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Cubic Awarded Canada Department of National Defence Contract for the Weapon Effects Simulation (WES) In-Service Support

Saturday, November 1st, 2025

Closing the gap in simulating realistic weapons effects during force-on-force field training exercises

SAN DIEGO – October 30, 2025 – Cubic Defense has been awarded a multi-year contract from Public Works and Government Services Canada, on behalf of Canada’s Department of National Defence, to provide live simulation support to the Canadian Army through Contractor Conducted Logistics Support.

The six-year contract provides logistics assistance to the Canadian Weapon Effects Simulation (CWES) program, supporting CWES live training at four Canadian Forces Bases: Gagetown, New Brunswick; Valcartier, Quebec; Petawawa, Ontario; and Wainwright, Alberta.

“We are honored to continue supporting the Canadian Army and appreciate this nearly three-decade partnership that will revitalize our live simulation training support to the CWES program,” said Alicia Combs, Vice President and General Manager of Cubic Ground Training. “This contract expands on the effort to advance the Canadian Army’s force-on-force training realism and feedback while reducing training costs.”

The contract’s logistics support package for the Canadian Army’s interoperable force-on-force system includes the multi-code Instrumented Harness Kit (IHK); Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), which utilizes Cubic’s Wireless Vehicle Kit (WVK); and Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) WVK and the Urban Operations Training System (UOTS). Combined, Cubic’s solutions deliver one of the most advanced live training capabilities in North America.

The original CWES contract was awarded to Cubic in February 2003 and modified multiple times to enhance capabilities to simulate contemporary weapons and their effects during force-on-force field training exercises. CWES enables soldiers to train the way they fight during combat operations and provides solutions that enhance a Commander’s after-action reviews in evaluating their tactics, techniques, and procedures.

To learn more about Cubic products and services, visit Ground Training Solutions.

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

Solid State plc Through Steatite has Secured an Initial $10.8 Million UK MoD Order for Project CAIN

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Solid State plc (AIM: SOLI), the specialist value-added component supplier and design-in-manufacturer of computing, power, and communications products, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Steatite Ltd has secured an initial order valued at US $10.8 million under Project CAIN, a major defence programme, for a UK Government end user.

The order represents a significant milestone in Steatite’s ongoing strategy to deliver cutting-edge, mission-critical technologies to the UK’s armed forces and security community. Under Project CAIN, Steatite will supply a range of secure, ruggedised systems including the MPU5 and Wave Relay Radio Technology from Persistent Systems, supporting advanced operational capabilities in challenging environments.

Delivery of these initial systems is scheduled for the first half of 2026. The project further strengthens Steatite’s position as a trusted supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and reinforces its reputation for innovation and reliability in the delivery of secure technology solutions.

Commenting on the award, Matthew Richards, Systems Divisional Managing Director of Solid State plc, said:

“This contract win is the result of extensive collaboration with our customer, the OEM Persistent Systems and other commercial providers, which highlights the strength of Steatite’s capability and commitment to operational excellence.

“Project CAIN will play a key role in enhancing the UK’s defence resilience, aligning with the targets set by Chief of the General Staff General, Sir Roly Walker, to double lethality in 3 years and triple it in 10. We’re proud to be part of its delivery and thank Tim Sage and his colleagues within our communications team for getting us to this stage. We now look forward to supporting the MoD in the months and years to come on such a prestigious and vitally important programme.”

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended (“MAR”). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

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

Cooperation with Bulgaria: Rheinmetall and VMZ Establish Joint Venture for the Production of Artillery Ammunition

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Rheinmetall and the Bulgarian company VMZ (Vazovski Mashinostroitelni Zavodi) are establishing a joint venture for the development and manufacture of artillery shells and energetic materials. A corresponding agreement was signed today. The total investment in the joint venture amounts to approximately €1 billion – one of the most significant investments in ammunition production in recent years. Rheinmetall holds a 51% stake in the joint venture, while VMZ holds 49%.

The production facility will cover an area of around 100 hectares. The site is located in the Sopot region of Bulgaria. The joint venture is expected to create around 1,000 jobs. Annual production capacity will be around 100,000 shells and propellant charges for up to 150,000 shells. In addition, the joint venture will produce approximately 1,300 tonnes of propellant powder. This capacity will support VMZ’s business. According to current plans, production of projectile casings is scheduled to begin in 2027. Energetic materials are to be produced from 2028 onwards.

‘We are grateful for the Bulgarian government’s confidence in our capabilities,’ said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. ‘With the new production facility, we are further expanding our leading role as a manufacturer of artillery ammunition to continue supporting the defence capabilities of the European Union and NATO.’

About Rheinmetall: As an integrated technology group, the listed company Rheinmetall AG, headquartered in Düsseldorf, stands for a company that is as strong in substance as it is successful internationally, and that is active in various markets with an innovative range of products and services. Rheinmetall is a leading international systems supplier in the defence industry and at the same time a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in the civilian markets. With 40,000 employees on 174 sites word wide, Rheinmetall generated sales €9.8 billion in 2024.

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

Royal Marines Fully Field Persistent MPU5 Radios Empowering the UK Commando Force Modernization Initiative

Thursday, October 30th, 2025

Royal Marines field 2,000+ MPU5 radios, entering a new phase of large-scale operational deployment and collaboration with allied forces
Wave Relay® MANET technology creates a global communications fabric, enabling the Royal Marines to dominate in contested environments

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology, announced that the UK Royal Marines have now fully fielded over 2,000 MPU5 radio systems in support of their UK Commando Force (UKCF) transformation. This marks a significant step in the Royal Marines’ move toward a more agile, technology-enabled expeditionary force.

MPU5 radios, running the Wave Relay® MANET, now form a highly scalable communications fabric uniting warfighters, unmanned systems, sensors, vehicles, and command posts. This deployment enables the Royal Marines to operate with greater autonomy, speed, and lethality in contested electronic warfare (EW) environments.

The Royal Marines are divesting from legacy government-only systems and embracing commercial, non-ITAR defense technology. This makes their force more interoperable with allies and places the UK at the forefront of multinational collaboration.

“True interoperability is about more than just working with allies. It’s about uniting every Marine, every vehicle, and every sensor into a single resilient network,” said Eve Shapiro, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development at Persistent. “With the Wave Relay MANET, the Royal Marines can execute complex, distributed operations while maintaining constant connectivity and situational awareness.”

The UKCF represents the most significant modernization of the Royal Marines since WWII, aimed at creating a globally deployable, autonomous littoral force. It emphasizes small, lethal teams, unmanned and AI-enabled systems, and networked C4ISR capabilities.

The MPU5 rollout, awarded to Persistent’s UK partner & distributor, Steatite Ltd., which includes handheld units and vehicle kits, supports UKCF’s operational demands across land, sea, and unmanned domains. Integration with platforms like all-terrain vehicles and unmanned systems enables uninterrupted connectivity regardless of terrain or mission set.

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

Rheinmetall and MBDA: German Laser Weapon System Close to Market Readiness

Wednesday, October 29th, 2025

Düsseldorf/Schrobenhausen, 28 October 2025 – Following the successful completion of a one-year trial phase at sea, defence contractors Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany have transferred a laser demonstrator for the Navy to the Laser Competence Centre at the Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen for further testing. This marks a major step in the development of a high-energy laser weapon system for maritime use, and highlights the strong partnership between the two German technology companies.

Based on this, an operational laser weapon system could be available to the German Navy as of 2029, providing a powerful and cost-effective addition to conventional guided missiles.

Thanks to WTD 91’s support during the acceptance process, the demonstrator was successfully commissioned at the Laser Competence Centre in Meppen. This represents an important step towards achieving rapid market and operational readiness for a future laser system for the Navy.

The containerised demonstrator has already been successfully tested several times over the course of a year under real operational conditions at sea on board the frigate SACHSEN, proving the system’s robustness and performance. With the support of WTD 91 in Meppen, the laser container has now been put into operation for further land-based drone defence testing.

The laser weapon system offers new possibilities for counter-operations against non-cooperative targets. With its ability to precisely and effectively neutralise drones and other small, fast-moving targets, it addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time. An operational laser weapon system complements cannons and guided missiles, particularly for the defence against drones and drone swarms, as well as for attacking speedboats and, if necessary, guided missiles in the closer and immediate vicinity. In the future, it could also be equipped with greater capabilities and be used to destroy supersonic guided missiles and rockets, as well as mortar and artillery shells. Unique technologies ‘designed and made in Germany’ ensure precise target detection and tracking, based on years of expertise in optics and sensor technology.
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The long-standing and successful collaboration between Rheinmetall and MBDA in the field of laser weapons will ensure that this progress will be realised. Since 2019, both companies have been working closely together to develop high-energy laser effectors. The work on the system is divided nearby equally between the two companies. MBDA Germany is responsible for target detection and tracking, the control console, and connecting the laser weapon demonstrator to the command-and-control system. Rheinmetall’s responsibilities however include the aiming system, beam guidance and the demonstrator container, as well as the mechanical and electrical integration of the demonstrator on the deck of the frigate SACHSEN and, ultimately, the high-energy laser source including its peripherals.

Successful tests conducted on the frigate SACHSEN proved the demonstrator’s tracking capability, effectiveness and precision under real operational conditions for the first time in Europe, also without using the landscape as beam block (‘in front of blue sky’). These tests comprised over 100 live-firing trials and significantly more tracking trials. This technology has proven its high reaction speed and accuracy in combating drones, thereby significantly enhancing the effectiveness of drone defence.

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

Gentex Corporation Selected by Czech Ministry of Defence for Integrated Headborne Systems, Reflecting Global Trust in Proven Ops-Core Integrated Ballistic Helmet Solutions

Tuesday, October 28th, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, October 27, 2025 – Gentex Corporation has been selected by the Czech Ministry of Defence to deliver next-generation Ops-Core integrated ballistic helmet systems and AMP® Communication Headsets to soldiers across the Czech Armed Forces. This order was placed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) under the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) contract, which is available to all NATO member nations strengthening interoperability across allied forces. The contract valued at over 1 billion CZK is scheduled for completion by October 2026. The official announcement of the selection by the Czech Ministry of Defence can be viewed here, with additional Q&A information here.

“As a global leader of integrated headborne systems, this selection reinforces what all our NATO customers already know, that Ops-Core systems deliver unmatched modularity, reliability, and operational flexibility,” said Tom Short, Senior Vice President of Global Defense at Gentex Corporation. “The Czech Republic is investing in a combat-proven solution with a global pedigree and strong NATO user base. We’re proud to be a trusted part of that modernization effort.”

The contract includes Ops-Core’s lightweight ballistic helmets, engineered for modern tactical operations, paired with a full suite of advanced, interoperable accessories including AMP Communication Headsets with Push-to-Talk capability, ballistic visors, full-face shields, mandible protection, and SOTR respirators with integrated microphones for contaminated environments. Together, they create a fully modular headborne protection system that enhances soldier safety, communication, and mobility in demanding combat conditions and are trusted by elite forces worldwide. This acquisition marks a significant step in the Czech Armed Forces’ modernization efforts, replacing legacy helmets with Ops-Core’s state-of-the-art protective solutions that deliver the next level of mission readiness and battlefield performance.
“Gentex was selected for our proven ability to deliver reliable, mission-ready solutions that meet the highest standards of protection and performance,” said Jim Clarke, EMEA Ground Systems Sales Director, Gentex Corporation. “We offer more than just advanced equipment, we deliver confidence on the battlefield. Our systems are already fielded across multiple NATO forces, ensuring seamless interoperability, simplified training, and streamlined sustainment.”

The purchased helmets and accessories are designated for brigade task forces within the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade and the 7th Mechanized Brigade, as well as for personnel across the ground forces, support elements (including cyber and information forces, air forces, and medical units), special operations forces, the Military Police, and the Cyber and Information Operations Command. Their considerable variability ensures that each set can be adapted to the specific needs of the individual user, enhancing operational effectiveness across diverse mission profiles.

Program Highlights

• Customer: Czech Ministry of Defence (via NSPA competitive procurement).
• Products and Integrated Accessories: Ops-Core ballistic helmet systems in two color variants, AMP headsets, AMP PTTs and radio cables; Step-In® Visors; SOTR respirators; ballistic mandible protection; and additional compatible mission accessories.
• Operational Flexibility: Scalable from routine ground operations to contaminated/CBRN environments (compatible with protective masks and oxygen equipment).
• Delivery Timeline: Program completion targeted by October 2026.
• Procurement Transparency: Managed through NATO’s NSPA, which aggregates allied demand, runs international competitions, negotiates pricing, and addresses intellectual property considerations on behalf of member nations.

Fielding to the Czech Armed Forces will occur under the schedule coordinated by NSPA and the Czech Ministry of Defence. Gentex Corporation will support fit, training, sustainment, and lifecycle needs as defined in the program agreement. Organizations interested in similar integrated headborne solutions should contact Gentex Corporation.

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

Jumping for Gold at Skydiving Titles

Monday, October 27th, 2025

ADF and civilian skydivers compete in a formation skydiving serial during the New South Wales Skydiving Championships in Moruya. Photo: Rod White.

Australian Defence Force personnel dominated at the NSW and Queensland State Formation Skydiving Championships held in Moruya, Tully and Toogoolawah.

Personnel from Army, Navy and Air Force won gold in formation and vertical formation events at the championships, held from October 3 to 6.

Plummeting towards Earth at terminal velocity, competitors performed a predetermined set of formations in about 35 seconds.

ADF Parachuting Association president Major Holly Godwin said a camera person jumps out with them, filming the team doing the formations. The footage then goes to a judge who scores the routine.

“The team that completes the most moves within the time allocated scores the most points. You need to finish with the highest score to win,” Major Godwin said.

A serial begins with kit preparation on the ground: suit up, altimeter, parachute, check.

Then it’s 15 minutes in a plane to 14,000 feet. Fifty seconds in freefall. Thirty-five seconds to perform. Deploy parachutes at 4500 feet and float back to the ground in about two minutes.

“Then everyone high-fives each other when they land safely,” Major Godwin said.

For formation, a team of skydivers builds geometric patterns in the sky with their bellies to the Earth.

Vertical formation is similar, except divers adopt high-speed positions, with their head or feet pointed straight towards the ground. This reduces drag, increases speed, and makes for a more challenging serial.

The association is looking for new skydivers to join. An Australian Parachute Federation B-licence is required to get on board.

While skydiving can be expensive, the association covers members’ costs for competitions and events while representing the ADF.

Anyone interested in joining the ADF Parachuting Association should email sky.diving@defence.gov.au

By Sergeant Matt Bickerton, Australian Army

Posted in Guest Post, International, Parachuting | No Comments »

NP Aerospace Launches Their Upgraded Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Armoured Vehicle

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has announced the launch of their upgraded armoured Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 vehicle. NP Aerospace acquired the IP for this product, along with certain other assets of Jankel Armouring Limited from Administration, in 2024.

Since then, NP Aerospace has applied their acclaimed vehicle engineering and integration, production and supply chain skill sets to this vehicle and is now launching it as a significantly refined and upgraded NP Aerospace platform. This announcement coincides with the Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) Forum taking place in Geneva, 21-23 October 2025.

Delivering unprecedented levels of protection, functionality and reliability based upon many years of user feedback, the NP Aerospace LC300 is already being sought after and contracted by a multitude of global defence ministries and Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s). Having qualified the LC300 to the latest Edition 3 of the international VPAM BRV and ERV (VR7) standards as well as PAS 300 ballistic and blast and PAS 301 vehicle performance criteria, NP Aerospace has ensured the platform provides optimum protection and remains road-legal for NATO and European-based NGO customers, maximising the export potential to wider international user groups. The vehicle was the very first to be certified to VPAM VR7 BRV and ERV with a 2m side blast with a third row of seats in accordance with Edition 3 which uses biofidelic dummies, to understand the true impacts to the vehicle occupants.

The LC300 has been designed with a bolt in armour solution, delivering efficiency during the assembly process, electrical systems modularity, and unique patented technologies to provide customers with a 10-year service life. In recent months, the NP team has been delivering a range of structural upgrades to account for increased vehicle mass and payload, such as double cab and extended chassis variants. In addition, NP Aerospace has also integrated complex communications systems to meet a range of customer needs.

Throughout this process, NP Aerospace has further refined the vehicle design and the production practices to optimise the vehicle and bring it up to the very best standards in terms of capability, production efficiency, quality and through life supportability. To achieve this, the team in Coventry has been expanded. In July 2025 NP Aerospace launched the CAV support capability offering, to ensure that the very best support services can be delivered to current customers but also to expand that proven service offering across the global fleets. Potential new CAV support clients range from ministries of defence to NGO’s, and individual vehicle fleets are widely spread in terms of deployed geography. This service is offered with the LC 300 armoured platform.

David Petheram, MD & SVP, NP Aerospace Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares said: “our newly upgraded armoured LC300 is based on the vehicle we inherited as a result of our acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Ltd last year. Since then, we’ve further enhanced and refined the platform, adding in the NP Aerospace DNA, as we have responded to complex customer requirements. Specifically, our integration, production and supply chain skill sets have been applied to this project to optimise the benefits to the procurer, the fleet manager and the user. What we now have is a better platform when viewed from all perspectives and we’re pleased to be able to offer it to global markets. The Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) market offers great growth potential and is a significant area of focus for us as we continue to expand our team.”

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, International, Press Release | No Comments »