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Contract Awarded for Modernized Equipment for the Canadian Army’s Light Forces

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Dismounted infantry soldiers test Logistik Unicorp’s protective and load carriage equipment during trials for the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement trials. (Cpl Peter Grieves)

On March 18, 2025, Canada awarded a contract with an initial value of $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply the Canadian Army’s (CA) light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment. This contract includes the provision of ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, pack systems and associated pouches, as well as options for additional systems and services.

The current equipment used by CA soldiers offers excellent ballistic and blunt impact protection but requires modular capabilities for modern dismounted infantry operations. The Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE)initiative aims to improve the form, fit and function of this equipment, to enable a full range of motion for soldiers performing demanding tasks.

User trials were conducted from October to November 2024 with active dismounted infantry soldiers that provided detailed data and individual feedback, that were in turn analyzed carefully against the contract requirements. The result is that soldiers will be equipped with the modern and effective equipment needed to do their jobs, at the best value to Canadians. To address past concerns about fit, especially for women, the trials included soldiers of different sizes and body types, with female participation at 13.3 percent,higher than the 0.3 percentrepresentation in dismounted infantry units.

The new equipment was exhaustively tested to ensure that it fits various bodies and forms, with soft armour available in two distinct cuts. Ballistic plates will be offered in a greater range of sizes to maximize comfort and protection. While protection remains the priority, the new equipment significantly improves overall fit and coverage.

The new equipment is expected to be delivered starting in fall 2025 and will be used in conjunction with the contract awarded to Galvion in March 2023 for new helmets (known as the “Helmet High Cut Ground Troop”). While that initial contract was for 2,100 helmets and spare parts for the light forces, the Department of National Defence (DND) has since exercised its options to obtain more, bringing the total number of helmets to 10,500, for a total contract value of $14.9 million.

The DICE is working in parallel with the Soldier Operational Clothing Enhancement Modernization (SOCEM)initiative, which provides all CA units with a full range of modernized equipment and clothing. The DICE initiative allows DND to purchase smaller quantities of equipment for specific groups, and to trial procurement methods that can be applied to the larger SOCEM initiative. This approach helps to deliver new equipment quickly and effectively by applying best practices from smaller procurements.

By Nancy Cook

The Maple Leaf

Photo and article via CANADA DND

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post, International, Load Carrying, Packs | 3 Comments »

SCD USA Announces Design-In Wins for MIRA SWIR Camera Across Multiple North American Defense Programs

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

MIRA Short-Wave Infrared Camera Delivers Advanced CST and Event-Based Imaging for Enhanced Threat Detection; Initial Orders Secured for Airborne Application

Colorado Springs, Colorado – May 21, 2025, – SCD USA proudly announces the successful design-in of its MIRA Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) camera into several major defense programs across North America. These integrations span a variety of defense platforms, including man-portable systems, armored fighting vehicles, loitering munitions, and counter-UAS systems.

In a key milestone, SCD USA has also secured an initial low-rate production order for airborne deployment, reflecting the MIRA camera’s technological maturity and growing relevance in advanced defense applications. This integration marks the beginning of broader adoption, with MIRA poised to become a standard imaging solution in future procurements across these platforms.

MIRA is powered by SCD’s advanced SWIFT-EI InGaAs detector, offering exceptional SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) SWIR sensor, with VGA resolution, multi-spot Asynchronous Laser Pulse Detection (ALPD), and ultra-high-speed frame rates up to 1,500 fps. The SWIFT-EI also integrate event-based, neuromorphic imaging, which reduces bandwidth requirements by detecting and transmitting only scene changes—critical for high-efficiency SWIR imaging in real-time battlefield scenarios.

Additionally, MIRA incorporates Coded Spot Tracking (CST), providing unmatched operational flexibility for a wide range of missions. With its 10µm pixel pitch, compact design, and low power consumption, MIRA is ideally suited for integration into small payloads, missile seekers, vehicles, and hand-held devices. Its enhanced background-independency improves situational awareness in complex environments.

“The integration of MIRA into these defense programs underscores its essential role in enhancing operational effectiveness across modern military platforms,” said Mark Fydenkevez, CEO of SCD USA. “We remain committed to delivering next-generation SWIR technology that empowers our customers to achieve mission success with unmatched performance and innovation.”

Posted in International, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on SCD USA Announces Design-In Wins for MIRA SWIR Camera Across Multiple North American Defense Programs

Milrem Robotics to Provide Six THeMIS UGVs to CNIM Systèmes Industriels Intended for Ukraine

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, will supply the French company CNIM Systèmes Industriels with six THeMIS UGVs, which will be integrated with route clearance systems and delivered to Ukraine.

CNIM Systèmes Industriels will provide Ukraine with six ROCUS (Route Clearance Unmanned Systems). Financed by the French government, ROCUS UGVs will be delivered to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) for rapid ground clearance.

The ROCUS was developed based on the THeMIS platform and includes a route clearance payload developed and adapted by CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

ROCUS UGVs extend the stand-off distance from threats and improve operational effectiveness in high-risk environments. They enable units to remotely inspect, confirm, and neutralise a broad spectrum of explosive threats, thereby ensuring the safety of deminers.

ROCUS’ will help SESU secure civilians’ movement, protect the environment, revive agriculture in the country, and rebuild residential areas.

“We are proud to continue to support Ukraine through the contract with CNIM Systèmes Industriels. THeMIS UGVs have already proven their versatility and reliability in various operational scenarios in Ukraine and elsewhere,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Our continuous partnership with CNIM Systèmes Industriels to provide the ROCUS system demonstrates the strength of European defence cooperation and the commitment to supplying meaningful capabilities to Ukraine.”

The six UGVs will join the first seven ROCUS systems deployed in Ukraine in 2022. In total, 15 unmanned systems from Milrem Robotics have been deployed to Ukraine.

Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV is part of robotics programmes or is in service in 19 countries, making it the most widely used UGV in its size class.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics to Provide Six THeMIS UGVs to CNIM Systèmes Industriels Intended for Ukraine

Thales Unveils Its Panoramic Quad-Tube Night Vision Goggle

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Presented for the first time at SOFINS1, PANORAMIC is a lightweight, compact night vision goggle equipped with four light intensification tubes to provide an extra-wide field-of-view. It is particularly well-suited to the needs of special operations forces and specialised units conducting sensitive missions such as counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.
Fully funded by France’s defence innovation agency (AID), the development of the PANORAMIC goggle was completed in just over two years by Thales’s centre of excellence for soldier optronics.
The PANORAMIC binocular is currently being evaluated by the French Army’s Technical Section (STAT) and Special Forces.

The PANORAMIC night vision goggle provides a field-of-view approaching the capabilities of the human eye to enhance situational awareness in low-light conditions. With four tubes instead of two, soldiers can quickly perceive their entire operational surroundings without moving their heads, enabling them to react more quickly to potential threats in their peripheral field of vision.

PANORAMIC’s patented architecture offers the best combination of performance, ergonomic design and volume currently available on the international market. It weighs just 740 g and is no wider than the soldier’s helmet. As well as the conventional helmet flip-up feature, each of the outer tubes can be raised independently, powering off automatically to guarantee discretion. Designed for optimum energy efficiency, this revolutionary new product is battery operated, with an available external battery pack for longer periods of operation.

The PANORAMIC night observation device is fully compatible with night sights such as the XTRAIM weapon sight. It is a compact, robust unit designed to accommodate future technologies and functionalities, and includes an optimised maintenance plan to maximise operational availability.

PANORAMIC unveiled for the first time at the 2025 edition of SOFINS, offering a further illustration of Thales’s 30-year track record of innovation in the design and development of night observation solutions to meet the full range of requirements of land forces personnel.

Specifically designed for special operations forces and specialised units in France and internationally, the PANORAMIC goggle is 100% made in France and ITAR-free.

“SOFINS is the ideal opportunity for us to present PANORAMIC, our new extra-wide field-of-view night observation device. Thales’s team technical expertise allowed the development of a ground-breaking night vision solution offering the robust design and outstanding performance needed to support the success of night-time missions and protect our soldiers at their most vulnerable moments.”

– Alexis Morel, Vice President, Optronics, Missile Electronics and Unmanned Air Systems, Thales

1 SOFINS: Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar

Posted in International, Optics, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Regulus is Proud to Announce the Opening of a New Permanent Headquarters in the Philippines

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

Regulus is Proud to Announce the Opening of a New Permanent Headquarters in the Philippines. Chief Operating Officer Richard Allred had the honor of cutting the ribbon to open the new office. Allred explained the significance of Regulus’s permanent physical presence. “Our mission has always been to get the products and services that matter the most to the people who need them the most: this office represents our commitment to renewing and expanding that charge in the Philippines.” This new office will facilitate stronger US/Philippine defense integration and public/private cooperation that will directly benefit the Filipino people. Allred added, “We are proud to take the next step in serving and cementing the relationship between America and one of the most robust and reliable democratic allies in a dynamic region.”

Regulus’s new headquarters will strengthen a crucial ally in a number of ways. It advances the Philippines’ mission to maintain peace and deter aggression and opens new opportunities for cooperation in defense industrial strategy. It creates new opportunities for public/private cooperation in nation-strengthening sectors like healthcare and telecommunications. Finally, this office will provide new jobs and opportunities for economic growth to an increasingly vibrant economy. Cumulatively, this new physical presence will deepen an already robust relationship between Regulus and the Philippines and enhance a valuable economic and defense industrial partnership that demonstrates the crucial role US logistics partners play in supporting America’s Asia Pacific Strategy.

regulusglobal.com

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U.S. Special Operations Command Hosts First Ever International Commander’s Forum to Build Generational Relationships During Special Operations Forces Week 2025

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

U.S. Special Operations Command kicked off Special Operations Forces Week 2025 with an International Commander’s Forum. The forum was attended by 311 participants from 61 countries with 78 Special Operations Forces units represented.

The Forum was incorporated this year directly based on recommendations after the 2024 SOF Week. USSOCOM’s international division recognized that the most valuable part of the week was the interaction between command teams. Maintaining strong networks, and developing generational relationships is strength of special operations.

Building generational relationships takes commitment. While SOF Week is fast paced, with the displays, panels, keynote speakers, so it was a deliberate effort to start the week with this Forum to set the tone. Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander U.S. Special Operations Command often says, “relationships are our competitive advantage.”

USSOCOM has always recognized the significant role that international partnerships play in accomplishing the mission of special operations forces around the globe. To grow and develop generational partnerships, the Command hosted more than 60 countries from around the world.

The conference was attended by King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein along with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and current and retired senior military leaders.

“In today’s contested world SOF does not go alone. They go first, but they also go with partners. SOF’s ability to work by, with and through international partners pays huge dividends on our border, in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” said Hegseth. “Partners, as I see so many of our partners right here in the front, are central to how SOF works. They must believe that America is strong, that peace through strength is real, then they want to come into our orbit and be force multipliers. I’m talking about generational relationships that we have built with partner forces around the globe.”

“The fusion of what we have in this room — interagency, industry, academia, practitioners, and policymakers — is tied together and galvanized towards irregular and asymmetric options,” said Fenton. “We’re the scalpel, but when the time comes, we can bring the hammer too.”

A special operations officer from Japan reflected on his relationship with U.S. SOF.

“My relationship with U.S. SOF has been built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences in the field. We’ve trained, planned, and operated together—not as separate forces, but as one team with a common mission. That connection has only deepened over time. Generational partnerships ensure that knowledge, values, and strategic alignment are passed down and sustained. I was surprised and deeply moved when I discovered that my jump buddy from 1st SFG ten years ago was now serving as J3-I Director, USSOCOM as my counterpart. In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, it’s not just about the mission at hand—it’s about building a legacy of trust and collaboration that empowers future operators and leaders,” he said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the SOCOM community. Your commitment, humility, and professionalism have inspired me throughout my journey. To my partners—let’s continue building something greater than ourselves. The mission continues, and so does our unbreakable bond.”

A Jordanian special operations officer emphasized the strategic value of long-lasting relationships between allies.

“Our relationship is strategic, productive, and collaborative. This is an historical, long-lasting relationship that we will always maintain. Relationships continue to grow in unprecedented ways with an increase in joint combat operations and UAS development for both Special Operations organizations. Generational partnerships are also extremely important. We continue to build on our partnerships to reach a level of trust that leads us to greater interoperability, seamless integration, and eventual interdependence to fight together as force multipliers,” he said.

SOF employs a partnership model around the world to build partner nation security force capacity and capability. The intangible power of generational partnerships comes from thoughtful, deliberate, and persistent interactions that lead to partnerships, and this intentional effort is irreplaceable for advancing and protecting U.S. national security interests.

Story by Michael Bottoms

U.S. Special Operations Command

Posted in Guest Post, International, SOF, SOF Week | Comments Off on U.S. Special Operations Command Hosts First Ever International Commander’s Forum to Build Generational Relationships During Special Operations Forces Week 2025

Black Folium – Ground To Air Signal Kit

Monday, May 19th, 2025

Introducing the GTAS Kit, the larger and more advanced version of Black Folium’s popular ISKIT. Designed specifically for performing the Ground-To-Air Signal (GTAS) procedures according to STANAG standards, this kit includes everything you need for effective aerial communication.

The signal panel, inspired by the military VS-17, measures 180 x 60 cm and is made from ultra-lightweight materials. Despite its size, the entire kit weighs only 180 grams, making it easy to carry without compromising functionality.

Pouch is available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and MultiCam.

Limited quantities in stock – order now!

blackfolium.com/products/gtas-kit

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Newly Revealed Defence Company Tiberius Aerospace Launches “Sceptre” a Revolutionary New Ramjet 155mm Munition

Monday, May 19th, 2025

Tiberius Aerospace is a modern defence technology company built to empower the UK, US and their global allies with next generation weapon systems and AI powered solutions.

Tiberius is publicly announcing its flagship weapons program, Sceptre (TRBM 155HG), a revolutionary new liquid fuelled, 155mm Ramjet extended-range precision-guided artillery munition. Sceptre delivers superior precision and dramatically improves the cost effectiveness of all howitzer class artillery. This announcement coincides with the Future Artillery conference, London 20-22 May 2025.

Emerging today from stealth mode, Tiberius Aerospace was founded in 2022, in response to a new era of conflict where speed, adaptability, cost-effective capability and supply chain assurance are essential to national security. With its founders’ DNA rooted in Silicon Valley, Tiberius’ team of engineers, strategists and entrepreneurs are applying best practices, innovative design and engineering expertise from multiple commercial sectors to rapidly deliver high-impact, compliant, modular and open architecture weapon systems.

The first product to be announced by Tiberius Aerospace is Sceptre (TRBM 155HG) – a revolutionary new 155mm ramjet extended-range precision-guided ballistic munition reaching speeds of Mach 3.5 and altitudes in excess of 65,000 feet (beyond jamming range). Its unique design balances performance and operational efficiency (manufacturing, safety, maintenance and modularity) to deliver a next-generation munition for legacy artillery and future platforms. Sceptre has an extended range up to 150km depending on payload (max 5.2kg) and superior targeting precision with a circular error probability (CEP) of less than 5m, even in GPS contested battlespaces, compared
to over 100m for traditional artillery. Designed with the customer and end user foremost, the
system is fully compatible with NATO standard 155mm artillery platforms and its ignition system and limited barrel contact points minimises barrel degradation. To reduce the logistics burden, minimise storage and in-transit safety hazards, and maximise shelf life beyond 20 years, Sceptre uses a proprietary just-in-time, multi-fuel (diesel, JP-4 and JP-8) liquid propellent design.

Sceptre was designed to allow a cost down procurement model that broadens and strengths the supply chain, delivering better security, resiliency and cost efficiency. Its modular, open architecture allows for future software and hardware upgrades drawing on modern technology best practice. Its sophisticated guidance system has a simple user interface for target selection and supports an open API for 3rd party fire control platform integration. During flight, the onboard GPS and inertial measurement unit synchronise and leverage advanced AI to error correct to desired confidence levels, allowing operation in degraded or GPS denied environments. If needed, multiple munitions can communicate in-flight to further refine the targeting solution. Sceptre delivers a 10X solution – precision, cost-effective, long-range capability with minimal collateral damage.

Chad Steelberg, Founder and CEO of Tiberius Aerospace said: “Our mission is to deliver next-
generation weapon systems of outstanding capability with precision, scale and efficiency. The public launch of Sceptre today, the first of our Ramjet munitions, meets this goal and fills a critical capability gap by delivering long-range precision-guided effects in a high-quality cost-effective package. Tiberius’ innovation pipeline of products and services is engineered to catalyse a strategic leap in defence—empowering the UK, the US and their allies with unmatched agility, precision and rock-solid resilience.”

Posted in International, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Newly Revealed Defence Company Tiberius Aerospace Launches “Sceptre” a Revolutionary New Ramjet 155mm Munition