Offered in Finnish M05 Woodland and Alpine versions, the Commando Cap from Varusteleka is made from Merino wool and available in Medium and Large sizes. Inspired by the Finnish Army Sissipipo, these are made Made by Agtuvi Oy in Finland.
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Varusteleka Commando Cap
Tuesday, November 25th, 2025Milipol 25 – North Eagles
Tuesday, November 25th, 2025North Eagles is a Swiss firm specializing in wrist one situational awareness systems. For instance they manufacture a gas detector for industrial applications.
At Milipol they showed their newest creation, a tactical instrument which offers several functions:
Battlefield Situational Awareness
- Collect and analyze data generated by the watch sensors or connected sensors
(GPS, acceleration & pressure sensor, noise) - Generate an automatic report of the current field situation (rest or active time, soldier is moving rapidly, fall, explosion, shootings, combat intensity, etc.)
- Geolocation of troops at Soldier level
- Target geolocation
- Distance to target
- Blue forces geolocation
- Dead reckoning (GNSS denied environment)
Soldier Health Awareness
- Collect & analyse data generated by the watch sensors or connected sensors (heart beat, acceleration & pressure sensors, noise)
- Generate an automatic report of the soldier’s health: stress level, estimated need to recover, medical issue
- Vital information transmission
- Proof of life
Communication & Data
- C2 Support: Enables command and control functions
- Secure Communication: Provides encrypted data transmission.
- Multi-Function: Handles location, status, requests & commands
- Jamming resistance & minimal radio signature
- Kill Switch
Additionally, this wrist mounted device offers the wearer access to the following data:
- Local temperature
- Local pressure
- Blue and Red tracking
- Gas detector
- Ionizing radiation detector
- Explosives detector
- Narcotics detector
Although the screen does not depict a map, the system will integrate vector map backgrounds. Additionally, it uses a spread spectrum protocol to connnect to Soldierborne comms systems.
Learn more at northeagles.ch.
NIOA, Defence Sign Long-Term SMALL Arms Support Deal
Monday, November 24th, 2025NIOA has signed a new long-term small arms support contract with the Australian Department of Defence.
The new support contract engages Australian-owned NIOA for the through-life support of select ADF in-service weapons as well as the next generation LAND300 Lethality Program systems until 2032.
NIOA was appointed by Defence in September 2022 as the prime contractor for Tranche 1 Stage 2 of LAND300 which includes new sniper systems, surveillance and target acquisition devices, pistols, shotguns and personal defence weapons for Australia’s soldiers, sailors and aviators.
NIOA General Manager – Weapons and Munitions Mick Ahern said: “NIOA’s team of expert Project Managers and Engineers have built a unique skill set in planning, conducting and delivering small arms test programs to meet LAND300 and wider Defence needs.
“This new contract marks an important milestone in the delivery of new capability and the continued support to existing small arms capabilities for the Australian warfighter while recognising the efforts of and confidence the Commonwealth has in NIOA’s Weapons and Munitions teams.”
European Consortium Launches iMUGS2 to Advance Interoperable Unmanned Ground Systems
Sunday, November 23rd, 2025
A European consortium uniting leading defence, research, and technology organisations from across the Union has launched the iMUGS2 project to develop the next generation of interoperable unmanned ground systems, following its successful proposal to the European Commission under its European Defence Fund (EDF) programme. The project is coordinated by Milrem Robotics.
Building on the achievements of the first iMUGS project, iMUGS2 aims to enhance Europe’s autonomy and robotics capabilities by developing a scalable, interoperable, and secure system-of-systems architecture for both unmanned and manned platforms. The project reinforces Europe’s technological sovereignty in key defence areas, including AI-driven autonomy, systems integration, communications, and command and control.
“With iMUGS2, Europe takes another significant step towards developing truly interoperable and scalable robotic forces that enhance the continent’s defence capabilities,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics. “The project promotes innovation and cooperation among European nations, ensuring that future AI-based autonomous systems can operate seamlessly together on the battlefield.”
iMUGS2 begins immediately with extensive conceptual, operational, and technical development across multiple domains. Partners will design and refine operational concepts, system architectures, and technological solutions that advance manned–unmanned teaming, autonomous functions, secure communications, and electronic protection.
In parallel, the project focuses on system integration, lifecycle efficiency, and interoperability, laying the groundwork for upcoming demonstrations and capability deployment across Europe’s defence landscape. These developments will ensure resilient, cost-effective, and future-ready unmanned systems.
About iMUGS2
With a total value of approximately €55 million and nearly €50 million in EDF funding, iMUGS2 pursues three strategic objectives: to develop and demonstrate combat-ready unmanned ground systems that support dismounted troops; to define operational concepts showing how unmanned ground and aerial systems can improve infantry battalion operations and cross-domain cooperation; and to advance modular, open architectures and lifecycle management frameworks that ensure interoperability across both legacy and future platforms.
About the Consortium:
The iMUGS2 Consortium comprises 29 partners from 15 European Union member states. The group includes large corporations, mid-sized businesses, SMEs, and research organisations. Each partner provides leading expertise in their respective fields, supporting a comprehensive vision throughout the project’s lifecycle. This diversity allows the consortium to tackle potential challenges and deliver strategic, effective solutions.
The iMUGS2 Consortium includes the following entities: AVL List, Bittium Wireless, Bureau Veritas, Czech Technical University in Prague, Cybernetica, Delft Dynamics, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, Elettronica, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, FN Herstal, GMV, Huta Stalowa Wola, Insta Advance, Integrated Systems Development, John Cockerill Defense, Kepla, KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, ?ukasiewicz – PIAP, Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Nortal (Talgen Cybersecurity), Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Svensk Konstruktionstjänst and TNO.
For more information, please visit imugs.eu.
Launching the AI Model Arena
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025The Defence AI Centre has worked with industry to develop a new tool that will help redefine how Defence evaluates and procures AI technologies.
The Defence AI Centre (DAIC) is launching the AIModel Arena to help redefine how Defence evaluates and procures artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
The tool, developed in partnership with UK AIcompany Advai and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), will pilot a secure, standardised platform for suppliers to more rapidly test and demonstrate their models against Defence use cases.
The AI Model Arena will:
- help UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) identify the best AI solutions and provide an objective ‘demonstration by doing’ mechanism for triaging into the Defence Tech Scaler and innovation pathways
- enable more dynamic supplier interactions, significantly reducing timelines by assessing up to 100 models simultaneously and providing constructive feedback to suppliers, helping them to iterate their solutions
- communicate priority Defence use cases and initial key requirements, ahead of the more comprehensive testing associated with pre-deployment stages, for any solutions that are triaged
The AI Model Arena will be a secure, vendor-neutral evaluation platform that can objectively assess models across 4 critical categories: performance, reliability, robustness, and security. These data-backed evaluations will be based on Defence-specific requirements such as JSP 936. Up to 100 suppliers can be phased through a down-selection process, ensuring the best-in-class solutions progress.
The AI Model Arena builds on work previously undertaken by the Royal Navy in partnership with Advai and the Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE), a Home Office unit solving public sector data challenges, where MOD first conducted independent side-by-side testing of AImodels from multiple suppliers. This approach supports more confident procurement decisions while mitigating risks and ensuring performance, robustness, and security in mission-specific scenarios. It will also help with earlier identification of the most promising models and suppliers, reducing procurement bottlenecks, accelerating innovation, and ensuring the most promising AI solutions are triaged for procurement teams to investigate further.
Head of DAIC, Commodore Rachel Singleton said:
This initiative is central to our ambition to adopt AI responsibly and at pace, ensuring we maintain a strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive landscape. I encourage all AI suppliers to engage with the AI Model Arena. This is your opportunity to showcase your capabilities, drive innovation, and help shape the future of Defence AI.
The AI Model Arena pilot provides a scalable solution to procurement challenges, improving performance, boosting confidence, and delivering cutting-edge AI capabilities to our warfighters in a much shorter timeframe. Falling in line with the ambitions outlined in Action 43 of the AI Opportunities Plan (2025), the tool can automate the evaluation of AI models against Defence benchmarks. This approach will ultimately deliver the same insight as more intensive review techniques, but with significantly shorter timelines.
The AI Model Arena will speed up the rate of AIadoption, in support of matching the demand outlined in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). Its vendor-neutral processes support a level playing field for industry and enables the growth of UK small and medium-sized enterprises by identifying where they have an edge, helping advance a stronger sovereign AI ecosystem.
Achieving these strategic ambitions will result in the efficient procurement of secure, compliant and operationally ready AI systems for Defence.
By streamlining how we evaluate and procure AItechnologies, the AI Model Arena will help to reduce barriers to innovation, strengthen our defence industrial partnerships, and ensure our warfighters have access to the most advanced AIsolutions to operate, deter, fight and win. The AIModel Arena directly supports the SDR’s recommendation to harness cutting-edge technology and innovation to maintain the UK Defence’s strategic advantage. As part of MOD’s Digital Function, the DAIC enables and accelerates AI across Defence. The Digital Function is part of the newly formed National Armaments Director Group, which brings together acquisition, science, innovation and support functions under unified leadership to deliver capabilities faster and more efficiently for our Armed Forces.
The Defence AI Centre are aiming for the Model Arena to be live by DAIC Connect 2026 being held in March next year.
Find out more about the Defence AI Centre and stay up to date by following the DAIC on LinkedIn.
From UK Ministry of Defence
G3 Systems Selected as the Preferred Supplier to Upgrade NavyPODS Capability
Friday, November 21st, 2025G3 Systems Limited, the British company with over 24 years of operationally proven expertise in designing and producing deployable infrastructure and containerised solutions, has recently completed an essential upgrade to an existing NavyPODS unit. The work has been completed for QinetiQ on behalf of the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and aligns with previous work that G3 Systems completed for the Royal Navy early in the development of the NavyPODS concept.
The Royal Navy’s vision for NavyPODS represented a paradigm shift in maritime capability. Rather than traditional ship designs with fixed systems, the focus switched to simplicity, adaptability and modularity. The concept, driven forward by OCTO, revolves around the idea of utilising standardized containers as Persistent Operational Deployment System (PODS) housing a spectrum of capabilities, ranging from precision strike and unmanned air systems to directed energy and medical aid.
G3 Systems has vast experience and proven expertise in designing, building and supporting such high-specification, bespoke, deployable containerised solutions. In addition, G3 Systems also has extensive experience in designing and delivering NavyPODS, having produced the very successful Heavy Lift Drone NavyPODS capability in 2022.
This project was required to upgrade an existing NavyPODS system, for which G3 Systems were not the OEM, to deliver the intended capability. The work included fitting an internal lift structure,bupgrading the roof opening system and repairing and upgrading the structure to meet operational requirements. At the same time, G3 Systems upgraded the ancillary systems to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Nick Rose, Managing Director G3 Systems said, “This work allowed G3 Systems to utilise our knowledge and understanding from the initial NavyPODS concept, and demonstrates our versatility and ability to take on equipment for which are not the OEM, understand it and improve it to meet the customer’s operational requirements. I am really pleased that we have been able to ensure all aspects of the unit are now fully operational and meet the requirements of the end-user.”
SCHUBERTH GmbH Presents New T100C Training Helmet
Friday, November 21st, 2025Magdeburg, 18 November 2025 – Head protection specialist SCHUBERTH GmbH from Magdeburg is presenting the new T100C training helmet at Milipol Paris 2025. The helmet was developed specifically for training as well as operational scenarios in military and law enforcement settings, combining low weight with maximum protection and modularity. With this, SCHUBERTH expands its portfolio of tactical head protection systems with another practical, field-oriented model.
Optimized for Training and Real-Condition Operations
The T100C is the training variant of the proven M100 combat helmet and features the same interfaces (rails, shroud, etc.) and identical interior components, ensuring that operation remains unchanged for the user. The newly developed multilayer carbon-composite shell provides maximum shape stability and durability while significantly reducing weight.
Weighing just 750 g (sizes XS–M) and 790 g (sizes M–XL), the T100C is the lightest training helmet in its class. For the first time, a tactical training helmet meets the requirements of the mountaineering helmet standard EN 12492 and the whitewater helmet standard EN 1385.
The EPP inner shell with 4-point chin strap and neck cushion provides optimal comfort and shock absorption. Thanks to the new adjustable interior system, the helmet can be individually adapted to head shape and wearing preference and is compatible with all tactical hearing protection systems available on the market.
Flexibility Through a Modular Accessory System
Like all modern SCHUBERTH system helmets, the T100C features a fully modular design. The integrated rail system with three attachment points allows simultaneous mounting of oxygen or respiratory masks, communication systems, cameras, or IR/IFF identification modules. Additionally, the helmet is equipped with the Enhanced Connection Device (ECD) system, which provides extended interfaces for additional accessories—from artificial camouflage material to tactical add-on components.
Design and Safety According to International Standards
The T100C meets the relevant safety standards for training and exercise helmets:
• Mountaineering helmet EN 12492
• Whitewater helmet EN 1385
It is available in Black, Bronze Green, and Sand Brown. The helmet shell features a high-cut design.
“With the T100C, we are offering our military and police partners a training solution that replicates the handling and ergonomics of our combat helmets exactly—at significantly reduced weight and with maximum wearing comfort. This closes the gap between realistic training and operational deployment,” explains Milad Youkhanna, Head of Military & Law Enforcement at SCHUBERTH GmbH.
Rheinmetall Receives Order to Modernise the German Army Combat Training Centre
Thursday, November 20th, 2025Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract by the Bundeswehr to modernise its Army Combat Training Centre (Gefechtsübungszentrum Heer, GÜZ) in Saxony-Anhalt. The main objective is to integrate the ‘Digitalisation of Land-based Operations’ (D-LBO) project into the central training facility of the land forces. The contract was booked in October 2025 and is worth around €61 million gross. The first services will also be provided in 2025, with the full integration scheduled for early 2028.
The project will have a particular focus on integrating the new digital radio system into the combat training centre. Additionally, all data provided via the battle management system will be displayed in the centre’s command and control centre. Hence, the existing radio infrastructure will be upgraded and expanded extensively. Other components of the contract include establishing a new broadband radio infrastructure using 5G technology, and integrating the Tactical Core software from Rheinmetall subsidiary Blackned into the existing communications infrastructure.
Modernisation will enhance and institutionalize training and leadership capabilities of the Bundeswehr and its NATO allies for the future. A unique multinational interoperability in the training context is being created in the Altmark region.
Once the project is complete, the standard of training at the Combat Training Centre will be elevated to a new hight. The central evaluation software of the centre already offers the option of displaying language and position. Additionally, all digital command processes of the ‘Sitaware Frontline’ and ‘HQ’ systems introduced in the Bundeswehr will now also be processed in the central training software. This allows exercises to be evaluated more comprehensively for all participants.
By the end of 2024, Rheinmetall had won several major digitalisation contracts for the Bundeswehr. Notably, these include the contract to integrate all land forces’ vehicle and platform IT systems as part of D-LBO and the contract to establish and operate the Tactical Wide Area Network for Land Based Operations (TaWAN LBO). In addition, Rheinmetall has been commissioned to supply soldier systems for the digitalisation of infantry forces. The current contract is another important step forward in this context, as it makes the German Army’s unique European training facility ‘D-LBO-ready’.
