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DroneShield Announces South Australia R&D Facility

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

DroneShield will invest $13 million over three years to establish a new counter-drone R&D facility in Adelaide, Australia.
The new facility will be led by Jeff Wojtiuk, a former Lockheed Martin Australia defence engineering leader with a strong background in RF design and electronic warfare.
Together with planned expansions to its Australian and international R&D footprint, including the new Adelaide facility, DroneShield’s has this week reached a significant company milestone, surpassing 400 employees globally.
This expansion in South Australia is concurrent with DroneShield’s Sydney, European, and US manufacturing initiatives, against the backdrop of record global demand and surging drone attacks.

DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone and electronic warfare (EW) solutions, is pleased to announce a $13 million investment in a new research and development (R&D) facility in Adelaide, South Australia.

This $13 million investment is a direct contribution to South Australia’s economy, covering three years of operational and capital expenditure. It will initially create around 20 high-skilled engineering roles in Adelaide, focused on radio frequency (RF) electronics, EW, and systems integration, to directly support DroneShield’s mission to deliver cutting-edge defence technologies.

The South Australian expansion complements DroneShield’s existing engineering operations in Sydney and supports the Company’s continued growth in advanced RF electronics and EW capabilities. Adelaide has been chosen due to its proximity to leading global defence and aerospace organisations, a highly skilled engineering workforce, and established infrastructure supporting advanced technology development, particularly in EW and RF systems.

The announcement comes as DroneShield reaches a significant company milestone, this week surpassing 400 employees globally, nearly doubling its team in the past year and more than quadrupling it over the last two years. Approximately 300 of these employees are software and hardware engineers, reinforcing DroneShield’s position as a world-leading technology company focused on delivering advanced defence capabilities. The Company also has around 100 open roles, reflecting its commitment to delivering on its technology roadmap and supporting customers and allies with speed and scale.

DroneShield Chief Executive, Oleg Vornik, said, “South Australia is recognised as a national leader in defence and space industries, with Adelaide home to a highly skilled and experienced workforce. Establishing our first R&D office in Australia outside of our Sydney Headquarters – in Adelaide – is a strategic move that supports DroneShield’s mission to deliver world-leading counter-drone and EW solutions.”

“DroneShield’s growth to 400 employees globally – with the majority of our team being engineers – reflects our commitment to deep technical capability and delivery.”

DroneShield Chief Product and Technology Officer, Angus Bean, said, “DroneShield’s new R&D facility in Adelaide marks a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring our technology roadmap is being supported by the best engineering minds nationally. Our new facility is critical to accelerating the development of our next-generation counter-drone and EW technologies, while expanding our engineering footprint and supporting critical project development for global customers”.

Premier of South Australia, The Hon Peter Malinauskas, said, “South Australia is the Defence State, and has been recognised by the Business Council as the best place in the country to do business. We welcome DroneShield making the choice to conduct research and development here in Adelaide, creating 20 highly skilled engineering roles. As a Government, we have a strong focus on growing our Research and Development ecosystem, which has the capacity to build our economic complexity and our state’s prosperity.”

DroneShield’s South Australian R&D facility will be led by Jeff Wojtiuk, a leading Australian engineer who specialises in radio frequency technologies. Jeff brings over two decades of experience in defence and aerospace systems engineering, with a strong background in RF design, EW, and complex systems integration. He has held senior engineering roles across major defence programs – including over a decade of experience at Lockheed Martin Australia – and has contributed to the development of advanced radar and communications technologies. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping the technical direction of DroneShield’s new Adelaide facility.

The new site is expected to be fully up and running by March 2026.

Image: DroneShield’s anechoic chamber supports research and development contributing to the Company’s world-leading counter-drone technologies

The South Australia R&D expansion comes as DroneShield is going through expansion of its annual production capacity from $500m to $2.4bn by end of 2026, including setting up European and US manufacturing; as well as R&D expansion in the US.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on DroneShield Announces South Australia R&D Facility

Milrem Robotics to Deliver over 150 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine in a Dutch-Led Defence Initiative?

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

Milrem Robotics—the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer—will deliver over 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Ukraine as part of a donation funded and coordinated by the Netherlands. A significant portion of these vehicles will be assembled and delivered in collaboration with VDL Defentec.

The donation was initially announced in September, however, the identity of the contributing country was not disclosed. On 6 October, the Dutch Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, joined Milrem Robotics and VDL for a formal announcement and signing ceremony at VDL’s facility in Born to mark the agreement.

The deliveries will be executed by Milrem Robotics Netherlands in close cooperation with VDL Defentec, which is establishing a dedicated final assembly line at its Born facility. The assembly setup is designed for scalability, enabling further production and deliveries in response to future requirements.

Milrem Robotics will deliver comprehensive training to Ukrainian operators and support staff to ensure efficient deployment and maintenance in the field.

“We are honoured to lead this project in partnership with the Netherlands and VDL. The THeMIS platform has already demonstrated its value under combat conditions, and we believe this contribution will materially strengthen Ukraine’s defence capability,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“This initiative highlights the strength of cooperation between partners in Europe’s defence industry and their ability to scale up and contribute directly to international security. Establishing the assembly line in Born supports this donation and creates a foundation for future production and innovation between Milrem Robotics and VDL in the Netherlands,” said Willem van der Leegte, CEO of VDL Groep.

The new units will add to the 15 THeMIS vehicles already in operation in Ukraine, which have been proving their effectiveness on the battlefield since 2022.

THeMIS is a proven and highly adaptable unmanned vehicle platform designed to support dismounted forces, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat support missions. It is currently part of robotics programmes or in service in 19 countries, making it the most widely deployed UGV in its class.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics to Deliver over 150 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine in a Dutch-Led Defence Initiative?

Carrington Textiles Stretches the Standard at A+A

Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

Global workwear textiles manufacturer Carrington Textiles has announced the launch of 12 new fabrics at A+A in Düsseldorf this November. With 75% of the new range featuring stretch technology, eight products incorporating sustainable fibres and four delivering flame retardant protection, the company is reinforcing its drive to raise comfort and performance standards across workwear.

With a campaign called Stretch the Standard, Carrington Textiles is aiming to highlight the benefits of stretch without compromise. Supported by a new film combining high-energy visuals with a female model fronting the concept in a hard-wearing garment, the production highlights Carrington Textiles’ effort to represent today’s diverse workforce while presenting the fabrics’ core qualities of durability, flexibility, flame retardancy and sustainability.

The collection spans from lightweight 170gsm solutions such as Michigan and Rivington to midweight fabrics like Denver at 210gsm, offering comfort and durability in everyday workwear.

At the heavier end, Flamemaster 365 Eco at 365gsm provides robust protection with recycled polyester content. Other protective developments include Flametougher 240AS Flex and 290AS Flex, both incorporating XLANCE® stretch fibre alongside flame retardancy and antistatic properties. In a major first for the industry, Flametougher 290AS Flex was tested in stretched condition by the independent, accredited testing laboratory STFI in Germany, proving that FR protection can be maintained under tension. Flameflex300AS has also been engineered to combine mobility with flame retardant performance.

Sustainability and advanced stretch are central to the rest of the line. Circularis 245 is produced using chemically recycled polyester from textile waste. Marano delivers four-way stretch powered by LYCRA® T400® EcoMade fibre for long-lasting flexibility, while Varano, Grasmere and Grizedale achieve sustainable comfort through blends with bio-based stretch polyester.

This year’s stand has been designed with visitors in mind, spanning 150sqm across two floors with dedicated display areas, garment presentations and relaxed meeting spaces. Carrington Textiles’ redesigned product guides will also be officially launched at the show.

Paul Farrell, Sales Director at Carrington Textiles, said:“A+A is the most important platform for our industry. It gives us the opportunity to show how we are stretching the standard in workwear textiles by introducing fabrics that combine durability, comfort and sustainability with the high performance customers expect from us.”

For more information visit carrington.co.uk or see the team at A+A in Düsseldorf from 4–7 November in Hall 16 Stand F44.

Posted in FR, International, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Carrington Textiles Stretches the Standard at A+A

Mustang Survival Expands Innovation Team and Lab, Harnessing AI to Advance Marine Safety

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

Burnaby, BC — Mustang Survival, part of Wing Group, is expanding its research and development capabilities through a newly formed R&D and Advanced Concepts teamwith investments in state-of-the-art testing, AI-driven analytics, and global collaborations. Built on decades of problem-solving in the harshest conditions, the company is accelerating the entire cycle — from early-stage research and user engagement, through identifying needs and defining problems, to concept development and commercialization — reinforcing its role as a pioneer in marine safety innovation.

From military operations and public-safety agencies to industrial sectors and recreational communities such as sailing, paddling, and fishing—Mustang Survival’s heritage includes category-defining solutions like the original Floater® Coat, the RATIS™ system and the award-winning Atlas Life Jacket and Elite PFD.

As part of this effort, the company has expanded their on-site laboratory to simulate extreme environments more effectively, enhancing fire-resistance and cold-immersion testing—accelerating learning cycles from concept to commercialization within the WaterlifeStudio.

Jill Davidson, Director R&D and Advanced Concepts

“A big unknown piece is how materials behave at different temperatures. Being able to understand these shifts allows us to best address solutions around mobility, insulation, and inflation,” said Jill Davidson, Director R&D and Advanced Concepts, Mustang Survival.

Additionally, as part of Wing Group’s broader initiative, the team is applying AI and advanced analytics to accelerate insights from testing and improve material evaluation—supporting faster iteration and more reliable outcomes across programs.

To deepen its research pipeline, Mustang Survival has expanded collaborations with universities across Canada and strengthened relationships with third-party laboratories locally and globally. The team has also secured government funding to advance research and intellectual property development, creating further opportunities for patents.

“By increasing our commitment to R&D and Advanced Concepts, we are dedicated to a long-term, sustainable solution to the problems that our core users face, ensuring Mustang Survival stays on the leading edge of defining innovation within our market and categories,” said Kenny Ballard, President, Mustang Survival.

By investing in people, processes, and partnerships—and by testing directly in real-world conditions—Mustang Survival is extending their solutions-driven heritage while building a stronger foundation for future advancements in marine safety.

mustangsurvival.com

Posted in Industry, International, Maritime, Press Release | Comments Off on Mustang Survival Expands Innovation Team and Lab, Harnessing AI to Advance Marine Safety

Latvia Orders Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory – Group Expands Global Ammunition Production Network

Monday, September 29th, 2025

Rheinmetall is further expanding its ammunition production capacity and is now planning to build a modern production facility for 155 mm calibre artillery ammunition in Latvia. In the presence of Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silia, a corresponding Memorandum of Understanding was signed today in Hamburg. The facility shall be operated by a joint venture between Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (51%) and the Latvian State Defence Corporation, LLC of Latvia (49%). The key points were documented in a memorandum of understanding, which was signed by representatives of both sides.

By establishing its own 155 mm ammunition production facility, Latvia is taking a further step towards strengthening its defence capabilities and expanding its independent defence sector. The produced ammunition is to ensure supplies for the National Armed Forces of Latvia, as well as strengthen security of supply chains and be available to partner countries.

The production line will feature a state-of-the-art production facility, including a shell forging and filling line. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring of 2026, with production expected to start around a year later. The €275 million investment will enable the facility to produce tens of thousands of artillery shells and create at least 150 local jobs. Regional companies and the domestic economy will be integrated into the facility’s value chain.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Sili?a said: “Signing this MoU is a clear step towards strengthening Latvia’s security and developing our defence industry. By aiming to establish partnership with Rheinmetall Latvia not only builds stronger national defence, but also contributes to security of supply in Europe, enhancing industrial capacity as well as facilitating economic growth. I have been directly involved in this process because I believe that investing in our defence industry is investing in the safety and future of our people.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are delighted to be able to contribute to Latvia’s national sovereignty in the field of ammunition. At the same time, the production line will strengthen our position as the world’s leading manufacturer of artillery ammunition. At Rheinmetall, we are committed to supporting our customers as a reliable partner with first-class services. I am confident that we will also build similar partnerships for ammunition production in other countries”.

Ingrida Kirse, Board Member of the State Defence Corporation: “With the utmost sense of responsibility, we are taking on the entrusted task of jointly establishing an artillery ammunition production facility in Latvia. I am confident that all the necessary conditions are in place, as this project brings together several essential components. On the one hand, the mission of the State Defence Corporation is to ensure the needs of the National Armed Forces and to foster the development of Latvia’s defence industry by developing manufacturing capacity. On the other hand, Rheinmetall contributes its longstanding expertise, accumulated know-how, high standards, and international recognition. This synergy forms the foundation of a strong partnership that will both advance the industry and strengthen the security of Latvia and the wider region.”

It was only at the end of 2024 that Rheinmetall was commissioned by Latvia’s neighboring Lithuania to build a modern ammunition production facility for artillery shells. Construction of the plant, which is set to begin in a few weeks at the Baisogala site in the heart of Lithuania, mirrors the size and design to the facility planned for Latvia.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | Comments Off on Latvia Orders Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory – Group Expands Global Ammunition Production Network

Zulu Origin – LODEout

Thursday, September 25th, 2025

Add this to the list of cool stuff I saw at DSEI.

LODEout is Zulu Origin’s magnet based attachment system and I got a chance to check it out in the Edgar Brothers stand during the recent DSEI in London.

Zulu Origin is itself an interesting story. Several Veterans of various British military units got together after some time in university and industry to start a company solving problems facing the individual Soldier. Those same solutions, like LODEout, can be applied to a variety of applications.

The LODEOut system uses two components:

Receivers (above) and Modules (below)

The Receivers are designed to be used in conjunction with existing legacy systems like MOLLE or a Velcro grid and facilitate the rapid donning and doffing of the Modules.

Modules are purpose built pouches or panels, backed with rare earth magnets which plug into sockets on the Receiver. The magenta are backed up by the Rabbit Teeth Retention which “bite” into the top of the Receiver so the Module won’t come loose during operations.

I think of the Rabbit Teeth Retention like the teeth on the killer rabbit from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” that won’t let go once they get ahold of you. Except, these will let go as long as you pull the magnets free of their sockets and then pull the panel up. RTR are optional use in case the Module is one you want to be able to quickly detach. Use RTR for long movements or airborne and maritime operations.

As you can see in the top photo, Zulu Origin has already created a wide variety of Modules including Strip Charge Platforms, Rapid Deployment Stretchers (RD Stretcher), Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK), and Utility Pouches which have seen operational use with UK Forces. My favorite Module keeps a quadcopter mounted at the ready on the thigh, for rapid employment.

Zulu Origin is also in negotiation with numerous other manufacturers to licensing the LODEout system. Look for more info on them soon.

Posted in DSEi, International, Load Carrying | 3 Comments »

D&M Holding Company and DEMCO Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement at DSEI to Develop Propellant and Primer Production Facilities within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Monday, September 22nd, 2025

TAMPA, FL (September 22, 2025) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), the global leader in delivering complete solutions for ammunition, primer, and propellant manufacturing facilities, and DEMCO Holding Company (DEMCO), a Saudi Arabian defense company, signed a strategic partnership agreement at the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) pavilion during the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI 2025) event in London. The agreement focuses on developing, constructing, and commissioning state-of-the-art propellant and primer manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, D&M and DEMCO will collaborate to deliver single-base and double-base propellant factories as well as a modern primer manufacturing facility to support Saudi Arabia’s defense industrialization goals. The agreement combines DEMCO’s local market knowledge and regulatory expertise with D&M’s technical and project-delivery capabilities.

“We look forward to working closely with our partners to transfer expertise and build sustainable, locally operated facilities that meet Saudi Arabia’s strategic requirements,” said Dan Powers, President and CEO, D&M Holding Company.

The facilities will produce propellants and primers for small, medium, and large caliber ammunition.

About D&M Holding Company

D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M) is an ammunition and energetics engineering company headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with additional operations in Cabot, Arkansas. D&M specializes in the design and manufacture of ammunition and energetics equipment and turnkey factories for customers worldwide.

For more information visit D&M Holding Company.

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Second Blue Magic Netherlands Event Set for November 18

Friday, September 19th, 2025

Registration Site Is Open and Dutch Innovators Are Encouraged to Attend and Apply to Present Capabilities

SAN DIEGO – 16 September 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, will host its second Blue Magic Netherlands (BMNL) event on November 18, 2025. BMNL 2025 follows the successful first event in 2024 and will take place at the MELT at Avular building, a world-class venue for technology interchange near Brainport Eindhoven, the center of the Dutch high-technology manufacturing industry. The registration site can be accessed at www.ga-asi.com/blue-magic-netherlands-2025.

“The first BMNL event was a huge success for Dutch industry,” said Brad Lunn, managing director for GA-ASI. “We’ve built strong investment opportunities with Dutch companies — including Arceon, Emergent Swarm Solutions, and Saluqi Motors — and now we’re looking to build on that success at BMNL 2025.”

Blue Magic Netherlands fosters technology ideation and implementation within the Dutch industrial ecosystem. GA-ASI is inviting Netherlands-based technology and aerospace companies, big and small, to apply for a chance to pitch transformative next-gen solutions that could shape the course of commercial and defence technologies. This event brings together leaders in advanced technology, aerospace, business, and government in a single Dutch forum to explore emerging technologies that address the world’s most pressing defence and security challenges. GA-ASI supplies its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Along with partners Brainport Development Eindhoven, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Brabant Development Agency and the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV), GA-ASI will accept proposals to present a broad range of technologies. Participating in this transformational event provides an ideal opportunity to connect with funding sources and collaborate with industry leaders. Companies and individuals wishing to only join the audience and network are welcome to register as well.

Companies interested in presenting their capabilities can submit a pitch proposal. GA-ASI and other participants will hear technology pitches followed by a lively panel discussion. Networking opportunities will also be available where participants can meet with other high-tech businesses and industry leaders to see if their capabilities can be leveraged in new and useful ways. Focus areas for this year are Intelligent Systems – Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning and Autonomy, Smart Materials – Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Sensors, Space, and Counter-UAS.

Companies interested in presenting their capabilities must submit pitch proposals in PDF format by no later than October 10, 2025. Companies selected to present pitches will be notified on November 3, 2025.

To submit a pitch proposal or register to attend in person or virtually, please visit the event website at www.ga-asi.com/blue-magic-netherlands-2025.

BMNL organizers will also host several virtual workshops covering a variety of topics relevant to defence technology start-ups. These workshops will be listed on the event website and are available for the entire Dutch innovation ecosystem.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Second Blue Magic Netherlands Event Set for November 18