Australia’s DefendTex has been keeping a close eye on drone operations in Ukraine and introduced a fiber optic cable guidance kit for their family of Vengeance FPV drones.
Here you can see the canister mounted to a Vengeance drone sitting atop their Banshee robot.
The Secuvac from Secumar is a waterproof protection system for the evacuation of injured persons secured to a stretcher. It prevents contact with water and thus hypothermia.
The consortium that successfully delivered the groundbreaking iMUGS (integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) project in 2023 has secured funding from the European Defence Fund (EDF) for the follow-up project, iMUGS2, which aims to develop next-generation Multipurpose Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS).
The consortium’s €55 million proposal, submitted under the EDF’s 2024 call for collaborative defence research and development, was officially approved for funding of nearly €50 million in late April. This strategic victory highlights Europe’s commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities and technological independence through innovative and cooperative industrial development.
“Winning this EDF call is a crucial step in ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of developing advanced unmanned technologies. Our consortium unites top-tier expertise from across the EU, and we are prepared to deliver a capability that enhances our armed forces’ operational effectiveness and safety,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics, the consortium lead.
Unmanned vehicles (UxVs) have emerged as one of the most significant innovations in modern military operations, as evidenced by their deployment during the war in Ukraine. Effective cooperation among UxVs, manned vehicles, operators, and soldiers is crucial for enhancing combat effectiveness. This collaboration aims to reduce casualties, minimise collateral damage, and lessen the cognitive burden on warfighters.
Using outputs from iMUGS and other European-funded initiatives, iMUGS2 aims to expedite research and move rapidly towards practical, deployable solutions. The enhancement of operational capabilities will be demonstrated through trials with military tactical units. The project will also focus on developing interoperability among European nations and incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where several Consortium member systems are deployed.
“Our project aims to develop and deploy cost-effective, modular unmanned systems capable of supporting dismounted, mechanised, and motorised infantry in all European environments, including GNSS-denied areas and adverse climatic conditions,” Rikk added.
iMUGS2 has three primary outcomes. Firstly, it aims to develop, validate, and demonstrate cost-effective, combat-ready UGSs that support dismounted troops at various operational levels and provide practical value in different operations. Secondly, the project will establish operational concepts demonstrating how UGS and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can enhance the capabilities of infantry battalions and cross-domain operations. Thirdly, the project will improve the modular and open architecture and Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) framework, which enables the efficient integration of autonomous functionalities with both legacy and new systems across unmanned and optionally manned ground platforms, including the conversion of manned vehicles.
About the Consortium
The iMUGS2 consortium has grown to include 29 partners from 15 European Union member states and associated nations, encompassing all initial project partners. The team consists of large corporations, mid-sized businesses, SMEs, and research organisations. Each partner contributes leading expertise in their respective fields, promoting a comprehensive vision throughout the project’s lifecycle. This diversity allows the consortium to tackle potential challenges and deliver strategic and effective solutions.
The iMUGS2 Consortium consists of the following entities: AVL List, Bittium Wireless, Czech Technical University in Prague, Cybernetica, Delft Dynamics, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, Elettronica, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, FN Herstal, GMV Aerospace and Defence, Huta Stalowa Wola, Insta Advance, Integrated Systems Development, John Cockerill Defense, KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, ?ukasiewicz – PIAP, Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Nortal (Talgen Cybersecurity), Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Secura, Svensk Konstruktionstjänst, Systecon Konsult.
For more information, please visit imugs.eu.
(GATTATICO (RE) – ITALY) – FROG.PRO®, the Italian reference brand for tactical tailoring, is finally ready to launch its new pouches. They will be available on their website starting from today May 9th 2025.
“At FROG.PRO, our mission has always been clear: deliver high-performance tactical gear that professionals can trust in any operational environment. Today, we are proud to unveil two new lines of pouches designed to meet the demands of modern military and law enforcement users across the globe.
FAST Line: speed and control in every movement.
The FAST line is engineered for those who operate under pressure and require lightning-fast access to their gear. These magazine pouches use elastic retention combined with an ergonomically designed high-grip puller, allowing quick and precise magazine extraction even in high stress scenarios.
Operators can further customize their setup by swapping the standard puller with a rubberized, enhanced grip variant, perfect for wet, muddy, or maritime conditions.
The FAST line represents a leap forward in rapid access design, ensuring users are always one step ahead.
FLAP Line: maximum retention, maximum protection.
When retention and protection are the priorities, the FLAP line delivers. These pouches feature a protective flap closure with velcro and/or buckle, offering added security and shielding from environmental factors like rain, mud, and debris.
This line includes pouches for:
• Rifle magazines
• Pistol and SMG magazines
• Grenades
Each magazine pouch includes a Tegris insert that maintains structural integrity and facilitates smooth reinsertion of the magazine, ensuring that even under stress, performance is never compromised. Drainage holes at the base prevent water buildup, supporting use in maritime and amphibious operations.
Expanded radio carry capabilities.
With communication being mission critical, FROG.PRO has also developed three new radio pouches:
• AN/PRC Radio Pouch: Built for rugged military radios, with maximum durability and accessibility;
• Medium Radio Pouch: Ideal for police departments using medium-sized comms;
• Small Radio Pouch: Compact and low-profile for law enforcement or special duties with smaller radios.
Built with purpose: modularity, lightweight, and mission durability.
All new pouches are crafted from mil-spec LAHYCO, a composite fabric that is:
• Water repellent
• Flame Resistant
• NIR – Compliant
Fully molle compatible and modular, these pouches are designed to integrate seamlessly into a wide range of setups, chest rigs, belts, and plate carriers alike.
Handmade in Italy by skilled craftsmen, these products reflect FROG.PRO’s commitment to quality, performance, and innovation.
Mission-Ready, World-Proven.
Whether you’re conducting long range patrols in arid environments or engaging in CQB operations in complex terrain, these new pouch lines offer:
• Lightweight construction
• Extreme durability
• Maximum versatility
Available in MultiCam, Ranger Green, Coyote 498, and Black, they’re ready to serve professionals “wherever duty calls.”
Ready to upgrade your loadout? The new pouches are already available on www.frogpro.eu.
They offer free shipping to USA on orders over 200 EURO (about 220 USD).
SAN DIEGO – 08 May 2025 – The UK’s Military Aviation Authority has issued a Military Type Certificate to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 uncrewed aircraft, also designated the MQ-9B, certifying that it has passed a rigorous airworthiness assessment and verifying it’s safe to operate without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas. This April 29 decision was a first-of-its-kind milestone for a large, unmanned aircraft system. It’s a huge accomplishment for the UK and a technological watershed in the history of unmanned aircraft systems. GA-ASI is the first manufacturer of large, unmanned aircraft to receive an MTC based on rigorous compliance with STANAG 4671, the NATO standard for unmanned aircraft system airworthiness.
Obtaining the MTC has been a goal of GA-ASI since the inception of the MQ-9B in January 2014. The company took its proven UAS platform, the MQ-9A, and added performance enhancing features while ensuring that the design was capable of meeting NATO’s STANAG 4671 Edition 2 airworthiness requirements. To meet those rigorous requirements, the aircraft incorporates numerous enhancements not found on other large UAS. These include lightning protection, fire protection, anti-icing systems and a fatigue-and-damage-tolerant building block design approach. All flight critical software was designed in compliance with the rigor of Do-178/254. Mission software is rigidly separated from flight critical software. These features not only address the aircraft’s airworthiness but also enhance its reliability and operational flexibility to levels unmatched by other UAS.
“Earning an MTC for MQ-9B was a herculean effort and a seminal achievement for our company,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We invested over $500 million as part of an 11-year effort to develop an unmanned aircraft that meets NATO’s rigorous airworthiness standards. This included three flight test aircraft, full component and system-level environmental testing to Do-160 and Mil-Standards (system level environmental testing at Elgin and Pax River), full scale static test airframe test to ultimate ground and flight loads, bird strike, hail protection and full-scale fatigue testing to three lifetimes (3x 40,000 notional aircraft flight hours = 120,000 hours total). Our engineers developed over 140,000 pages of detailed technical data verifying that the MQ-9B met those demanding requirements. I congratulate our team for this outstanding accomplishment, and I know our customers need this type certification, which will open civil airspace for their flight operations.”
The Royal Air Force continues to take delivery of new Protector aircraft at their home in the North of England at RAF Waddington. The UK has 10 aircraft of the 16 it has ordered.
“Achieving the award of a first in class Military Type Certificate has required years of dedication and perseverance and is a testament to the hard work of all involved. It is a privilege to be the first to be awarded an MTC for the Protector Air System,” said Gp. Capt. Neil Venables, Type Airworthiness Authority and holder of the Protector Type Certificate.
MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced medium altitude, long endurance UAS. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the Protector operated by the RAF.
In addition to the UK, GA-ASI has MQ-9B orders from Belgium, Canada, Poland, Japan Coast Guard, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.
For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com
EM-Vis Deceive is the dismounted Electromagnetic Attack platform that ushers in a new frontier for electronic warfare. Modular, open-standards based, and mission configurable, it delivers operational advantage at the edge
The system is light enough for a single soldier to carry, and has been designed so that even an unskilled operator can deliver battlefield impact
Launched at AOC Europe 2025, EM-Vis Deceive is STICS/SOSA aligned
Romsey, UK, Wednesday, May 7, 2025?- Roke has launched EM-Vis Deceive, a new portable electronic warfare system that brings electromagnetic attack (EA) capabilities directly to troops on the ground. The lightweight system, something a soldier can carry like a backpack, helps military forces detect, track, and disrupt enemy communications, drones, or other electronic signals.
EM-Vis Deceive is the first fully integrated person-borne system of its kind to be designed and built to modular open standards – providing a flexible, upgradable and tailorable solution for different missions. EM-Vis Deceive is also STICS aligned. STICS is a suite of open standards and specifications enabling modularity and interoperability in C5ISR and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
The system can disrupt a wide range of enemy targets – from drones, to missiles and communication systems – and can be operated by skilled light, medium or heavy EW specialists or by general troops with minimal training.
It marks a major step as electronic warfare moves closer to the frontline, responding to the growing need for faster, more flexible responses to threats on the modern battlefield.
Roke, a UK company that stands at the forefront of defence and security, delivering cutting-edge intelligence and engineering solutions that protect nations, troops, borders, and businesses, launched EM-Vis Deceive today at AOC Europe 2025 in Rome.
Paul MacGregor, Roke Managing Director, said: “EM-Vis Deceive marks a major turning point in electronic warfare. For decades, most EA systems on the battlefield were custom-built, one-offs, made to counter specific threats. These were expensive, slow to upgrade and hard to integrate with other technology. And with weaponry, and the battlefield in general, evolving so quickly, these clunky systems were leaving troops at a severe disadvantage.
“Let’s take drones as an example, Ukraine has had to defend itself from 18,000 drone attacks in the last year alone according to UK intelligence. An army squad could be using an electronic warfare system to jam enemy drones – but what happens if a new enemy drone model appears that uses different frequencies? A new custom build would have to be designed, tested and deployed – it could take months or even years.
EM-Vis Deceive changes all of that, it can be quickly upgraded, software updates can be pushed faster and it can easily communicate with other systems.”
Experts in electromagnetic warfare
Roke has been at the forefront of Cyber and Electromagnetic Activity (CEMA) technology for more than 40 years. This experience has been integrated with technology gained from small form factor radio system development to produce a highly agile system in a modest package, with a range of integrated support functionality. Key attributes of EM-Vis Deceive include:
Modular by design – easily configured to meet the full spectrum of EW missions through swap in/swap out Software Defined Radios (SDR).?
Open standards driven – uses OpenCPI generated Applications and open APIs to develop new techniques or port existing IP onto the system?
Scalable and multifunctional – initial release will be person-borne based on demand for increased survivability in peer threat environment, but scalable and stackable to support high mobility and platform mounted deployment?
At AOC Europe 2025, themed “EMO in Transition – Learning from the Ukrainian/Russian War”, Roke will:?
Launch and demonstrate its new targeted attack EW capability, giving attendees a first-hand look at this game-changing technology.?
Exhibit a suite of EW and EMSO solutions, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in electronic warfare innovation.?
Engage with partners and defence leaders, sharing insights on collaborative approaches to developing resilient and agile EMO strategies.?
Visit Roke at Stand B06 to meet the team, explore the new EW product’s capabilities, and learn how Roke is helping reshape the electromagnetic battlespace.?
For further information, please contact:?info@roke.co.uk
May 8th, 2025
Aquaterro, a respected name in Australia’s defense and law enforcement industry, has officially launched Broad Arrow Tactical – an e-commerce platform delivering premium tactical gear, outdoor equipment, and apparel to both civilian and professional users.
Leveraging three decades of experience in defense and law enforcement innovation, Aquaterro bridges the gap between military-grade reliability and consumer accessibility. The online store features a curated selection of field-tested products, from the world’s best brands, including rugged backpacks, multi-tools, high-performance clothing, and advanced personal protective equipment.
“Our goal is to make high-quality, mission-ready gear available to Australians who value durability, performance, and design,” said Graeme Bulte, CEO and founder of Aquaterro. “Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, first responder, or someone who appreciates gear built to the highest standards, Broad Arrow Tactical delivers.”
Broad Arrow Tactical will also support Australian manufacturing by prioritising locally made products and partnering with veteran-owned businesses.
With the launch of this online store, Aquaterro expands its footprint beyond defense and government contracts, embracing innovation and entrepreneurship in the consumer market.
To explore the range or learn more, visit: broadarrowtactical.com.au
KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (06.05.2025)
UF PRO announces the return of its Striker Challenge for 2025, unveiling a refined and more demanding format built on the foundation of the past two successful editions.
This year’s event will place even greater emphasis on physical endurance and mental resilience, drawing direct inspiration from the rigours of real-world military selection courses. While previous editions focused primarily on tactical movement and navigation, the 2025 Striker Challenge is designed to push participants further through long-distance running, challenging obstacles, and sustained physical effort under stress.
The UF PRO Striker Challenge 2025 will take place on 27 September 2025 in Pokljuka, Slovenia, located within the alpine terrain of Triglav National Park. The rugged natural environment will serve as the perfect proving ground, combining approximately 20 kilometres of mountainous trails with over 15 military-inspired obstacles. Weighted carries, cold-water crossings, and a series of physical and mental endurance tests will challenge each participant’s stamina, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.
In line with true military selection experiences, some obstacles and course details will remain undisclosed until race day, requiring participants to demonstrate not only strength but also adaptability and mental toughness to succeed.
Every registered participant will receive an exclusive UF PRO Striker Challenge 2025 goodie bag. In recognition of outstanding performance, the top three finishers will be awarded UF PRO gear vouchers valued at up to €1,500, redeemable at the official UF PRO store.
The event is open to active and veteran military personnel, law enforcement officers, first responders, fitness and adventure athletes, and tactical and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether aiming to test operational readiness or push personal boundaries, the UF PRO Striker Challenge is designed for those who seek to prove themselves.
Early bird registration opens on 6 May 2025 and runsthrough 1 June 2025, offering a special entry price of €70. Standard registration thereafter will be €90, with a fixed discounted rate of €70 available throughout for military, law enforcement, and first responders.
For full event details and registration, visit: ufpro.com/events-and-shows/events/striker-challenge-2025
The UF PRO Striker Challenge 2025 embodies UF PRO’s commitment to building products—and experiences—that meet the operational demands of professionals working in high-stress environments.
