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Milrem Robotics and VDL Defentec Hand Over First UGVs Intended for Ukraine

Thursday, June 4th, 2026

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and Dutch company VDL Defentec have officially opened a THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) production line in Born, the Netherlands. During yesterday’s opening ceremony, the first THeMIS vehicles manufactured in the Netherlands were handed over to the Dutch government for onward delivery to Ukraine.

The production line was established to support the Netherlands-funded delivery of more than 100 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine. Deliveries are being coordinated through Milrem Robotics’ Dutch subsidiary in cooperation with VDL Defentec.

The final assembly line established at the Born facility has been designed for flexibility, enabling rapid scaling of production capacity and accelerated deliveries when required. In addition to supporting Ukraine, the new manufacturing capability lays the foundation for long-term cooperation between Milrem Robotics and VDL Defentec while strengthening Europe’s defence industrial capacity.

“The opening of this production line and the handover of the first THeMIS vehicles manufactured in the Netherlands mark an important milestone in our cooperation with the Dutch government and VDL Defentec. It demonstrates that Europe’s defence industry is capable of rapidly increasing production capacity and delivering meaningful capabilities to Ukraine. Therefore, this cooperation with VDL is a great fit because of their solid industrial scaling capabilities to serve the European market with Milrem products,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

Willem van der Leegte, CEO of VDL Groep, highlighted the importance of European industrial cooperation: “The handover of the first THeMIS vehicles produced at our Born facility demonstrates that European companies can jointly establish new manufacturing capabilities at speed and support international security efforts. We are proud of our cooperation with Milrem Robotics, and the delivery of the first THeMIS vehicles manufactured in the Netherlands is an important achievement for this partnership.”

The new vehicles will join the THeMIS platforms already operating in Ukraine since 2022, where they have repeatedly proven their reliability and effectiveness in combat conditions.l

THeMIS is a versatile unmanned ground vehicle designed to support infantry units in logistics, reconnaissance, combat support, and other battlefield tasks. The platform is currently in use or part of robotics programmes in 20 countries, making it the world’s most widely used UGV in its class.

Milrem Robotics is a global leader in robotics and autonomous systems development, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

In addition to the THeMIS UGV, Milrem Robotics is developing the HAVOC robotic combat vehicle, the VECTOR unmanned ground vehicle, and a range of autonomous capabilities, including the ARCOS command-and-control system.

The company is also known for successfully leading the European defence development programme iMUGS under the EDIDP framework, with the follow-on project iMUGS2 currently in preparation.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Deal Finalised: Rheinmetall Divests its Civilian Division and Focuses on its Defence Business

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

With the sale of its civilian activities, the Rheinmetall Group has reached a milestone in its strategic realignment. Rheinmetall and the Munich-based industrial group AEQUITA have now signed a purchase agreement that paves the way for the future of Rheinmetall’s former Power Systems division under new management.

For some time now, Rheinmetall has been focusing on the rapidly growing business with military customers and security agencies, while at the same time expanding its technological portfolio into the domains of air, sea and space. Since last year, the Group has been in talks with potential buyers for its civilian business, which have now been successfully concluded with the signing of an agreement to sell it to AEQUITA.

The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities. The provisional purchase price for 100% of the shares is €350 million and is subject to standard market adjustment mechanisms until closing. The actual final purchase price may therefore differ from this figure.

Following the sale of its large- and small-bore piston operations in 2023/2024, Rheinmetall is now, as announced, taking the decisive step in its exit from the automotive supplier business.

The Power Systems division, which generated sales of around €2 billion in 2025, has been classified as a “discontinued operation” of the Group since the reporting for the fourth quarter of 2025.

All employees will be retained

AEQUITA intends to retain all of the approximately 6,250 Power Systems employees working worldwide at the companies being acquired. AEQUITA regards the highly qualified staff and their skills as the most important asset for future business development and will take on the entire workforce within the framework outlined above.

AEQUITA will operate the former Rheinmetall Power Systems division as an independent entity, with all trademark rights remaining within the company. The company will continue to operate on the market as usual under its long-established brands Pierburg, Kolbenschmidt and Motorservice.

“This is a significant milestone in the company’s history. We are focusing on the high-margin business with military customers, where we have excellent growth opportunities. Our stated objective was to place our civilian business operations in capable hands. We have found an excellent buyer in AEQUITA,” says Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “The internationally successful industrial

holding company combines extensive experience in the industrial and automotive sectors with a focus on entrepreneurship, transformation and a long-term perspective.”

“This makes AEQUITA the ideal partner to work with the Power Systems management team to implement the strategy that has been developed and to ensure the long-term success of the Kolbenschmidt and Pierburg brands in the market,” explains Marcus Gerlach, lead negotiator for Rheinmetall AG.

“We are very proud that Rheinmetall has chosen AEQUITA as the new owner of the Power Systems division. The company is an excellent addition to our Automotive division, which will now generate revenues of approximately €5 billion. In the years to come, our focus will be on actively supporting the long-term, successful and sustainable development of the company. This also involves realising synergies within our automotive portfolio,” says Dr Axel Geuer, Chairman and Co-CEO of AEQUITA.

KS Huayu AluTech, Dermalog SensorTec and the Abadiano plant in Spain are excluded from the sale

Excluded from the sale are the three German locations of KS Huayu AluTech GmbH (Neckarsulm, Walldürn and Langenhagen), which will remain within the Rheinmetall Group as a joint venture in the medium term – and continue to be classified as a “discontinued operation”.

The stake in Dermalog SensorTec GmbH, however, will remain within the Rheinmetall Group on a permanent basis. It will be integrated into the Weapon and Ammunition division, and its employees will continue to be based at the Neuss location.

Pierburg S.A.’s Abadiano plant in Spain will also remain with Rheinmetall, along with its workforce and tangible assets. For a transitional period, it will operate as a hybrid site, manufacturing both civilian and military products until the switch to military production is complete.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Deal Finalised: Rheinmetall Divests its Civilian Division and Focuses on its Defence Business

D&M Holding Company Acquires Czech-Based EKOCHEM 94 s.r.o.

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

TAMPA, FL (June 3, 2026) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), the global leader in delivering complete solutions for ammunition, primer, and propellant manufacturing facilities, has acquired EKOCHEM 94 s.r.o. of the Czech Republic. This acquisition further strengthens D&M’s capabilities as the company continues to support the United States, NATO allies, Ukraine, and other friendly foreign governments seeking long-term ammunition independence.

Headquartered in Pardubice, Czech Republic, EKOCHEM 94 is an engineering, design, and industrial project company specializing in chemical, mechanical, and process industries, including for propellants and propellant raw materials. Its specialties include:

nitrocellulose production equipment
propellant production equipment
design of complete energetics
distillation systems
combustible cartridge case production lines
diethyl ether production lines
explosive-material processing equipment

“The acquisition of EKOCHEM 94 is a key part of our aggressive global growth strategy as we extend our footprint in Europe and beyond,” said Dan Powers, President and CEO, D&M Holding Company. “Escalating global conflicts and supply chain issues are driving the soaring demand for reliable supplies of ammunition, primers, and propellants. This geopolitical instability has created deep urgency among nations for ammunition independence. They want to manufacture it themselves, and we are uniquely positioned to help them do that.”

“We are pleased to become a part of the D&M family and look forward to expanding our capabilities,” said Boris Fukatko, founder and President of EKOCHEM 94.

As friendly nations race to achieve their defense industrialization goals, D&M is increasingly sought after as a trusted, specialized design, engineering, and manufacturing partner. D&M not only manufactures the machinery and systems needed to build ammunition; the company also trains its clients and transfers the technical knowledge required to operate facilities independently.

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, as well as in the turnkey factory solutions for customers worldwide. D&M Holding International Sp. z o.o. in Warsaw, Poland is D&M’s European sales office which supports international sales and Ukraine projects. D&M Novatrax, LLC, based in Kyiv, Ukraine is an engineering and investment company dedicated to the Ukraine defense industry. White River Energetics, LLC (WRE) is a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M, located in Des Arc, Arkansas, with the objective of manufacturing energetics for the ammunition industry.

For more information visit D&M Holding Company and White River Energetics.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Naerogel by Svenska Aerogel – A New Platform Driving Future Innovation and Commercialization

Monday, June 1st, 2026

Svenska Aerogel (“the Company”) is launching Naerogel®, a new brand for the Company’s high-performance aerogel material. The launch marks the next step in the Company’s development – from research and industrialization to a growing global commercial platform. The new brand replaces the previous product name Quartzene® and reflects Svenska Aerogel’s continued advancement in aerogel material solutions.

In recent years, Svenska Aerogel has focused on industrializing and commercializing its aerogel material for a global market. Naerogel® builds on more than two decades of research and development in aerogel technology, with strong roots in Nordic innovation, quality, and customer-driven development. Through structured innovation efforts and close collaboration with customers, the Company has continuously improved the material’s performance.

The material builds on the same technological platform and high-performance porous aerogel structure as Quartzene®, while offering customers an enhanced material designed to meet increasing demands for energy efficiency and thermal insulation.

Naerogel® offers:

Up to 15 % improved thermal insulation performance
Material manufactured using silica, water, and only renewable energy
A flexible and scalable platform for future innovation and product development

Customized solutions based on specific market and application needs, strengthening existing use cases while enabling new applications

“Naerogel® represents both our history and our future. In recent years, we have continued to develop our aerogel material based on market needs, enabling us to offer more efficient products and innovative solutions to our customers. At the same time, it provides a platform for further material development and new applications. With Naerogel®, we are now taking the next step in strengthening our position in the international market,” says Tor Einar Norbakk, CEO of Svenska Aerogel.

aerogel.se

Posted in International, Materials, Press Release | No Comments »

Savox Introduces Savox Fire Protect – a Fully Integrated Communication and Active In Ear Hearing Protection Solution for Firefighters

Monday, June 1st, 2026

Espoo, Finland – Savox, a global provider of mission critical communication solutions, today announces Savox Fire Protect, the world’s first fully integrated firefighter communication system combining active in ear hearing protection and wireless push to talk (PTT) in a single, purpose designed solution.

Firefighters operate in high noise, high risk environments where communication clarity, hearing protection and ease of use are essential. Existing solutions typically require trade offs between audio quality, hearing protection, usability or resistance to heat. Passive hearing protection can reduce situational awareness, while current wireless PTT solutions are often ergonomically compromised when used under protective clothing or with heavy gloves.

Savox Fire Protect has been designed to remove these compromises

Savox Fire Protect provides firefighters with a complete communication solution that combines active hearing protection, clear audio and intuitive wireless PTT operation. The system can be worn over or under fire resistant protective clothing, or under a chemical diving suit, without restricting movement or usability.

The solution consists of the Savox NC 100 active in ear headset with internal microphone, the Savox TRICS C2 radio control system, and the Savox W P100 wireless PTT control unit. All elements are designed for reliable operation in demanding firefighting conditions and for use with standard protective equipment.

“The requirements of firefighters differ fundamentally from those of other professional users,” said Elmeri Backman, Portfolio Manager, Savox Communications. “Savox Fire Protect is purpose designed for firefighting operations, ensuring reliable communication, active hearing protection and ease of use without compromise.”

The individual technologies used in Savox Fire Protect are based on Savox solutions that have been extensively deployed in real world military and rescue operations globally. With Fire Protect, these proven technologies are brought together into a fully integrated system tailored specifically for firefighting applications.

Savox Fire Protect expands Savox’s portfolio of mission critical communication solutions for professionals operating in safety critical environments, supporting improved situational awareness, communication reliability and user safety.

For more information about Savox Communications and its mission critical solutions, please visit: www.savox.com

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Romania Selects Quantum Systems for SAFE-Financed UAS Procurement

Friday, May 29th, 2026

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence has selected Quantum Systems for a new procurement of Vector reconnaissance systems under the European Union’s SAFE instrument. The contract represents the first SAFE-financed procurement project involving Quantum Systems and further strengthens the company’s role in supporting Europe’s defence readiness and industrial resilience efforts.

Bucharest / Gilching, 28 May 2026 – Quantum Systems has been selected by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence to supply additional Vector reconnaissance systems for surveillance missions under projects financed through the European Union’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument.

SAFE, adopted by the Council of the European Union in May 2025, was established to accelerate European defence readiness through large-scale investments in critical defence capabilities while strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base.

The newly signed contract expands the Romanian Armed Forces’ existing Vector fleet and further strengthens Quantum Systems’ presence in Romania. The systems will support tactical reconnaissance and surveillance missions and are complementary to ongoing industrial cooperation activities in the country.

“The systems contracted today are in addition to those already in service with the Romanian Armed Forces and complement the ongoing co-production project in Romania,” said Romania’s Acting Minister of Defence, Radu Miru??.

Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer at Quantum Systems, said:

“SAFE represents an important step toward strengthening Europe’s defence readiness through scalable procurement and industrial cooperation. We are proud that Romania has selected Quantum Systems as part of one of the first SAFE-supported projects.

This project also demonstrates how rapidly deployable European systems can contribute to SAFE-supported capability development.”

The procurement further reflects Quantum Systems’ broader strategy of supporting European technological sovereignty through locally integrated, operationally proven unmanned systems and long-term industrial partnerships across the continent.

Quantum Systems’ Vector AI is a combat-proven eVTOL reconnaissance system with extensive operational use, including in Ukraine since 2022. Integrated into the AI-enabled MOSAIC UXS software suite, the silent electric VTOL fixed-wing platform delivers real-time ISR data and combines fixed-wing endurance with vertical take-off and landing flexibility. Built on a modular systems architecture with onboard AI capabilities, Vector AI enables reliable operation in complex environments while reducing operator workload. The system can also be reconfigured into a multicopter setup using the same core hardware, software, and user interface.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Further Major Contract: Rheinmetall to Supply Further Laser-Light-Modules for the Bundeswehr’s New Assault Rifle – Contract Worth Several Hundred Million Euros

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

The Bundeswehr has once again awarded Rheinmetall a major contract for Laser-Light-Modules. Following budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee in December 2025, a further definitive call-off has now been made under the framework contract, which was concluded in June 2021 and extended in December 2025. Between 2026 and 2032, and additional six-figure quantity of ‘LLM-VarioRay’ Laser-Light-Modules is to be delivered to the troops. This second definitive call-off represents a further net order intake of several hundred million euros for Rheinmetall. It will be booked in the second quarter of 2026. The devices are ‘made in Germany’ and are manufactured by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach at Lake Constance. Numerous other small and medium-sized German businesses will also benefit from the contract as suppliers.

“Our versatile and battle-proven LLM-VarioRay is a key tactical combat enhancer for dismounted soldiers”, said Dr. Timo Haas, Head of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division. “This further major contract from the Bundeswehr demonstrates the troop’s confidence in our capabilities and underlines the constructive cooperation between industry, procurement authorities and the armed forces”.

The Rheinmetall LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Module is part of the latest generation of devices of this type. The Laser-Light-Modules are primarily used on the small arms carried by infantry and dismounted forces, and serve to detect, identify and mark targets.

Weighing approximately 250 grams, including its mount, the LLM-VarioRay can be attached to any assault rifle via a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and can be operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. The light source can be selected and adjusted stepless using a rotary switch. The device is equipped with a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block. This laser block allows for easy adjustment and alignment of the visor and the weapon. Equipped with night vision and thermal imaging devices, the German Armed Forces can thus accomplish their missions across the entire spectrum of operations, regardless of day- or night-time and in all weather conditions.

The LLM-VarioRay product family is also part of the German soldier system ‘Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES)’ and is likewise used in the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and in the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.

Rheinmetall’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of infantry equipment, including various targeting and illumination modules. These were developed in order to increase the tactical value of modern small arms. The LM-VTAL (‘Laser Module – Variable Tactical Aiming Laser’) has been used by the Bundeswehr’s special operators for several years.

Posted in Contracts, International, Lasers, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Further Major Contract: Rheinmetall to Supply Further Laser-Light-Modules for the Bundeswehr’s New Assault Rifle – Contract Worth Several Hundred Million Euros

NP Aerospace Canada Celebrates Over 30 Years of Successful Business Growth

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

NP Aerospace, the defence multinational, located in Canada and the UK, has risen to the defence industrial challenge, building Canadian capability and reporting strong growth in revenues and workforce as it marks over 30 years of Canadian operations. This announcement coincides with CANSEC in Ottawa this week (27-28 May) where NP Aerospace is showcasing its latest survivability solutions at booth 1729.

NP Aerospace Canada, based in London, Ontario, specialises in armour technology and vehicle engineering and has built a reputation for delivering complex military survivability programs working with the Canadian Department of National Defence and law enforcement agencies. Over the past two years, the business has reported significant growth in revenues, doubling its facility floorspace and achieving a five-fold increase in its Canadian workforce.

The company began trading in Canada in the mid-1990s, entered the defence market in 2009, and was acquired by Canadian entrepreneur James Kempston in 2018. Since then, it has expanded with new London facilities and secured major defence contracts including Armoured Personnel Transport Modules through Marshall Canada as part of the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program, Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) ballistic plates and the Canadian Department of National Defence Land Equipment (LEP-ETSS) Program, alongside specialist armour and vehicle contracts across Canada and the U.S. In 2022, NP Aerospace was one of the first to supply life-saving protection equipment to support those at risk in current global conflicts.

According to James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, the company is well placed to support Canada’s rapid growth in military capability. He said: “The focus right now is on products made in Canada, for Canada and our allies. As a multinational armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator partnering with some of Canada’s largest defence primes,

NP Aerospace has risen to the challenge, increasing manufacturing and engineering capacity and accelerating recruitment and financial investment. Since acquiring NP Aerospace in 2018, we have seen consistent growth in both domestic and export programs and this is set to continue at pace.”

A key contract driving incremental improvements for the Canadian Armed Forces is the Department of National Defence Land Equipment Program. As prime contractor on the program, NP Aerospace has delivered multiple ongoing equipment and vehicle support tasks building supply chain capability, and expertise in testing and evaluation, prototyping and fabrication and field support.

Elizabeth Spear-Goble, Business Operations Manager at NP Aerospace Canada, said: “2026 is one of the most dynamic periods the defence industry in Canada has seen in decades. The Government is investing billions of dollars to ramp up Canadian sovereign capabilities and NP Aerospace Canada is rising to the challenge and ‘answering the call’ with hiring, expansion, and innovation. As we mark 30 years of operations in Canada, we are focused on the next phase of growth, continuing to deliver improvements to life-saving equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and export customers.”

Posted in CANSEC, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »