International | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

DroneShield Appoints Michael Powell as COO to Support Global Expansion and Operational Scale

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026

10 February 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-UAS technology, today announced the appointment of Michael Powell as Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing the company’s operational leadership as it enters its next phase of global growth.

The appointment follows a period of accelerated expansion for DroneShield, including increased activity across Europe and the United States, rising demand from defense, government, and critical-infrastructure customers, and a major expansion of manufacturing capacity at the company’s Alexandria, New South Wales facility. The expanded site significantly increases production throughput, shortens delivery timelines, and strengthens supply-chain resilience, positioning DroneShield to support long-term programs of record and sustained global demand.

Michael brings more than 25 years of senior executive and operational leadership experience across defense, aerospace, secure communications, simulation, railway and critical infrastructure markets. His career includes senior roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, and Operations Director at leading international organizations including Thales Australia and Knorr-Bremse, where he led large, multinational teams and managed complex, multi-hundred-million-dollar operational portfolios.

Image: Michael Powell, Chief Operating Officer, DroneShield

Across these roles, Michael has built and scaled global manufacturing and supply-chain operations, led international business turnarounds, and delivered large-scale operational transformation programs, balancing execution discipline with the demands of high-reliability, mission-critical customers.

As Chief Operating Officer, Michael will be responsible for scaling DroneShield’s global operations, strengthening delivery and sustainment capability, and aligning engineering, manufacturing, and supply-chain functions to support the company’s expanding product portfolio and growing international customer base. His appointment reflects DroneShield’s focus on operational excellence as counter-UAS capability becomes embedded within national security, public safety, and critical-infrastructure protection frameworks worldwide.

“Michael is a proven operator with deep experience delivering complex programs at global scale,” said Oleg Vornik, Chief Executive of DroneShield. “As demand for counter-UAS capability continues to accelerate, his leadership will be instrumental in ensuring DroneShield scales with discipline, resilience, and a relentless focus on customer outcomes.”

Michael has lived and worked across Australia, Asia-Pacific, United States, Europe, and the Middle East. He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Engineering and is a Chartered Professional Engineer, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Estonia, Latvia, and Belgium Take Delivery of BLAZE Interceptor Drones from Origin Robotics

Monday, February 9th, 2026

Three NATO nations’ armed forces are the first European military to field autonomous interceptor drones amid rising airspace threats.

RIGA, Latvia (February 6, 2026) – Only months after the initial procurement announcements, Riga-based defence technology company Origin Robotics has begun delivering its BLAZE interceptor system to the armed forces of Latvia, Belgium, and Estonia. This handover makes these three countries the first in Europe to field a domestically produced, fully autonomous, warhead-equipped drone interception system. The rapid delivery underscores how agile defence companies like Origin are helping governments respond more quickly to evolving airspace threats.

Across Europe, NATO countries have reported a growing number of unauthorized drone flights near borders, military sites, and critical infrastructure, reflecting the wider spread of low-cost unmanned systems linked to regional security tensions. These incidents have accelerated efforts such as the “drone wall,” a coordinated initiative to strengthen surveillance and counter-UAS capabilities along NATO’s eastern flank, as governments seek faster and more autonomous ways to protect their airspace.

Latvia was the first to announce its order for Origin’s interceptor systems in early October, followed by the Belgium Ministry of Defence, which publicly announced a €50 million allocation for counter-drone systems in November, with Estonia ordering shortly thereafter. As of January 2026, all three nations have begun receiving the first batches of the BLAZE system, with deliveries continuing in several batches over the coming weeks.

The BLAZE system, entirely developed and manufactured by Origin in Latvia, is an autonomous drone interceptor designed to neutralize hostile UAV threats with speed and precision. Designed for NATO interoperability and built for real-world use, BLAZE is the first NATO-codified autonomous interceptor drone equipped with a STANAG-compliant warhead module and available for immediate deployment.

Latvia’s Autonomous Systems Competence Center (ASCC) will be responsible for evaluating the system and determining how the newly acquired capabilities should be integrated into the National Armed Forces. Comparable national evaluation and integration processes are underway in Belgium and Estonia.

Major Modris Kairišs, Head of the Latvian Autonomous Systems Competence Centre: “The rapid deployment of systems like Origin Robotics’ BLAZE is essential to strengthening national air defence. At the same time, hands-on use at scale allows us to build a precise, real-world understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and tactical applications. This ensures new technologies are not only fielded quickly, but also integrated effectively into the armed forces.”

Agris Kipurs, co-founder and CEO of Origin Robotics: “The Baltic states have acted with urgency and foresight in strengthening their aerial defence posture amidst growing threats, and Belgium has shown the same determination. These deliveries prove that rapid procurement cycles are possible when governments work with agile, technology-driven defence companies like Origin. That speed matters when drone technology evolves faster than traditional procurement timelines.”

Unlike traditional defence procurement cycles that can stretch into years, the BLAZE deliveries come within months of contract announcements. The systems are operational and ready for immediate integration, and the delivery will take place over the next weeks in several batches.

Further details of the order, including quantities and operational roles, remain confidential. Additional deliveries to several other European NATO nations are already underway and will be announced in due course. Together, these deployments reflect growing institutional adoption of Origin’s technology across multiple NATO and partner countries.

origin-robotics.com/blaze

Posted in Drone, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Estonia, Latvia, and Belgium Take Delivery of BLAZE Interceptor Drones from Origin Robotics

Allen-Vanguard Breaks into South America with a Multi-Million Dollar Order for Their EQUINOX NG and SCORPION 2 ECM systems

Friday, February 6th, 2026

Allen-Vanguard, the global leader in providing customised solutions and enabling technology across the Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) domain, has recently received multi-million dollar orders for EQUINOX NG (their vehicle-based Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) system) and SCORPION 2 (their manportable ECM system). Due to the sensitivity of the purchasing nation’s operations, it is not possible to disclose specific customer details. However, this initial multi-million dollar order is a major capability uplift for the end user, will deliver enhanced protection to their personnel operating in high-risk Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) environments and help mitigate the threat posed by the increasing use of drones to deliver lethal effects.

Allen-Vanguard has over 20 years of expertise in providing customised ECM solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats. These threats include the continued global use of RCIEDs to target security forces and the increasing prevalence of drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) being used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) or lethal means. Defence Forces, Public Safety & Security agencies around the world trust Allen-Vanguard’s capability solutions, because they are easy to use, robust, reliable and have been operationally proven on the battlefield and in the most challenging of peace-keeping missions protecting those who protect us.

Based on the current threat profile, the customer has purchased EQUINOX NG, a highly sophisticated vehicle-based ECM system. Its agile and flexible technical architecture has been developed around the leading global standards for Electronic Warfare (EW) hardware, ensuring compliance and easy integration with major programs for an enduring and ‘ever-greening’ capability. Coupled to a highly flexible and scalable physical format, allows it to be easily configured for a wide range of scenarios from armoured vehicle fits for operational theatres, VIP convoy protection or static vulnerable fixed site locations. The system can be configured with relative ease to address both the RCIED and drone threats alike. SCORPION 2, has all the same technical heritage and similar capabilities as EQUINOX, but has been specifically designed to be portable using a backpack for patrol-based operations. Clearly, it can also be fitted to vehicles or used at static locations, offering maximum flexibility.

The contract comes with a full support package, including training for users, technicians and mission fill development. This support includes the deployment of Field Service Representatives to ensure the development of indigenous ECM capability and reach back to the Threat Management Team.

This team of RF experts optimise algorithms specific to the end user’s needs to combat evolving threats specific to their region of operations. This comprehensive wrap-around support maximises the protection offered by the ECM systems, both from a physical capability perspective but also from the essential changes to tactics, techniques and procedures necessary to keep operators safe.

Bobby Strawbridge, President Allen-Vanguard, said: “This is an important milestone in Allen-Vanguard’s history, breaking into the South American market. We are operationally proven with NATO countries globally and have been trusted by peace-keeping forces in the MENA region for many years. Our systems are not only market leading in relation to their technology and capability but our support packages also ensure purchasing nations improve their wider ECM capability and remain updated with the latest algorithms and software to maintain their protection.”

Posted in CEMA, Contracts, EW, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Mehler Protection Introduces Next-Generation Combat Helmet — Made in Germany

Friday, February 6th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (06.02.2026)

Mehler Protection is expanding its ballistic helmet portfolio with the Omega Core, an ultra-light combat helmet made from a high-performance UHMWPE composite, designed for modern tactical and military mission profiles.

The Omega Core combines an optimised UHMWPE composite core with a shell-integrated energy-dissipation system and an ergonomically designed interior. The result is an optimal weight-to-performance ratio that enhances mobility while reducing operational fatigue and neck strain. The helmet system will be showcased at Enforce Tac 2026 as part of Mehler Protection’s current helmet portfolio. Industry professionals, particularly those representing European armed forces, are warmly invited to visit the Mehler Systems Group stand to experience the combat helmet first-hand.

The Omega Core pairs a sophisticated ballistic construction with an open rail architecture and modular interfaces, e.g. for NVG mounts, visors, communications devices and hearing protection and more. The interior features multi-chamber pads and adaptive anchoring points to minimise micro-movements under dynamic loads, thereby improving stability, comfort, and fit. The individually adjustable suspension net provides continuous ventilation to reduce perspiration and heat build-up. The shell concept is engineered for low backface deformation and optimised fragment deflection. Thanks to its modular platform architecture, the helmet can be adapted to different mission profiles, ranging from highly mobile operations to scenarios involving variable threat environments.

“With the Omega Core we are setting the benchmark for ultra-light, fully integrable combat helmets. The system is ‘Made in Germany’, underpinned by a resilient European supply chain. Operators will benefit from a weight saving of around 20 per cent compared to the current Bundeswehr combat helmet, without compromising on protection, ergonomics or system integration,” says Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems.

The Omega Core is engineered as an ultra-light helmet system. It ranks at the very top of its class and delivers clear advantages in mobility and reduced fatigue during extended missions. The system is tested, among others, to the “Ballistic Helmet” system standard (Chapter 3.2, May 2010), STANAG 2920 (V50 procedure for fragment protection) and NIJ STD 0106.01. Ballistic tests with operationally relevant handgun ammunition (example calibres: 9 mm FMJ RN, .357 SIG FMJ FN, .44 Mag SJHP) are conducted to evaluate performance. These standards and additional procedures ensure that ballistic performance, impact attenuation and material durability meet the requirements expected by military users.

Production and delivery capability

Series production takes place at Mehler Protection’s dedicated facility in Fulda. The automated production line provides capacity for more than 50,000 state-of-the-art helmets per year. Mehler Protection has the organisational and technical capabilities to scale output to three times this volume at short notice upon receipt of orders. This ensures armed forces’ requirements can be met quickly and reliably. The production strategy is based on rapid scalability, a dual-sourcing approach for critical components and qualified supplier networks across Europe. Mehler Protection has demonstrated on-time delivery, high quality standards and supply chain resilience in major body armour programmes.

Innovation leadership

The Mehler Systems Group was awarded the TOP 100 seal in 2026, placing it among Germany’s most innovative mid-sized companies. This recognition highlights the Group’s consistent research and development efforts and the innovation behind products such as Omega Core, as well as numerous other solutions in the fields of personal and platform protection, load-bearing systems, and tactical clothing.

About Mehler Protection

Mehler Protection is a leading provider of high-quality ballistic protection systems for law enforcement agencies, military, and special forces. The company is committed to safety, providing innovative and robust solutions that are tailored to mission-specific requirements. Its portfolio includes ballistic body armour, stab and cut protection, helmets, shields, and platform armour for naval, air, and land vehicles, as well as critical infrastructure. As part of the Mehler Systems Group, Mehler Protection draws on over four decades of experience in developing and manufacturing customised protection solutions.

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

Milrem Robotics and EOS Defence Systems Sign Teaming Agreement to Advance Unmanned Ground Systems Capabilities

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and EOS Defence Systems, a global leader in advanced remote weapon systems and integrated defence solutions for Counter-UAS, have signed a teaming agreement to jointly pursue new business opportunities and advance network-centric collaborative combat robotics.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across marketing, product development, and research and development, enabling both companies to combine their complementary expertise in unmanned platforms, weapon systems, and integrated defence solutions.

“By combining Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicle expertise with EOS Defence Systems’ advanced weapon and integration capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to deliver scalable and mission-ready solutions for modern armed forces,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “This teaming agreement reflects our shared commitment to innovation, interoperability, and responding to evolving operational requirements.”

“The drone threat environment is increasingly mobile and contested, and effective defence can no longer be confined to fixed sites or crewed platforms,” said Andreas Schwer, CEO of Electro Optic Systems (EOS). “This teaming agreement extends EOS’ world-leading counter-drone systems onto unmanned ground platforms, supporting more flexible and layered defence approaches.”

Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to identify business opportunities in new markets and customer segments of mutual interest, as well as to develop and execute joint marketing initiatives. The cooperation also enables the potential co-development of products, technologies, and integrated solutions aligned with the companies’ respective areas of expertise.

A key focus of the partnership is joint research and development, including the integration of advanced weapon systems, sensors, and effectors onto Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicles. Planned activities may include non-ITAR counter-UAS solutions, missile and grenade launcher integrations, large-calibre weapon systems for heavy UGVs, and the integration of laser-based capabilities on medium and large uncrewed platforms, in cooperation with selected international partners.

The agreement further supports the sharing of relevant intellectual property, technical know-how, and research outcomes to accelerate the commercialisation and deployment of jointly developed or marketed solutions.

The collaboration will initially focus on selected markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and Europe, with opportunities in the United States assessed on a case-by-case basis. Target markets include the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and selected European programmes where joint offerings can deliver a clear competitive advantage.

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

Yokota Supports First JGSDF-Hosted Multinational Airborne Exercise

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) —

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron supported a multinational airborne operation Jan. 17, at Ojojihara Training Area, Miyagi Prefecture, marking the first Japan Ground Self-Defense Force-hosted multinational airborne exercise conducted on Japanese soil.

The operation built on the momentum of New Year Jump Indo-Pacific 2026, which included participation from 14 nations, and served as the tactical phase of a broader training series designed to enhance airborne operational capability and interoperability among allied forces. While NYJIP26 at the JGSDF’s Narashino Training Area in Chiba Prefecture earlier this month was conducted as a ceremonial public demonstration, training at Ojojihara emphasized combat readiness and operational execution.

Operating from Yokota Air Base, four U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron delivered approximately 130 paratroopers from the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division to the drop zone in Miyagi Prefecture. The airborne insertion was conducted in coordination with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, which employed one Kawasaki C-2 and two C-130H Hercules, both assigned to JASDF Air Support Command to transport paratroopers from the JGSDF 1st Airborne Brigade.

The combined force conducted an airborne insertion and transitioned immediately to ground maneuver, executing reconnaissance and consolidation actions to validate command-and-control procedures and combined maneuver capabilities.

The operation required detailed coordination among multiple airlift platforms operating in the same airspace. U.S. Air Force aircrews synchronized rendezvous points, altitudes and airspeeds with JASDF C-2 and C-130H aircraft to operate as a single formation prior to the drop. Aircraft spacing and timing were established based on ground force requirements, with all aircraft slowing to a common drop airspeed before paratrooper exit.

“Flying with multiple airlift platforms requires precise coordination from start to finish,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen Larson, 374th Airlift Wing, C-130J pilot. “Once we establish visual contact, we bring the formation together at the same altitude and airspeed and set spacing based on what the ground force needs for a safe and effective drop.”

Despite low cloud ceilings and reduced visibility, aircrews maintained visual conditions and executed a precise airdrop. The C-130J’s automated systems assisted crews in generating accurate airdrop run-in profiles, allowing pilots to focus on formation coordination, drop zone communication and air traffic control. The coordinated airlift enabled ground forces to execute the operation as planned.

“The transition from the New Year Jump at Narashino to a full-scale tactical drop at Ojojihara is where training translates into operational capability,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kael Jordan, 11th Airborne Division, platoon sergeant. “The rehearsals and coordination we conducted beforehand allowed us to execute safely and effectively alongside our Japanese partners.”

Prior to the Ojojihara operation, participating forces conducted preparatory training at Narashino Training Area, focusing on procedural alignment, joint briefings and coordination drills.

The exercise brought together airborne forces from the United States and Japan to strengthen interoperability and reinforce combined airborne capabilities. The training was conducted as part of a series of linked exercises designed to enhance regional readiness and cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

By Yasuo Osakabe

374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International | No Comments »

Denmark Commissions Rheinmetall to Supply Ammunition – Initial Orders Under Framework Agreement Worth Hundreds of Millions of Euros

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026

Rheinmetall has been commissioned by Denmark, a member of the EU and NATO, to supply ammunition. The signing of a large-volume framework agreement was marked by a ceremony on 30 January 2026. The agreement has a term of seven years. It covers the supply of several types of ammunition. These include medium-calibre ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles and self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, 120 mm ammunition for main battle tanks and 155 mm ammunition for artillery.The first orders in the medium-calibre ammunition sector include various types of cartridges in 30 mm x 173 and 35 mm x 228 calibres. The total number is in the high five-digit range, with the order value in the low three-digit million euro range.In the area of 120 mm tank ammunition, Rheinmetall will supply over 1,000 rounds of kinetic-energy ammunition. The order value is in the high single-digit million euro range.”We are grateful for the trust Denmark has placed in us for its ammunition supply,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “Rheinmetall sees this as confirmation of its role as one of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturers.”

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

Rheinmetall Drone LUNA NG Demonstrates its Capabilities in the Bundeswehr’s New Reconnaissance and Operational Network

Friday, January 30th, 2026

Rheinmetall successfully participated in a visionary test conducted by the Bundeswehr at the Army Combat Training Centre in Saxony-Anhalt, using its LUNA NG unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. The test focused on the reconnaissance and operational network. From target detection to counter-measures, only unmanned systems were used, including drones and loitering munitions. Drone swarms are worldwide considered a novelty, and as yet an untested technology in terms of future combat methods of modern armed forces worldwide.

Within the Bundeswehr, the LUNA NG reconnaissance drone is known as the HUSAR (Highly Efficient Unmanned System for Medium-Range Reconnaissance) project. During the test period at the Combat Training Centre, Rheinmetall successfully integrated the system with the Bundeswehr’s Command & Control Unmanned Management System (C2-UMS Bw). This allows LUNA NG to operate within reconnaissance and operational networks alongside other drones or loitering munitions. Notable features of the system include a flight time of over 12 hours and a maximum altitude of 5,000 metres.

Overall, the test at the Combat Training Centre was characterised by a high level of digitalisation and networking. It showed that the interaction of reconnaissance and operational networks reduces the required time to detect, mark and counter-attack a target significantly.

During testing, LUNA NG reliably processed short-term assignments, showcasing its exceptional reconnaissance capabilities. The system also boasts great endurance and operates quietly at high altitudes.

The other participants connected to the C2-UMS Bw receive a status information of a large operational area, as well as high-resolution target information, via LUNA NG. Additionally, sensor information is available in real time, giving ground units a complete picture of the situation.

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