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D&M Holding Company and PT Pindad Sign MOU to Develop Energetics Center of Excellence in Indonesia

Monday, September 21st, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. (September 21, 2026) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), the global leader in delivering complete solutions for ammunition and energetics manufacturing facilities, and PT Pindad (Persero), a leading defense manufacturer in Indonesia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop an Energetics Center of Excellence in Indonesia. The MOU outlines the companies’ intent to collaborate on the development of a state-of-the-art center for the joint development of propellants and critical propellant raw materials. The proposed project is intended to establish a vertically integrated propellant production capability for Pindad, strengthening supply-chain security and supporting their internal ammunition production.

“This Memorandum of Understanding represents an important first step between Pindad and the D&M family of companies toward creating an Indonesian-U.S.-European collaboration to develop an advanced, vertically integrated energetics center in Indonesia,” said James Jones, executive vice president sales and business development, D&M Holding Company. “We look forward to working with Pindad to move the joint development of this project forward as we explore the transfer of equipment and technologies and pave the way for joint research and development of the next generation of energetics raw materials.”

For more information visit D&M Holding Company.

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

NestAI to Bring Adaptive AI into Electronic Warfare Platforms

Saturday, September 19th, 2026

Saab and NestAI partner to build defence systems that keep improving after they are fielded.

NestAI has entered a partnership with Saab to bring adaptive AI into selected parts of Saab’s electronic warfare platform. The capability is developed through NestOS, NestAI’s adaptive operating system for modern battlefield operations. For European armed forces, it marks a step toward sensor systems that do not just perform at delivery but continue to improve throughout their operational life.

Saab’s sensor technology, which already sets a high standard in the field, serves as the first step in a broader model for bringing adaptive AI into production defence systems. Developed with NestOS, the partnership adds an AI layer that optimises both performance and production efficiency, taking a proven product family to a new level of capability. The result is a system that continuously learns from operational data and adapts to changing conditions.

Speed and adaptability matter in today’s security environment. As threats evolve faster than procurement cycles, the ability to update and improve deployed systems without new hardware has become a strategic priority for armed forces across the continent. This collaboration represents a broader commitment to pioneering Nordic AI excellence in defence, built to deliver adaptive AI capability at speed without compromising the rigour that defence applications demand.

Under the partnership, Saab’s sensors will continue to improve over time, drawing on operational data processed through NestOS.

“European defence systems are fielded for decades. The threats they face change in months. Most systems have no way to close that gap after deployment. This partnership is about changing that, building the infrastructure for defence capability that evolves with the threat, not against it”, says Peter Sarlin, Founder and Executive Chairman, NestAI

“Saab and NestAI are bringing together leading defence and AI expertise to strengthen Nordic and European capability. By combining operational knowledge with advanced artificial intelligence, we are exploring how to lay the foundations for the next generation of secure, sovereign and mission-critical capabilities”, says Mikael Adelsberg, Chief Digital Officer at Saab.

Posted in AI / ML, EW, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Federal Minister of Defence Pistorius Charts the Course for a Fourth Fleet Intelligence Vessel

Friday, September 18th, 2026

Together with Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Minister President Manuela Schwesig and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, high-ranking representatives of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) and numerous guests from the industry and politics attended the keel-laying ceremony for the third fleet intelligence vessel. This important milestone in shipbuilding took place several months ahead of schedule at Rheinmetall’s shipyard in Wolgast, where the second fleet intelligence vessel is also being built in parallel. At the same time, the Federal Minister also spoke in favour of procuring a fourth fleet intelligence vessel.

Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence: “The new generation of Class 424 fleet intelligence vessels is equipped with high-performance sensor technology that enables very efficient monitoring of the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air and sea, and allows for even better intelligence gathering. The new vessels are due to enter service gradually from 2029 onwards, ensuring this capability for the coming decades. Our Navy and the Cyber and Information Domain Service are working closely together on this. The specialists in the Cyber and Information Domain Service utilise the technical capabilities on board to gather and analyse information. In doing so, they will make an important contribution to our situational picture. Our new capability profile stipulates a total requirement of four fleet intelligence vessels. Three are currently under construction. I have therefore, in close consultation with the Chief of the Navy and the Chief of the Cyber and Information Domain Service, set the course for a fourth sistership. We are now proceeding to the parliamentary vote on this matter.”

Manuela Schwesig, Minister President of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: “For Wolgast, for eastern Vorpommern, and for the whole of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Peene-Werft is far more than just a shipyard. The maritime industry is one of our key sectors, of which we are proud. Its value chains stretch from the north right down to the south. We are delighted that the keel has been laid for the third fleet intelligence vessel.”

The keel-laying ceremony is traditionally regarded as the symbolic start of the actual shipbuilding process. The highlights of the ceremony—including the placement of lucky coins on a keel-laying plate and the wedging of the plate under the keel-laying section—were attended by Minister of State Philipp Amthor, Vice Admiral Axel Deertz, Vice Chief of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Thomas Daum, Chief of the German Cyber and Information Domain Service (CIR), Angela Bier, Mayor of the future sponsor city of Hof, and Jürgen Giefer, Deputy Head of the Naval Directorate at the Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support for the German Armed Forces (BAAINBw).

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “The successful keel laying, well ahead of schedule, is a strong testament to the capabilities of our entire team. It demonstrates what is possible when planning, technological expertise, and collaborative partnerships are consistently integrated. It also showcases the skills and knowledge that make this facility a hub of modern naval shipbuilding. Today we have reached an important milestone, thereby creating an excellent foundation for the next phases of construction. My thanks go to everyone involved who made this success possible through their full commitment, passion, and expertise.”

The fleet intelligence vessels, which are approximately 130 metres long, are equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology and will serve the German Armed Forces as reconnaissance platforms for maritime intelligence gathering. For final outfitting, commissioning, and testing, the vessels will later be towed to Rheinmetall’s Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg.

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GA-ASI Mojave First UAS To Complete Battlefield Short Field Ops

Friday, September 18th, 2026

Short Takeoff and Landing Aircraft Validates Austere Field CapabilitiesPOCHEON-SI, GYEONGGI-DO, Republic ofKOREA (ROK) – 16 September 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Hanwha Aerospace have completed the first-ever flight operations from a simulated battlefield by a medium altitude, long endurance uncrewed aircraft. The partners proved that the Mojave Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft, or Mojave STOL, could land at a tank and artillery live-fire range during simulated combat conditions and then take off again to continue the mission.

“This demonstration showcased Mojave’s ability to perform tactical missions that are representative of real battlefield requirements and challenges,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “Whether the user needs contested and austere battlefield operations, ISR, weapons delivery, Air-Launched Effects deployment, troop resupply, counter-UAS, or missions requiring short and unimproved roads for takeoff, our aircraft answer the bell.”

“This demonstration marks an important milestone in delivering tangible results through the partnership between Hanwha and GA-ASI,” said Buhwan Lee, CEO nominee of Hanwha Aerospace. “Going forward, we will work closely with the ROK defense industry to develop unmanned systems designed for future operating environments and expand our presence in global markets.”

The Defense Drone Technology Exhibition took place in the countryside north of Seoul and highlighted Mojave’s ability to operate from an austere environment with a short runway. Configured with dual weapon rails and inert payloads, Mojave executed a concept of operations designed to illustrate how STOL capability enhances operational flexibility, survivability, and responsiveness for future ROK defense applications. The demo took place at the runway ofROK Army 513th Aviation Battalion and the Seungjin Training Field in Pocheon-si.

Under the control of pilots operating from ground control stations, Mojave took off from a conventional runway at ROK Army 513th ROK Aviation Battalion, flew to the Seungjin Training Fieldwhere it joined air operations, then landed on a rough maneuver trail used mostly by ROK Armytanks and artillery vehicles. The aircraft then took back off again, resumed operations, and returned toROK Army 513th Aviation Battalion. In an actual combat situation, soldiers could have refueled and re-armed Mojave during its time on the ground at the range. No other aircraft with Mojave’s endurance, range or payload has this ability.

In 2025, GA-ASI announced that it was partnering with Hanwha to co-develop and co-produce UAS with STOL capability for a worldwide customer base, including the ROK Ministry ofNational Defense, the United States Department of War and other global customers. Critical Design Review (CDR) for a production Mojave STOL is expected in November this year with first flight in 2027.

The Mojave STOL demonstrator now is scheduled to travel to Changwon where it will be on display at Hanwha’s Industry Day on September 21.The event will include an array of ROK suppliers, with many contributing to the production of Mojave STOL.

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

Rheinmetall UK and Mercedes-Benz UK Advance Team Wolf Partnership for the Future of British Army Mobility

Thursday, September 17th, 2026

Collaboration combines automotive and defence capability, with Telford confirmed as the Vehicle Integration Centre for Team Wolf

Millbrook, UK – 16 September 2026 – Rheinmetall UK and Mercedes-Benz UK have announced a strategic partnership, combining proven Mercedes-Benz vehicle technology with Rheinmetall UK’s specialist defence integration and mission-system expertise to support the British Army’s future tactical mobility requirements under the Land Mobility Programme. The partnership brings together Mercedes-Benz’s proven vehicle base with Rheinmetall UK’s defence programme leadership and military capability, creating a collaborative approach focused on delivering and sustaining capability for the UK.

As part of the partnership, Rheinmetall’s Telford Facility (RBSL) will become the Vehicle Integration Centre for Team Wolf, where systems integration, testing and validation of the capability will take place.

Together, these capabilities create a strong industrial foundation for Team Wolf to deliver and sustain British Army mobility requirements. Global capability. Delivered in the UK.

At the heart of Team Wolf is a commitment to delivering and sustaining capability in the UK.

Establishing the Vehicle Integration Centre at Telford will place critical integration activity in Britain, drawing on an established base of defence engineering skills, infrastructure and experience.

The centre will provide the focal point for systems integration, testing and validation, bringing together the people, facilities and technical capability required to integrate Team Wolf vehicles for British Army requirements.

This approach is designed to retain critical knowledge and skills in the UK and provide the foundation to support, adapt and evolve the capability throughout its service life.

Telford already plays an important role in UK land capability, including the manufacture of Boxer vehicles for the British Army, making the new integration role a natural extension of an established sovereign industrial base.

Investing in British capability

Team Wolf is committed to maximising opportunities for British industry and strengthening the resilience of the UK defence supply chain.

The programme is targeting up to 50% UK content, creating opportunities for British suppliers and SMEs and supporting skilled employment across engineering, integration and the wider supply chain.

Rheinmetall has previously publicly committed to sourcing approximately 50% of its UK tactical-vehicle content from British suppliers.

Rebecca Richards, Managing Director, Rheinmetall UK, said:

“Team Wolf is bringing together two organisations with complementary strengths and a shared ambition to deliver an enduring mobility capability for the British Army.

“Establishing the Vehicle Integration Centre at Telford is central to that ambition. It puts British engineering, integration and skills at the heart of our delivery model and provides a strong UK foundation from which we can deliver, support and evolve capability over the long term.

“This is about more than vehicles. It is about building sovereign capability, strengthening the UK supply chain and creating the skills and industrial resilience needed to support the British Army’s future force.”

Olivier Reppert, CEO & Managing Director at Mercedes-Benz Cars UK said:

“For more than 45 years, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has stood for strength, reliability and adaptability in demanding conditions. With Team Wolf, we bring this proven vehicle foundation and our long-term OEM expertise into a partnership designed to support the British Army’s future mobility needs. Together with Rheinmetall UK’s defence integration capabilities, we can help create mission-ready solutions with a clear path for support and further development.”

The Team Wolf partnership represents a shared commitment to the British Army and to the future of UK land mobility – combining the scale, experience and investment of two global organisations with a clear focus on delivering lasting value for the UK. Team Wolf is positioned to build capability, skills and industrial capacity needed to support the Army’s ambitions for decades to come.

One Platform. Multiple Roles. Common Support. Future Ready.

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ISTEC Celebrates Over 80,000 Weapon Mounts and Ancillaries Sold Globally Since the First DVD in 2001

Thursday, September 17th, 2026

ISTEC Services Ltd is a British company with nearly 4 decades of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon mount integration solutions, smoke dischargers and other ancillaries, such as weapon stowage, for military platforms across the Land, Sea and Air domains globally.

At this, the 18th DVD event since the inaugural event in 2001, ISTEC is celebrating the sale of over 80,000 weapon mounts and ancillaries to enhance the force protection and firepower capabilities of military platforms around the world. Having exhibited at 15 of 17 events in the past, ISTEC will be displaying a range of its products, including its ring mount, swing arm and universal gun mount fitted to a Fering Pioneer X vehicle on Stand SP-01. At DVD you will also find ISTEC products fitted to various vehicles on the GM Defence (OR-10), Supacat (OR-27), GD Land Systems (OR-32), Babcock (OR-20), Fering (OR-38), Polaris (OR-28) and Ricardo (OR-18) stands.

ISTEC has a long pedigree and operationally proven record of supplying high-quality weapon mounts to the British military, with mounts fitted to a wide range of platforms currently in service, including Land Rover RWMIK, Jackal, Coyote, Foxhound, Husky, Mastiff, Ridgeback, Wolfhound, Viking and MLRS. ISTEC mounts are specifically designed to maximise individual vehicle survivability with wide arcs of fire and recoil reduction to increase flexibility with common mounting solutions, so users can quickly and easily switch between mounted weapon systems.

ISTEC has also recently been awarded a four-year contract for the supply of weapon mount spares across all three services via the Babcock ‘Service Provision and Transformation Contract’ (SPTC), so the MOD has the necessary infrastructure and support services to enhance and maintain its existing capability.

ISTEC products are platform, OEM and weapon agnostic. Combined with having a UK-centric supplier and manufacturing base (consisting of over 70 vetted suppliers), ISTEC is extremely well placed to support the upcoming LMP contract and the UK economy, by creating and sustaining local skilled employment.

Mick Coulson, Managing Director at ISTEC said, “We are very pleased to be celebrating this significant milestone at the 18th DVD, and it is very rewarding to see this global recognition of our product quality. We are also very proud of our ongoing support of the UK Armed Forces and our commitment to its wider community via our Silver Covenant award last year, support to veteran employees and sponsorship of military charities such as Legion 7s and the Royal British Legion.”

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NP Aerospace Lands New Contract Bringing Its Total Protected Cab Order Book to Over 60 units

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

NP Aerospace, a global vehicle integrator, armoured system design and manufacturer has announced the receipt of another order for protected vehicle cabs from an undisclosed customer. This takes its total protected cab order book to more than 60 units. The milestone reflects the company’s established position as an OEM agnostic integration partner for defence primes and military fleets, worldwide.

The company delivers end-to-end survivability systems, from concept design and safety certification to manufacture, integration and through-life support. NP Aerospace has successfully engineered protected crew solutions across a broad spectrum of threat levels, including up to STANAG 4569 Level 4, spanning multiple vehicle classes such as military logistic trucks, specialist engineering equipment, EOD vehicles and recovery vehicles.

Remaining OEM agnostic, NP Aerospace can work with multiple vehicle manufacturers, enabling defence customers to select the optimum base vehicle while drawing upon proven protection expertise. This flexible business model allows the company to deliver complete cab assemblies, knock-down kits, armour integration packages, or licensed production options tailored to specific customer requirements and platform constraints.

With active programmes running across the UK, Europe and North America, NP Aerospace combines sovereign UK engineering and manufacturing expertise with established international delivery infrastructure. Through its global operations, the company provides defence customers and OEMs with a single partner capable of supporting local manufacturing, technology transfer and built-to-print requirements. This capability makes it an ideal partner for upcoming modernisation initiatives, such as the UK MoD’s Future Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) and Heavy Recovery Vehicle (HRV) programmes.

James Kempston, CEO at NP Aerospace said, “NP Aerospace has developed a proven armoured cab capability through the successful delivery of protected crew solutions across military logistics, engineering and specialist vehicle platforms. As future logistics and recovery vehicle programmes progress, we are focused on delivering low risk, exportable survivability solutions that support both national capability and international growth.”

With current active pursuits and quotations exceeding 100 cabs globally, NP Aerospace continues to position itself as the trusted UK survivability and armoured cab integration partner, enabling both national and sovereign capability and international fleet growth across defence markets.

Posted in Armor, Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, US Special Operations Forces Co-Host Bilateral Engagement to Align Capabilities

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

CAMP KISARAZU, Japan —

U.S. service members assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command and U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific, alongside the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, conducted a bilateral engagement at Camp Kisarazu, Japan, Aug. 24-28, 2026, reinforcing the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Japan.

The five-day event centered on interoperability and collaborative capabilities. It consisted of briefings, discussions and working groups focused on air-to-ground integration and humanitarian assistance and disaster response in a joint environment. By synchronizing on these capabilities, U.S. special operations forces and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force aim to ensure effective collaboration during both crisis response and sustained regional operations.

“This engagement is a critical step in building our partnership,” said Brig. Gen. Clay Freeman, AFSOC deputy commander. “By integrating our air-to-ground capabilities and aligning our disaster response frameworks today, we ensure that the U.S. and Japan can respond instantly and cohesively to any crisis in the Pacific. Upcoming international seminars will further solidify this foundation, turning shared concepts into enduring regional security.”

The engagement also served as the foundation for a Building Partner Aviation Capacity Seminar, which will be co-hosted in Japan at a later date. Together, these events will provide AFSOC and U.S. Special Operations Command with a unique platform to facilitate communication with key regional allies in the Pacific Command region.

Col. Matthew Taylor, 353rd Special Operations Wing deputy commander, was a senior mentor throughout the bilateral engagement. In this role, he guided and advised working groups through joint planning and problem-solving frameworks to address PACOM-specific challenges in communications, logistics, and command and control.

“Integration with our Japanese partners is both a tactical and a strategic imperative,” said Taylor. “This engagement allows the 353rd Special Operations Wing and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to move beyond broad concepts and focus directly on the mechanics of Air-to-Ground Integration. Our goal is to maximize interoperability during bi-lateral activities to support both nations’ security interests—now and into the future.”

Representatives from the JGSDF highlighted that the exchange successfully strengthened tactical coordination, paving the way for more integrated operations during future bilateral missions.

“This exchange event allowed us to enhance our mutual understanding and build a strong foundation of trust,” said Maj. Gen. Yoshichika Ito, 1st Helicopter Brigade commander. “Building on this momentum, we look forward to further strengthening our partnership and working together to contribute to regional stability and security.”

The collaboration in Japan supports ongoing cooperation within the U.S.-Japan alliance, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional security and mutual defense capabilities.

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

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