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Italian Army’s A2CS Programme Kicks Off – First Four New Infantry Fighting Vehicles Delivered by LRMV Joint Venture

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

Rome, 27/01/2026 – Today, at the Italian Army Multifuncional Experimentation Center (Ce.Poli.Spe) in Montelibretti, the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) Joint Venture delivered to the Armed Forces the first four Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicles. This first delivery marks the official launch of the “A2CS” (Army Armoured Combat Systems) programme, for which an initial contract for the acquisition of 21 new “A2CS Combat” vehicles was signed at the end of last year.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, General Carmine Masiello, the Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, Roberto Cingolani, and Dr. Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle System Division Europe. Also present were the CEO, Laurent Sissmann and the Executive Chairman of the Joint Venture, David Hoeder.

The Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, stated: “The international scenario requires a constantly evolving Defence, capable of ensuring the security of the country and safeguarding national interests. This calls for a modern, flexible and credible model, based on high levels of operational readiness, qualified personnel and advanced technological capabilities. Within this framework comes the delivery of the Lynx armored vehicle, the result of Italian-German industrial cooperation, to the Italian Army, aimed at strengthening land systems through the introduction of state-of-the-art platforms. In this process, the Army’s Multifunctional Testing Center (CEPOLISPE) plays a central role, ensuring the testing and technical evaluation of vehicles, equipment and weapon systems to determine their suitability for operational use.”

“The Army has a clear direction and well-defined requirements for the new vehicles to accelerate the ‘mechanization’ path of the Armed Force, which concretely begins today. After 30 years in which the Italian soldier has demonstrated courage, commitment, determination and professionalism in peace support operations — to the point of coining the ‘Italian Way’ of peacekeeping — we have no doubts about their capabilities. They will be able to operate at their best if equipped with technology that meets the challenges ahead: this vehicle will radically change the way the Army fights”, stated the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, Gen. C.A. Carmine Masiello, at the presentation of the A2CS “Lynx”.

Roberto Cingolani, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo, stated:
“The start of deliveries of the new armoured vehicles represents an important milestone in the programme we are carrying out with the Italian Army. The international alliance between Leonardo and Rheinmetall continues to stand as a key reference point for strengthening national defence and for the development of a solid, integrated and competitive European industrial base. This is a commitment we consider essential to ensuring national and European security and strategic autonomy.”

Armin Papperger, Rheinmetall Chief Executive Officer said: “With the handover of the first armoured vehicles to the Italian armed forces, we are opening a new chapter in the success story of the Lynx vehicle family. As a next-generation combat vehicle, Lynx not only sets standards in terms of versatility, protection, effectiveness, scalability and future-proofing, but also in terms of enhanced European armaments cooperation.”

The Lynx platform is capable of fulfilling multiple roles, including infantry fighting vehicle, troop transport, mobile command post and ambulance. The 4 vehicles delivered today complement Rheinmetall’s Lance 30mm turret, which will later be replaced by Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret. The latter will equip all the other 16 armoured vehicles of this contract.

The A2CS programme – Army Armoured Combat System, originally named AICS – Armoured Infantry Combat System together with the new Main Battle Tank programme will renew the Italian Army’s heavy vehicle fleet , providing cutting edge technology, characterised by high levels of digitalisation and connectivity, and capable of operating within the most complex multidomain contexts. This will also provide an opportunity for the renewal of the armoured fleets of international partners.

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

Metis Launches Skyperion Lightweight – Mobile C-UAS Detect, Track and Identify

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

Metis, specialists in providing Radio Frequency (RF) and drone detection innovative technologies across diverse sectors, launches their latest detection product, Skyperion Lightweight. Skyperion Lightweight has virtually all the same passive counter-uncrewed air systems (C-UAS) detect, track and identify (DTI) sensor capability as its operationally proven and highly respected big brother Skyperion Rugged, but has been re-engineered into a smaller weight and power (SWaP) format optimised for users requiring mobility, rapid deployment and on-the-move operation.

For the last 10 years, Metis has been at the forefront of passive C-UAS RF detection capability development, with Skyperion Rugged being the RF DTI capability integrated into the RAF’s ORCUS system and Leonardo’s Falcon Shield deployed with NATO allies, helping to safeguard their airspace, key installations and critical infrastructure against the threats posed by rogue drones. The Skyperion product range captures RF emissions of varying strengths across the spectrum, filtering out background noise and known entities, before rapidly analysing them to identify and locate potential threats.

Skyperion products, already at Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 9 and operationally proven with multiple NATO partners, are distinguished by a non-library-based Open ESM waveform analysis. This approach identifies both cooperative and non-cooperative emitters across a wide spectrum of frequencies, providing an agile, comprehensive RF detection capability without reliance on static signal libraries. Skyperion is also the ideal choice to be integrated into a wider range of counter- drone capabilities (radar, optics, jamming and defeat) because it has been designed and manufactured to be system agnostic, modular and with an open architecture. This allows sovereign nations, large primes or system integrators to easily incorporate Metis products with other best-in-class technologies, to deliver world-leading detection, tracking, identification and defeat of rogue drones.

Tony Burnell, CEO of Metis said: “With the increasing proliferation of rogue drones being used for nefarious means, it is essential that we continue to innovate and develop new products to counter these threats. Skyperion Lightweight offers users ultimate flexibility on how it is deployed – not only protecting fixed locations but also providing virtually the same level of protection as Skyperion Rugged in a mobile format which we know many potential customers are seeking.”

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

SHOT Show 26 – Arktis Multispectral Camouflage Cloak

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026

Arktis has introduced a multispectral camouflage cloak using the Wescom Defence ATMIS material.

Developed by BCB International, which is now part of Wescom Group following its acquisition in January 2025, the ATMIS Multispectral Camouflage (MSC) portfolio includes:

ATMIS Flex: Lightweight, pliable multispectral fabric providing proven protection across the UV, visible, infrared, thermal and radar spectrums.

ATMIS Crinkle: 3D creased texture for terrain mimicry.

ATMIS MK8 2D: Durable, heavy-duty multispectral material.

ATMIS MK8 3D Leafed: MK8 with precision cut 3D leafing for advanced disruption.

Posted in Camo, International, SHOT Show | 1 Comment »

GM Defense Establishes UK Entity and Accelerates Team LionStrike Delivery Planning

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

FARNBOROUGH, UK – GM Defense has launched GM Defense UK, creating a dedicated presence to support the UK’s defence priorities and strengthen sovereign capability.

Operating from GM’s sites in Leamington Spa and Silverstone, the new entity will lead all UK Ministry of Defence engagement and anchor GM’s wider NATO and European defence activity—boosting UK industry and export potential.

The launch comes as GM Defense intensifies its delivery and support planning for Team LionStrike, ahead of bidding for the UK’s upcoming Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme.

“Standing up GM Defense UK is a major milestone in our long?term commitment to the United Kingdom,” said Bradley Watters, vice president of international business development. “Team LionStrike is different because GM—backed by more than a century of engineering excellence—is directly embedded as the vehicle OEM. That level of involvement delivers real capability, efficiency and long?term assurance for the UK Armed Forces. Establishing a UK business is essential to providing that through?life support.”

The announcement aligns with the International Armoured Vehicles conference and follows the UK MoD’s recent LMV Industry Day. It builds on a strong year of momentum for Team LionStrike, including the debut of GM Defense’s General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) at DSEI and a UK Ride & Drive event highlighting four proven COTS light and utility vehicles.

Team LionStrike—composed of GM Defense with NP Aerospace, BAE Systems, and multiple UK-based subject matter experts—aims to deliver a modern, scalable mobility solution for the British Army while supporting the Land Industrial Strategy. The team is building a sustainable UK supply chain, backed by GM’s global parts distribution network, the new UK hub, and the experience of NP Aerospace and BAE Systems in sustaining the UK Military.

“We are fully committed to the UK LMV programme and to investing in British industry and communities. GM Defense UK strengthens our ability to fully support Team LionStrike and deliver exactly what the British Army needs—now and for decades to come,” Watters added.

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

NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense Form Strategic Partnership

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

NP Aerospace, the global armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator, has formed a strategic partnership with ITEN Defense, a US-based specialist in opaque and transparent armour technologies. The partnership brings together two highly complementary businesses to deliver an enhanced, locally supported specialist armour and survivability engineering offering to the US market, alongside selected wider global opportunities.

Over the last seven years, NP Aerospace has significantly expanded its global survivability and protection portfolio, establishing itself as a mid-tier defence business with a strong international footprint. The company provides turnkey survivability solutions across land, maritime, and aerospace platforms, underpinned by a comprehensive platform armour product range. This includes advanced composite vehicle armour systems, mission-specific platform protection kits, and a leading personal protection portfolio encompassing proprietary helmet shell technologies and high-end specialist ballistic plates designed to meet demanding military requirements.

ITEN Defense is a US-based armour manufacturing specialist with advanced materials processing and integration capabilities across both opaque and transparent armour. The company has built a strong reputation for process engineering expertise, rapid prototyping, and the delivery of high-volume, high-performance armour solutions optimised for US defence and law enforcement programs, with a particular focus on domestic manufacturing, quality assurance, and responsive customer support.

The partnership announcement, which coincides with SHOT Show in Las Vegas, USA, this week (20-23 January 2026), establishes a framework for both companies to explore joint manufacturing and market access opportunities. NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense will collaborate across a range of upcoming US platform armour opportunities spanning land, maritime, and aerospace domains. In parallel, the partnership will extend into personal protection programs for military customers and OEMs, combining NP Aerospace’s deep expertise in composite armour systems engineering, vehicle survivability, helmet shell and specialist body armour plate technologies with ITEN Defense’s advanced materials design and large-scale production capabilities.

James Kempston, Chief Executive Officer of NP Aerospace, said: “This partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both companies and reflects a shared intent to explore how, together, we can support our customers. By working with ITEN Defense, we are seeking to strengthen our US market access, enhance manufacturing resilience, and respond to increasing demand for locally supported high-performance protection solutions for military platforms and the individual soldier.”

Damon Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of ITEN Defense, added: “NP Aerospace is a highly respected partner in the global survivability and protection space and we’re looking forward to working closely with them to continue our collective tradition of protecting those in harm’s way. We’re proud to have established this partnership as it brings together two highly skilled and experienced businesses to improve market access for both parties while delivering best-in-class capability, innovation, and value to our customers.”

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense Form Strategic Partnership

NP Aerospace Enters Full Rate Production with Their Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Armoured Vehicle

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

NP Aerospace enters full rate production with their Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 armoured vehicle

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has announced the entry into full rate production, with 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 to reach this important production milestone.

In October 2025 NP Aerospace launched their LC300 product as a significantly refined and upgraded NP Aerospace platform and having recently completed Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) they are entering their full rate programme, from January 2026. With the current contracted orders and the future product sales pipeline, NP Aerospace are expecting to produce over 100 LC300 vehicles over the next 12-18 months. This announcement coincides with the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference taking place in Farnborough, 20-22 January 26, where NP Aerospace will have a team in attendance.

Delivering unprecedented levels of protection, functionality and reliability based upon many years of user feedback, the NP Aerospace LC300 is 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.

As well as entire armoured vehicle products, such as the LC300, add-on or “applique” armour systems is a service provided by NP Aerospace. Integrated add-on armour systems include: internal spall liners; external applique; and seating systems to counter a range of ballistic and blast threats. NP’s survivability services are cross-OEM and global, ranging from Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) through logistic and utility vehicles to full armoured fighting systems.

NP Aerospace has been selected as the armouring partner by a number of OEM prime contractors, globally, to design and deliver such add-on systems. In May 2025, NPA announced a contract for Armoured Personnel Transport Modules (APTM) being delivered, through Marshall Canada, to the Power Team for the Canadian LVM programme -Canada’s solution for logistic vehicle procurement. There is another significant vehicle armour contract due to be announced imminently – further underlining NP’s position as the survivability partner of choice.

David Petheram, MD & SVP, NP Aerospace Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares said: “we’ve worked very hard to ensure our newly upgraded armoured LC300 is suitably prepared in all regards to enter full rate production this month. 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 an excellent 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 »

Vector Heavy Chest Pack

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

Putting my money where my mouth is…

I’m Ben. I’m the Product Development Manager for Fine Group.

I was recently talking to our Managing Director about the products we have developed. I told him we needed to be sure they were up to the standards of robustness required for use in arduous environments before they went anywhere near serious end-users. He agreed and off I went to Malaysia for a fortnight with the Maddog Adventures crew to go and thrash our kit in the jungle. Nothing beats real world feedback, and the jungle is the harshest environment to test kit in.

I’m very proud of the products we make at Fine Group. We feel a personal responsibility to those end-users who will be using what we have made in the most testing of circumstances. If we can’t trust it, it doesn’t go out the door!

The Vector Heavy Chest Pack is a super-robust and versatile piece of expedition equipment. Allowing you to keep key pieces of survival and navigation equipment to hand in a chest mounted pack. Your critical equipment can stay with you even when you pack is off. Ideal for kayaks and canoes, mountain biking, as well as cross-country skiing, or even simply hiking and trekking. The laser cut PALS in the outside, base and inside the two compartments allows you to organise and customise your equipment even more.

• Laser Cut Laminate: Made from the same tough laminate fabric as our Vector Tactical products, and with laser cut PALS, the Heavy Chest Pack is incredibly flexible in terms of organisation. With PALS inside, outside, and even on the bottom, you can set this chest pack up for any activity.

• Internal Organisation: Both of the compartments feature internal organisation above and beyond the PALS panels, allowing you to find your key equipment without having to dig around.

• Water Resistant Zips: YKK Aquaguard Zips prevent water ingress and keep your critical equipment dry. Twin zips on each opening make sure that you have redundancy enabling you to still seal the compartment in the unlikely event a zip slider should fail.

• Mesh Harness: A highly breathable and robust harness made from the same military-grade mesh as our Vector Tactical Side Pouches. Contoured to wrap your shoulders for day-long comfort, no matter what your activity. Fully adjustable to fit you regardless of your shape. Held in place by metal G-Hooks for maximum strength and to make taking it on and off a doddle.

Available from TRC Outdoors: Vector Heavy Chest Pack – TRC Outdoors

Posted in International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Perunika Tactical Releases New Combat Shirt and Restocks PenCott-MetroPolis Items

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Enhanced Performance, Superior Camouflage

Perunika Tactical, a European leader in premium tactical apparel, is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new Perunika Tactial Combat Shirt in PenCott-MetroPolis™ and the restock of several fan-favorite tactical garments in the same camouflage pattern.

New Arrival: Perunika Tactical Combat Shirt
Designed for high-intensity field operations and layered wear under ballistic vests, the new Perunika Tactial Combat Shirt in PenCott-MetroPolis™ delivers outstanding durability, comfort, and tactical performance. Constructed from robust NYCO ripstop with low IR visibility, this shirt features breathable mesh under the arms for enhanced airflow, strategic pocket placement for essentials, and Velcro panels for IDs and accessories — everything the modern tactical professional demands.

What’s Back In Stock

• ACU Combat Pants: Rugged and versatile with reinforced knees and multiple utility pockets — ideal for demanding missions and everyday carry gear.

• Gorka 3 Smock: Lightweight yet tough, with adjustable hood and spacious pockets — a tactical favorite for transitional weather and layering.

• Gorka 4 Anorak: Durable outerwear with low-IR signature and protective hood — perfect for unpredictable conditions.

• Boonie Hat: Practical headgear with a wide brim and ventilation — excellent for sun and light rain protection.

Why PenCott-MetroPolis™?
All products feature the MetroPolis™ colorway of the PenCott® hybrid camouflage pattern family. All PenCott patterns employ an omni-directional multi-fractal design that includes micro, midi, and macro-sized shape elements thatdeliver superior disruption of the human silhouette and improved terrain blending. With its unique colorway and pattern technology, MetroPolis™ delivers superior concealment in urban, industrial and rocky terrain.

Availability
These products are available now at Perunika’s online store with immediate shipping.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, International, Press Release | No Comments »