanterie, dont les légionnaires recruteurs portent le drapeau depuis 2018.

UN PROGRAMME RICHE EN TRADITIONS ET EN FESTIVITÉS SAMEDI 30 MAI 2026 : La journée débutera à 10h30 par une cérémonie militaire, en hommage au 11e régiment étranger d’infanterie, sera réhaussée par la présence inédite au Fort de Nogent de la Musique de la Légion étrangère et sera présidée par le général Cyrille Youchtchenko, commandant la Légion étrangère.

Elle sera suivie de l’ouverture de la kermesse, qui proposera cette année de nombreux manèges, démonstrations militaires et animations pour petits et grands tout au long de l’après-midi.

En début de soirée, les visiteurs pourront assister à l’élection de Miss Képi Blanc, événement emblématique qui consacrera la reine de beauté légionnaire pour une année.

La soirée se poursuivra avec un spectacle musical et pyrotechnique inédit sur la place d’armes, avant d’aller danser au traditionnel bal du légionnaire jusqu’à 2h du matin.

DIMANCHE 31 MAI 2026 : La kermesse ouvrira ses portes à partir de 11h30, pour une nouvelle journée de festivités. Point d’orgue de cette seconde journée : le tirage de la tombola à 17h30, offrant de nombreux lots à gagner.

Les portes ouvertes se clôtureront à 21h, après un week-end placé sous le signe du partage, de la découverte et de la tradition légionnaire.

RESTAURATION SUR PLACE : Tout au long du week-end, une offre de restauration variée sera proposée aux visiteurs. Un food truck exceptionnel sera notamment animé par le chef cuisinier étoilé Thierry Marx, qui proposera une formule comprenant hamburger, bière bio et pâtisserie pour seulement 12 euros, permettant de conjuguer convivialité et qualité gastronomique au cœur de l’événement.

FORT DE NOGENT ; UN HAUT LIEU DU RECRUTEMENT : Depuis 1962, le Fort de Nogent est un point clé du recrutement légionnaire. Chaque année, plus de 6000 candidats se portent volontaires mais seuls 1200 rejoindront

Finis

Posted in Forces Focus, International, Press Release | No Comments »