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Denmark Buys Four MQ-9B SkyGuardians from GA-ASI

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

NSPA Supports Denmark and European Countries in MQ-9B Acquisition and Sustainment

SAN DIEGO – 23 July 2025 – Denmark and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have announced the procurement of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. The purchase includes three Certified Ground Control Stations.

Denmark joins a growing list of European countries that have selected MQ-9B for its multi-domain capabilities with exceptionally long range and endurance. The platform provides pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capabilities to enable missions in the harsh conditions of the Arctic in support of Denmark and its NATO Allies. Additionally, MQ-9B’s in-house-developed Detect and Avoid System aids MQ-9B’s ability to fly in unsegregated airspace for domestic civilian operations, making it highly versatile for operations from Denmark.

MQ-9B recently became the first large remotely piloted aircraft to obtain a Military Type Certificate (MTC) from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, certifying its safe operation without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas.

“It’s been a very productive year for our MQ-9B platforms,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “First, we earned MTC and now we’ve added Denmark to the U.K., Belgium, and Poland as MQ-9B customers in Europe. I believe the extensive waters of the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea of the Nordic countries make the MQ-9B a very effective tool for national maritime surveillance and security.”

MQ-9B SkyGuardian is the first and only unmanned system to offer multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) as an internal payload that can search the ocean’s surface and its depths in support of Fleet Operations. MQ-9B can also be fitted with a number of payloads including a maritime surveillance package with a 360-degree maritime radar and/or sonobuoy dispensing pods.

This sale was aided and supported by NSPA, which has developed a contractual framework for supporting cooperation amongst its member nations and promoting the proliferation of MQ-9B in Europe. NSPA has added MQ-9B to its portfolio of defense systems to contract on behalf of European nations, with the goal of enhancing interoperability while facilitating training and joint operations.

“This procurement demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational acquisitions for advanced, interoperable capabilities. We are proud to support Denmark in this strategic investment for national maritime surveillance and security,” said Ms. Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA General Manager.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, International, NSPA, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Denmark Buys Four MQ-9B SkyGuardians from GA-ASI

DroneShield – Australia LAND 156 Initial Contracts Announcement

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Hon Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry, has today announced the initial LAND 156 contract awards
DroneShield has received approximately $5 million in orders, of $16.9 million total

DroneShield (ASX:DRO) is pleased to share the announcement by the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, regarding the award of a contract under Project LAND 156 to supply handheld counter-drone equipment to the Australian Defence Force.

DroneShield was awarded approximately $5 million of a $16.9 million in contracts (across 11 vendors, including 5 Australian Companies).

The contract involves the provision of portable drone detection and defeat systems designed to support ADF personnel in identifying and mitigating unmanned aerial threats. This procurement forms part of the Commonwealth’s broader initiative to accelerate the acquisition of counter-drone capabilities.

DroneShield will deliver equipment in accordance with the contract terms and project timelines.

In addition to this equipment delivery, DroneShield stands ready to support the ADF as Systems Integration Partner under the broader LAND 156 program. With deep expertise in sensor fusion, electronic warfare, and command-and-control integration, DroneShield is well positioned to contribute to the development of scalable, interoperable counter-drone architectures that meet Defence’s evolving operational requirements.

Image: Minister Conroy’s LAND 156 announcement

Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, has commented, ”Australian industry is critical to delivering this technology, and they are demonstrating world leading innovation while creating Australian jobs.”

“We welcome the opportunity to support the Australian Defence Force through Project LAND 156. This contract reflects the growing operational need for portable counter-drone capabilities and DroneShield’s continued role in delivering solutions aligned with Defence requirements,” said DroneShield Chief Executive Oleg Vornik.

“DroneShield’s handheld systems are designed for rapid deployment and ease of use in complex operational environments, offering frontline personnel reliable tools to detect and neutralise hostile drones. The awarded contract builds on DroneShield’s track record of delivering counter-UAS solutions to military and law enforcement customers globally, including in Ukraine.”

The full ministerial release is available here: www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-07-24/accelerating-acquisition-drone-counter-drone-technology

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield – Australia LAND 156 Initial Contracts Announcement

Arctic Technical Gear – MODSAW Zip Pouch

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Introducing the MODSAW Zip Pouch or Modular SAW Zip Pouch, it is a large multi purpose pouch with a huge range of uses. Modularity is the key, from SAW 200rnd boxes to double 1L Nalgene’s or a two quart soft canteen. Add a divider to put an IFAK on one side and 4 smoke grenades or NVGs on the other. Add dual flaps allow you to keep one side of the divider secure while accessing one.

Features:

Fits a 200rnd M249/C9 box, a 2 qt soft canteen or two 1L Nalgene bottles

4 or 3 columns of Molle/PALS mountable

Velcro loop lined allows dividers, organizers and flaps

Multiple interchangeable flaps

Optional removable velcro internal divider

Dual Molle/PALS columns on sides

Optional compression shockcord and cord lock

Holes at top for shock cord retention tabs for tall items such as radios or bottles(sold separately)

Internal tie down slots and TQ mounting/drainage holes

MOD Belt compatible mounting via bolts or side mounted QASM buckles

Available in MC, RG, CB and Black

3.5″D x 7.5″W x 8″H

Extremely durable, made entirely of Brookwood’s Squadron laminate

All components are Berry compliant including Squadron laminate, Velcro and ITW buckles. Assembled in Canada.

www.arctictechnicalgear.com/product/modsaw-zip

Posted in As Seen On Instagram, Guest Post, International, Load Carrying | 2 Comments »

CANSOFCOM Adopts Glock 45

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

In a recently released recruiting video, Canada Special Operations Forces Command spilled the beans on a couple of new capabilities.

While there was no public contract award, this Operator is seen shooting a G45 (which is 9mm not .45). CANSOFCOM transitioned to the C22 pistol based on the SIG P320 along with the rest of the Department of National Defence. However, based upon the fact that it made into this new video, they’ve likely been with the command for some time now.

When we inquired with DND about the new weapon, they provided us with this response:

“CANSOFCOM employs a range of weapon systems to meet a diverse set of mission requirements. We will not comment further on specific equipment details to protect operational security.”

There’s another Easter Egg in the video as well. This RECCE operator’s rifle is equipped with the Millbrook Strategic Sciences Multi Function Muzzle Device. That contract was announced during SHOT Show this year.

Here’s the entire video.

Posted in International, SOF, weapons | 2 Comments »

Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Demonstrates Cross-Domain Logistics Capabilities During EDA’s Inaugural OPEX Campaign

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Vienna, 22 July 2025: Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) successfully participated in the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) first-ever Operational Experimentation (OPEX) campaign, showcasing its autonomous cross-domain logistics capabilities in a complex, simulated operational environment.

Held over five weeks at the Italian Army’s Multifunctional Experimentation Centre (CEPOLISPE) and UTTAT (Ufficio Tecnico Territoriale Armamenti Terrestri di Nettuno), the campaign brought together six leading European defence companies to showcase the performance of Unmanned Air and Ground Systems (UAS and UGS) executing autonomous logistics missions across both the aerial and terrestrial domains. The event marked a significant step in fostering innovation and interoperability within the European defence landscape.

Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 conducted multiple daily logistics missions using an underslung cargo net, successfully transporting suspended cargo of more than 50 kg under challenging battlefield conditions. The UAS consistently demonstrated its robustness, reliability, and mission effectiveness – even when exposed to degraded communications, adverse weather, and contested operational environments.

“We are proud to have contributed to this important initiative led by the European Defence Agency,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “The S-100’s proven operational track record, combined with its autonomous logistics capability, underscores its value as a force multiplier in multi-domain operations.”

Posted in International, Logistics, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Demonstrates Cross-Domain Logistics Capabilities During EDA’s Inaugural OPEX Campaign

Rampart Awarded $10M Contract to Supply Rheinmetall 76mm Bi-Spectral Obscurant Grenades to the Department of National Defence

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Ottawa, ON – July 22nd, 2025 – Rampart Corp., Canada’s leading supplier of operational equipment to military and Law Enforcement end users, has been awarded a $10 million CAD contract by the Department of National Defence (DND) to supply 76mm Bi-Spectral Obscurant Grenades for use by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Manufactured by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (RWM) in Germany, the advanced grenades are designed to create an obscurant screen that conceals armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) from enemy detection systems. The screen is effective across multiple spectrums—including visual, thermal, and infrared—ensuring operational security and mobility in diverse combat environments and all-weather conditions.

“We are proud and excited to support the Canadian Armed Forces with the world’s most advanced land vehicle smoke protection systems from Rheinmetall,” said Mike Klein, President of Rampart. “Rampart’s partnership with Rheinmetall underscores our commitment to providing the CAF with best-in-class technology to enhance survivability and mission success.”

A RMWM representative added:

“Rheinmetall Waffe Munition would like to thank the Canadian Department of National Defence for their continued trust in the continuation of the decades-long partnership with Rheinmetall in service of the Canadian Armed Forces. This partnership is now being led in the very capable hands of our trusted partner and distributor RAMPART.”

This contract marks a significant milestone in Rampart’s growing defence portfolio and further strengthens Canada’s capability to equip its armed forces with NATO-compatible, combat-proven systems.

Learn more at www.rampartcorp.com

Posted in Camo, Contracts, International, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Rampart Awarded $10M Contract to Supply Rheinmetall 76mm Bi-Spectral Obscurant Grenades to the Department of National Defence

NP Aerospace Launches Their Proven Through-Life Support Services Package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles Market

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has launched their proven through-life support services package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) market. NP Aerospace currently supports over 18,000 vehicles across 30+ armoured, tactical, logistic and utility fleet types for a range of customers, globally, including the UK PMETS and CVSSP contracts. The know-how, practices and procedures developed to deliver this support are now being specifically shaped and offered into the global CAV marketplace, where it is estimated that there are over 100,000 vehicles in service across military, government, NGO and private security applications.

Support in this sector, to date, has been ad-hoc and decentralised. This fresh initiative will offer a one-stop-shop for fleet managers, no matter what vehicle types they may be operating.

In 2024, following the acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited, NP Aerospace inherited an established business stream in the specialist area of CAVs that includes both product (armoured vehicle designs, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300) and support services, delivered to a range of globally deployed in-service CAV fleets – around 100+ vehicles across 8 customers. In the last 12 months, a number of former Jankel supply and support CAV contracts have been novated to NP Aerospace and the continued support to global customers has been a key requirement of that transition process. Now, 12 months on, NP Aerospace is launching the CAV support capability offering more widely, to ensure that the very best support services can be delivered to current customers but also to expand that proven service offering across the global fleets. Potential new CAV support clients range from ministries of defence to NGO’s, and individual vehicle fleets are widely spread in terms of deployed geography. NP Aerospace recognises the resultant challenges and has developed a robust service offering that can be trusted to deliver and includes the additional and significant capabilities and expertise developed through NP’s legacy activity in this operationally critical vehicle support services arena.

Specifically, NP’s CAV support services package is vehicle type agnostic and includes: handover and commissioning; operator and maintainer training; deployed support (Field Service Representation – FSR); spare parts; service and maintenance; post design services; refurbishment and mid-life improvements; and secure disposal/destruction. NP Aerospace has recently increased the team size of this department by 50%, attracting some key talent to specific roles, to enable the successful delivery of this service offering – reassuring their specialist CAV customers.

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, commented: “This is an exciting milestone as we expand our proven through-life support services into the civilian armoured vehicle (CAV) market. Drawing on our experience supporting over 18,000 military and security platforms worldwide, we are applying our expertise and trusted capabilities to civilian fleets, regardless of their operating environment. Importantly, this support isn’t limited to vehicles we manufacture – it can be delivered for any vehicle type, operated by any fleet manager, anywhere in the world.” He added: “At the same time, our LC300 armoured Toyota platform not only meets key requirements for compliance, protection, and safety – it’s also engineered with a strong focus on reliability and maintainability. By combining competitive pricing with extended service life through robust support, the LC300 delivers outstanding full-life value.”

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Launches Their Proven Through-Life Support Services Package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles Market

Ultra I&C Successfully Demonstrates Resilient Tactical Communications for European NATO Allies

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

WARSAW, Poland—July 22, 2025— Ultra I&C has successfully demonstrated its Orion radio and Archer™ troposcatter systems to European NATO allies in Poland, marking a critical advancement in secure, multi-

domain and mobile communications networks. The demonstration validates foundational data transport layer capabilities essential to modern warfare where the speed of battlefield information determines operational success.

Ultra I&C deployed Orion X500 and X650 radios and Archer troposcatter technologies across five dispersed locations throughout Poland, delivering high-throughput data transmission across multiple waveforms and frequency bands. The exercise underscored how quickly and easily Ultra I&C’s advanced communications solutions can be deployed and operated—even in denied, degraded, intermittent and limited (DDIL) environments where adversaries actively target communications infrastructure.

“This demonstration proves our systems deliver an integrated, tactical advantage now,” said Jon Rucker, CEO of Ultra I&C. “Our combined line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight capabilities provide warfighters with high-capacity, long-range, resilient communications that securely deliver critical data in the toughest operational environments.”

Performance results Orion radios deployed on multiple platforms, including drones and vehicles, demonstrated exceptional operational flexibility and interoperability within a small form factor:

• 200×200 Mbps bidirectional throughput was achieved at distances exceeding 50 kilometers, with Band III and Band IV spectrum capability enabling mobile and dispersed C2 operations critical to force survivability.

• Orion’s frequency hopping capability demonstrated resilience against jamming in contested environments.

• The Orion X650 showcased Ultra I&C’s latest self-forming mobile ad hoc network (MANET) waveform, which employs advanced multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques to maximize data transmission speed and spectral efficiency.

Ultra I&C’s next generation Archer troposcatter system achieved high throughputs over 133 kilometers while maintaining secure links independent of satellites or ground-based infrastructure, with rapid and tool-less setup in under 15 minutes.

The demonstration reinforces Ultra I&C’s role as a key enabler of military modernization efforts for joint forces, delivering foundational communications infrastructure that enables all other command and control capabilities in next-generation warfare.

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Ultra I&C Successfully Demonstrates Resilient Tactical Communications for European NATO Allies