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New NP Aerospace UK Defence Facility Opened by Coventry MP

Friday, May 16th, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has formally opened its new 5.73-acre facility in Coventry, supporting UK job growth and global defence needs. The opening ceremony was conducted on Friday 9th May 2025, by Mary Creagh CBE, MP for Coventry East and NP Aerospace’s leadership team and workforce.

Located in Coventry, the 80,000 sq. ft. indoor site and large outdoor space for military vehicle fleets, will enhance vehicle integration, armour production, and engineering capabilities – creating jobs and strengthening the UK supply chain.

Facilities include vehicle assembly, fabrication, customer support and spares, engineering development, specialist equipment handling, machining and final finishing, and sustainable energy production.

The new site is also situated close to NP Aerospace’s armour production site in Foleshill, the area of the city where the company was established as part of Courtaulds Group, approaching 100 years ago.

NP Aerospace is a trusted global supplier of defence-related products and services for UK MOD and global defence forces. With this new facility, NP Aerospace is in the ideal position to deliver greater capacity for UK-based assembly and integration of full or partial defence systems, including vehicles and armour, for military customers and vehicle OEM industry partners. It also demonstrates NP Aerospace’s investment in the development of people, skills, and engineering know-how, whilst supporting growth in domestic and export business.

Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East MP said: “It’s a great pleasure to open NP Aerospace’s latest UK defence facility, here in the heart of Coventry. Last week, the Prime Minister showed he knows what it takes to deliver the deals we need for economic growth. This means well-paid skilled jobs, more money in your pocket, and more access to markets so UK-based companies like NP Aerospace can thrive. By opening this new facility, NP Aerospace is expanding their export capabilities and strengthening the UK supply chain. NP Aerospace already has a strong reputation in this city, in the industry, and internationally. In seeing this new facility for myself, I understand why.”

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, commented: “I’m thrilled to be opening our new UK facility today, and I’d like to thank Mary Creagh MP for joining us to cut the ribbon and mark this important milestone alongside our team. This investment represents a major step forward for NP Aerospace, strengthening the foundations for our continued growth. As a key defence employer in the West Midlands, we remain committed to developing our people, advancing skills and know-how, and expanding our engineering capabilities—delivering lasting benefits to both the region and the wider UK economy.” He added: “For our international customers, this new facility will serve as a central hub to support the continued delivery of our vehicle and armour export programmes, following the acquisition and contract novation activities completed in 2024. For the UK Ministry of Defence, it enhances our ability to deliver on major programmes, including Protected Mobility and Conventional Vehicle fleet contracts such as PMETS and CVSSP, while also reinforcing vital onshore defence capabilities well into the future.”

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Roark Aerospace Announce Production of “Canens” a Portable Device That Effectively Targets Fiber Optic UAV’s

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Roark Aerospace have today announced the commencement of production for their “Canens” C-UAS system.

The Canens system is designed to specifically target and neutralize UAV’s operating on fiber optic communications.

Fiber optic link based UAV’s were first discovered operating in the Ukranian conflict towards the end of 2024. They had previously been deemed impervious to traditional C-UAS solutions such as High Energy Microwaves with tactics reverting back to more archaic methods involving nets and small arms fire.

The Canens system has two operational functions that work in tandem to deliver a direct C-UAS solution for fiber optic link UAV’s.

The first element of the system is the use of Hyper Spectral and IR imaging to detect “in-use” optical cables. The combination of HSI and IR helps differentiate in real-time between cables that are deployed and are cables that are redundant from previous operations. In addition, the use of HSI can also allow operators to determine the likely distance that the UAV has flown at the point of identification, this can provide onward operational solutions for targeting operators.

The second element of the system is the use of a steerable and adjustable electrohydraulic shockwave to massively increase interferometric noise around the fiber optic cable. The increase in interferometric noise disrupts the signal between the UAV and the operator which, in the case of fiber optics, results in the UAV losing power and control, it will simply crash to the ground.

The electrohydraulic shockwave is created by thousands of electrohydraulic transducers that are formed of miniscule, 3D printed titanium microelectrodes embedded in epoxy and set in a basin based design. The shockwave is adjustable and steerable either by a manual operator or by the Plexus automated targetting system built by Roark.

Canens will be available in Q3 of 2025 with pre-orders being taken currently. Canens will initially be available in portable and sentry units as well as vehicle mounted, a hand-held variant is due for release in Q4 2025.

roark-aerospace.com

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 7 Comments »

SOF Week 25 – Crossfire Packs

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

Australia’s Crossfire Packs has gained quite a following in the US. Recently, they introduced a couple of new PALS compatible pouches for use with their DZ rig, a classic belt kit.

The Juice Box is intended to be attached to the yoke as a hydration carrier (2L reservoir). It will also work with their packs, or the kit you already own. It includes matching removable Ciabatta slice which will accept a broken down MRE.

The Butter Bar is a commander’s pouch with three removable dividers so you can keep everything organized from notebooks to headlamps to magazines.

These are currently available in MultiCam, Ranger Green, and Woodland. My DZ Rig is Tigerstripe so maybe I can talk them into making one of each for me and my friend @Prepared_Pathfinder.

Gear ships from their warehouse in Charlotte, NC.

Posted in International, Load Carrying, SOF Week | 3 Comments »

INKAS Powers Into 2025 with All-New Armored Cadillac Escalade!

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing is proud to introduce the highly anticipated 2025 Armored Cadillac Escalade — the latest generation of its most iconic and sought-after luxury SUV. Armored with BR6-level protection to stop up to 7.62mm assault rifle ammunition, detonated grenades beneath the vehicle and other life-threatening dangers. The armored Escalade is designed for individuals who find themselves in high-risk situations, government officials, executives, and those who need extra family protection.

As global security continues to be on the rise, the 2025 Armored Cadillac Escalade delivers a serene experience with the feeling of plush leather and peace of mind. The interior includes a generous capacity to seat up to 7 passengers while giving each person room to extend. With no impact on OEM features, this vehicle disguises itself among others yet prevails when it matters the most.

The 2025 armored Escalade delivers both pristine luxury and performance when driving on city streets and rugged terrain. Featuring both a bold and commanding exterior with a seamless modern interior to encapsulate a brand that continues to be an absolute icon.

Armored Protection with Premium Craftsmanship

The INKAS® 2025 Armored Cadillac Escalade is engineered to withstand a plethora of threats with certified ballistic systems and features that create a gapless realm of protection, which ensures no vulnerable points are exposed or accessible.

Complete perimeter armoring, including roof, ceiling, and floor.

Overlap system protection to all door seams and critical joints.

Military-grade multi-layer ballistic glass on all windows.

Reinforced suspension and braking components.

Runflat system in all tires to extend journey distance.

Optional features such as sirens, night vision cameras, escape hatches, and more.

Despite the extensive armoring, INKAS® preserves the Escalade’s luxurious OEM factory finishes and user experience — including ambient lighting, massaging seats, and a high-end sound system.

“GM models sell, but the Cadillac Escalade is a fan favorite for sure. We deliver armored vehicles that meet the needs of our most discerning clients without compromising the original designs.” Arthur Yurovitsky, Vice President, INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing

2025 GM Lineup Now Available

Alongside the launch of the armored Escalade, INKAS® has officially upgraded all their GM SUVs to the 2025 model year, which includes:

2025 Chevrolet Suburban
2025 GMC Yukon Denali
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe

Each vehicle receives meticulous attention to detail, integration of ballistic protection, and customization options upon request, making the 2025 GM fleet one of the most secure and versatile lineups on the market today.

Global Reach, Personalized Solutions

INKAS® Armored vehicles are fully customizable to suit specific mission requirements or lifestyle preferences. Whether the vehicle is deployed in a volatile region or used discreetly for urban transport, INKAS® ensures reliability, comfort, and safety from any angle. With global reach, the company serves high-profile clients across North America, Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

inkasarmored.com

Posted in Armor, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on INKAS Powers Into 2025 with All-New Armored Cadillac Escalade!

SFC Energy AG and Polaris Government and Defense Collaborate to Equip NATO and NATO-aligned Defense Organisations with Advanced Fuel-Cell Powered Vehicle

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

Brunnthal/Munich, Germany, 13 May 2025 – SFC Energy AG (“SFC”, F3C:DE, ISIN: DE0007568578), a leading provider of fuel cells for stationary, portable and mobile hybrid power solutions, has announced a key collaboration with Polaris Government and Defense (“Polaris”) at Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in Tampa, Florida, USA. Polaris showcased a high-mobility tactical vehicle with the EMILY 3000 as an optional integrated power supply. This capability is specifically being offered to NATO and NATO-aligned defense organisations.

Installing SFC Energy’s EMILY 3000 in the Polaris’ MRZR vehicle platform provides a highly reliable power solution available for mission-critical applications. The methanol fuel cell-based system can power radios, surveillance systems, drone equipment, sensors, and other electronic devices – all without the need to run the vehicle’s engine. This enables extended operations while preserving camouflage and reducing both thermal and acoustic signatures.

The EMILY 3000 delivers a dependable and autonomous power supply for a variety of electronic and communication systems. Weighing only 12 kilograms (approximately 26.5 pounds), it increases power output on lightweight tactical vehicles without compromising mobility. Its high energy density enables for extended runtimes and minimises the need for refuelling during prolonged operations. One of its key advantages is its virtually silent performance, producing minimal acoustic and thermal signatures – making it exceptionally well-suited for covert operations.

The system supports the simultaneous charging and use of various battery types, including lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and conventional lead-acid batteries. In contrast to traditional setups, it eliminates the need to run the vehicle engine or rely on noisy generators. This reduces fuel consumption, acoustic exposure, and the risk of early detection. Fully automatic in operation, the EMILY 3000 contributes to longer battery life and reduced vehicle wear by cutting down on engine use and maintenance.

Its flexibility also enables the system to function either as an onboard charger or as a portable, field-based power supply. Additionally, the EMILY 3000 and its fuel cartridges are military-certified, carry a NATO supply number, and are approved for air transport in accordance with UN3473 regulations – making them fully deployable in international operations.

By integrating the EMILY 3000, Polaris light tactical vehicles gain enhanced operational endurance and power autonomy – especially critical in scenarios where silence, reliability, and energy independence are key tactical requirements.

Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Energy AG: “By offering the EMILY 3000 as an accessory option in Polaris vehicles, we are delivering a mission-ready, low-signature power solution tailored to the needs of modern armed forces. The Polaris MRZR is widely deployed by the United States and other NATO and allied forces worldwide for its exceptional off-road mobility and versatility. By including our innovative and field-proven fuel cell technology on this trusted platform, military forces can significantly enhance their operational range, energy autonomy, and tactical utility in real-world missions.”

Further information on SFC Energy’s Clean Energy and Clean Power Management solutions can be found at www.sfc.com.

Posted in International, Power, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on SFC Energy AG and Polaris Government and Defense Collaborate to Equip NATO and NATO-aligned Defense Organisations with Advanced Fuel-Cell Powered Vehicle

Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

JACQUEVILLE, CôTE D’IVOIRE

Flintlock 2025, U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.

“Twenty years of Flintlock and our resolve is stronger than ever. Together, with our partners and allies, we are forging lethal forces ready to deter aggression and win on the battlefield,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command. “U.S. Africa Command is committed to countering threats to the United States and working alongside our African partners as they play a leading role in providing for their own defense.”

This iteration, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, reflects the dedication by African partners to address regional challenges independently while still working with international partners for global peace. The exercise will consist of academics, then shift to a staff and command post exercise.

Exercise scenarios are designed to strengthen partner nations’ collective abilities to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, provide security, respect human rights and build trust with civilian populations. The exercise also bolsters information sharing between African, U.S., and other partner nation military and law enforcement organizations through an interagency fusion cell.

“Flintlock demonstrates our long-term commitment to improve partner-nation operational independence,” said U.S. Army Maj. Patrick Temperato, Flintlock lead planner. “Integrated operations planned on a foundation of shared values and interests are critical to reinforcing an extended network of like-minded nations capable of decisively meeting the defense challenges of today and tomorrow.”

For more information, visit www.africom.mil/what-we-do/exercises/flintlock.

Story by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright

Special Operations Command Africa

Posted in Guest Post, International, SOF, Training | Comments Off on Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa

SOF Week 25 – Edgevolt Battery System from 3ME Technology

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

3ME Technology is an Australian company which has been working on battery systems for the ADF for the past few years.

Recently, they created a new form factor which mimics the size and weight (22 kg) of a 5 gallon Jerry Can, providing 24V 2.4 kWh. This means single person lift.

Weatherproof, they can be used alone or connected in serial (up to 10) for higher power requirements. What’s more, they are hot swappable while in serial.

Posted in International, Power, SOF Week | Comments Off on SOF Week 25 – Edgevolt Battery System from 3ME Technology

SOF Week 25 – Defendtex Optical Fiber Drone Guidance

Monday, May 12th, 2025

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.

Posted in International, SOF Week, UAS | Comments Off on SOF Week 25 – Defendtex Optical Fiber Drone Guidance