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12 Months In: Galvion’s Poland Operation Emerges as a European and NATO Centre of Excellence

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced that at the 12-month point from formal opening, their European and NATO production hub in Gdansk, Poland, has emerged as a significant centre of excellence.

Galvion’s facility was first announced in September 2023, was completed in June 2024, and was fully operational in April 2025. The facility was formally opened by Her Excellency, Catherin Godin, the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Poland, at a ceremony held on 23rd June 2025. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities, Galvion has been serving their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

Since the formal opening last June, Galvion’s Gda?sk manufacturing facility has rapidly established itself as the cornerstone of the company’s European and NATO operations. In just 12 months, the site has grown to employ more than 100 people and has shipped over 90,000 ballistic helmets to NATO allies, supporting customers in 10 countries across NATO and allied nations worldwide, including Europe, Canada and the Middle East. With an annual production capacity of 100,000 helmets on a single shift, the facility manufactures multiple helmet platforms and has established a robust European manufacturing footprint, strengthening supply chain resilience and enabling closer proximity to customers. Continued investment in advanced technologies, automation and expanded production capabilities underscores Galvion’s long-term commitment to innovation, operational excellence and supporting the evolving needs of defence and security partners across Europe and beyond.

Following consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. The Polish factory houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Building on its long-established leadership in ballistic head protection, Galvion is now extending the role of the helmet as the foundation of an integrated soldier system. The company’s latest Cortex™ EVO and EVO HALO technologies enable power, data and digital capabilities to be incorporated directly into existing or new helmet platforms, creating a pathway for militaries to modernize equipment already in service. As these capabilities are introduced across European programs, Galvion’s Gda?sk facility is positioned to support both new production and the upgrade, refurbishment and integration of in-service helmet fleets, further expanding its role as a regional centre of excellence.

Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman at Galvion, said: “When we invested in Poland, our objective was never simply to build another manufacturing facility. We wanted to establish a long-term operational centre that could serve our European and NATO customers with local production, sustainment, modernization and technical support. One year later, the team has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated exactly what that model can achieve.” He continued:

“Looking ahead, the opportunity is even greater. As soldiers become increasingly connected, the helmet is evolving into the platform that brings together protection, power, data and digital capability. Our vision is to help customers not only procure next-generation integrated systems but also upgrade equipment already in service. Gda?sk will play a central role in delivering that capability across Europe for many years to come.”

Posted in Helmets, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | Comments Off on 12 Months In: Galvion’s Poland Operation Emerges as a European and NATO Centre of Excellence

Foundation-Laying Ceremony in Aschau: Rheinmetall is Constructing One of Europe’s Largest and Most Modern Powder Plants – National Production Capacity for Over One Million Propellant Charge Modules

Friday, July 24th, 2026

Rheinmetall is one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the Western world and is continuing to significantly expand its production capacity through the Project Firepower. For this purpose, one of Europe’s largest and most modern powder factories is being constructed at Rheinmetall’s long-standing Aschau am Inn site, which is also home to the headquarters of its subsidiary Rheinmetall Nitrochemie. The Minister-President of the Free State of Bavaria, Dr Markus Söder, Member of the Bavarian Parliament, the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence, Dr Nils Schmid, and the Bavarian Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Dr Hubert Aiwanger, Member of the Bavarian Parliament, attended the foundation-laying ceremony.

Production capacity for propellant components for barrel artillery and other large-calibre systems will be significantly expanded at the Aschau site. The site currently covers 90 hectares and is set to grow to around 110 hectares. Several hundred million Euro will be invested in the project. The workforce in Aschau continues to grow. Since 2022, the number of employees has risen by around 80 per cent to over 800. Several hundred more jobs are set to be created, meaning that 1,400 employees will work here in future.

Production is set to begin gradually at the newly established facilities from 2027 onwards. The Aschau site currently operates in shifts around the clock to produce around 1,700 tonnes of powder and 300,000 propellant charge modules per year. Over the next 24 months, the production of powder and propellant charge modules is set to more than double. This equates to an additional 2,500 tonnes of powder, over five million combustible components, and over one million modular propellant charge modules to be manufactured in Aschau. The entire value chain for modular propellant charges is managed from a single source and site. Maximum production capacity will be reached in 2028.

The propellant charge, or powder, is one of the most important components in weapon systems. Once ignited, it burns in a controlled manner, leaving no residue. This propels the projectile out of the barrel and towards the target.

“Security and defence capability are the prerequisites for freedom: the laying of the foundation stone for the plant expansion of Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Nitrochemie in Aschau am Inn is a good day for security,” said Minister-President Dr Markus Söder. “Rheinmetall is investing €500 million in Europe’s largest and most modern powder factory. This makes a decisive contribution to resilience and autonomy in the defence sector and creates 500 new, secure jobs in the region. This benefits Germany, the EU and NATO. After all, only those who can defend themselves will not be attacked. In Bavaria, security and defence are a priority – a third of Germany’s defence technology companies are based in the Free State. With our own Defence Industry Act, we are ensuring that defence companies are given priority. Just as with the Bundeswehr Act, we are pioneers throughout Germany!”

Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Nils Schmid: “Expanding production capacity in Germany, particularly for ammunition, is a security necessity and is also of the utmost importance to our partners. I am therefore grateful that the security and defence industry is making efforts at all levels to make supply chains more resilient. The results are truly impressive. The new facility here in Aschau is a response to the urgent demand for ammunition in Germany and across Europe. The additional production capacity will, overall, enhance Germany’s and Europe’s strategic autonomy. It demonstrates that democratic states are prepared to take responsibility and stand up for one another. On behalf of the Federal Government, we wish you a swift construction process and every success with this important contribution to the defence of Germany and Europe.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “Since its foundation, Rheinmetall has been a competence centre for weapons and ammunition systems. We are one of the few manufacturers in the ammunition sector to cover the entire value chain, from propellant charges and primers to fuzes and shell bodies, as well as explosive and active charges. None of these components shall be a bottleneck. This is particularly important when it comes to propellant, as there are only a few manufacturers worldwide. Self-sufficiency is therefore crucial. The Aschau site will thus make a decisive contribution to the national sovereignty and credible defence capability of Germany and Europe”.

Background: Rheinmetall’s Firepower project and further capacity expansion

In response to the urgent need for ammunition in the Western world, Rheinmetall has launched Project Firepower. The company is investing heavily in its manufacturing operations by building new plants, such as the one in Unterlüß, and expanding existing sites, such as Nitrochemie. The aim is to increase the Group’s annual propellant powder capacity to 20,000 tonnes by 2030, in order to meet the ammunition requirements of the Bundeswehr, NATO and the EU. Over a fifth of this capacity – 4,200 tonnes – will come from Aschau. Rheinmetall is investing a total of around €650 million in the production of propellant powder and its energy-intensive precursors, €350 million of which is being invested in Aschau. Alongside the Aschau am Inn site, production facilities in Wimmis (Switzerland) as well as in Murcia and Burgos (Spain), amongst others, are contributing to the capacity expansion.

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

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Move Forward with ATACMS Co-Production in Europe

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

ANKARA, Türkiye, July 7, 2026 – During the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Rheinmetall announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that addresses the immediate demand for locally produced munitions in Europe.

With the support of the United States and German governments, the agreement marks the next step toward establishing a joint venture to create the first European centre of excellence for the manufacturing, integration and distribution of ATACMS across NATO and allied European forces.

“This partnership marks a watershed moment for European security and allied industrial cooperation. By combining Lockheed Martin’s unmatched missile expertise with Rheinmetall’s manufacturing excellence, we’ll deliver combat-proven capabilities faster and more efficiently to our allies,” said Jay Pitman, president, Lockheed Martin International.

“Bringing ATACMS co-production to Germany is a strong signal for Europe’s defense industry and for NATO’s long-term resilience. This partnership combines proven U.S. technology with European manufacturing strength, creating industrial value in Germany while expanding the capacity allies need to meet growing security demands.” said Dennis Goege, chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin.

Armin Papperger, CEO Rheinmetall AG: “Our aim is to strengthen the defence capabilities of Germany and Europe. Together with our friends at Lockheed Martin, we are now establishing the industrial base in Germany for modern defence systems, which are in great demand by the armed forces of Europe. By establishing ATACMS production at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site, we are creating new capabilities for Germany and Europe, securing supplies for our customers and strengthening our autonomy in defence policy. We are grateful that Rheinmetall has been selected to set up and operate the world’s first and only production facility for ATACMS guided missiles outside the United States.”

Commissioned over 125 years ago, Rheinmetall’s Unterluess facility is one of the company’s most important sites. A total of about 4,000 employees work there. Its core competencies include the production of weapon systems and ammunition, as well as the development, manufacture, and maintenance of tracked vehicles. Unterluess is the largest privately owned firing range in Europe. Last year, the “Werk Niedersachsen”—one of the most modern production facilities for artillery ammunition—was put into operation. A rocket motor factory is currently nearing completion. Production of rocket motors and guided missile components is scheduled to begin as early as 2027.

By co-producing ATACMS missiles on European soil, the partnership supports local capability, increases allied deterrence and contributes to economies on both sides of the Atlantic. Backed by decades of extensive combat employment, ATACMS has consistently proven its operational effectiveness, precision, and mission reliability in high-intensity conflicts. With significant global demand for ATACMS, Lockheed Martin will continue operating its current production line in Camden, Arkansas until transition is complete.

The agreement underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to Europe, forging deep, long-term co-production ties with European industry and customers. Lockheed Martin has been a strategic partner for the defense and security of Europe for more than 75 years and remains steadfast in its support of customers and partners across the region.

Posted in International, Manufacturing, Munitions, Press Release | No Comments »

INKAS Announces Major North American Manufacturing Expansion Across Canada and the United States

Tuesday, July 7th, 2026

New facilities in Canada, North Carolina, and Florida are expected to more than double INKAS®’ armored vehicle, defense, and special-purpose production footprint by July 31, 2026

Toronto, Canada, June 30th, 2026 – INKAS®, a Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer and systems integrator, announces a major expansion of its North American manufacturing footprint, with three additiona production facilities across Canada and the United States expected to be in full operation by July 31, 2026.

The three newly leased facilities are comprised of a mix of manufacturing and production space, with approximately 42,000 square feet at an additional Toronto facility in Canada, 200,000 square feet at an armored vehicle production facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, and 31,000 square feet for a first-time facility in Florida at Fort Pierce.

Together, these facilities are expected to more than double INKAS’® production space across North America, strengthening the company’s ability to support growing demand from government, defense, law enforcement, commercial security, and specialized vehicle customers.

The expanded footprint provides INKAS® with greater production flexibility, additional manufacturing capacity, and a stronger operational platform to support both current and future programs across its armored vehicle, tactical platform, drone / UAV, and special purpose vehicle portfolios. The Charlotte facility is specially equipped for armored vehicle production and has access to an experienced workforce with direct expertise in armored vehicle manufacturing, helping accelerate operational scaling without the need to build those capabilities from the ground up.

“This expansion marks an important milestone in the continued growth of INKAS® as a North American manufacturer,” said David Khazanski, CEO of INKAS®. “By adding significant production space across Canada and the United States, we are strengthening our ability to support customers with reliable, scalable, and mission-ready security and defense solutions. This investment reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for advanced protected mobility, unmanned systems, and specialized platforms.”

The new facilities form part of INKAS®’ broader strategy to increase production capacity, improve operational resilience, and support a growing portfolio of armored, tactical, unmanned, and special-purpose solutions. With operations expanding across Toronto, Charlotte, and Fort Pierce, INKAS® is positioned to better serve domestic and international customers while supporting more efficient production, faster program execution, and future growth across key markets.

“Beyond expanding our production footprint, this investment is about creating skilled jobs, supporting local economies, and building long-term manufacturing capability in North America,” said Margarita Simkin, Chairwoman of INKAS®. “As these facilities come online, they will create opportunities for engineers, technicians, production specialists, and support teams across Canada and the United States. We believe that investing in people and manufacturing infrastructure is essential to building a stronger, more resilient security and defense industry.”

For nearly three decades, INKAS® has specialized in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of armored vehicles and advanced security solutions. The company’s portfolio includes discreet armored SUVs and sedans, tactical vehicles, armored personnel carriers, drones / UAVs, cash-in-transit vehicles, and custom-built special-purpose platforms for clients around the world.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Made In USA!, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

Surge Capacity: How Anduril Delivered a Month of Production in a Week

Monday, June 29th, 2026

In under a week in March 2026, Anduril delivered more than a full month’s of Pulsar production output off the shelf and directly into active operations for two U.S. government customers. These systems were immediately installed for fixed-site EW protection and aircraft survivability. While the surge was underway, Anduril was already doubling its EW production capacity — a line that once delivered 500 Pulsars per year now delivers 1000.

Anduril built Pulsar to interrogate a wider range of the electromagnetic spectrum autonomously, deploy software updates in hours rather than months, and network multiple EW systems across distributed operations to optimize coverage, locate points of interest, and deliver coordinated effects. That architecture is a force multiplier. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have validated the approach — drone-saturation tactics in both theaters have exposed how quickly EW countermeasures need to adapt, and how rapidly traditional systems fall behind when they cannot update in the field. Electronic warfare is increasingly key to either enabling their success on the offensive, or defeating them on the defensive. Since 2022, the Pulsar family has been deployed with operational users across multiple continents in fixed-site, mounted, and airborne configurations — all variants proven in combat and updated continuously based on user feedback.

Anduril built its manufacturing infrastructure with the assumption that demand would not announce itself in advance, and that when it arrived, achieving throughput in weeks, not quarters, would be necessary. A production line that can absorb a massive surge mid-scale-up while simultaneously doubling annual output is not the kind of capacity traditionally available within the defense industrial base.

Deterrence is ultimately a production problem. Anduril will solve it by focusing on the factory.

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

GM Defense and Lockheed Martin Collaborate to Strengthen America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Lockheed Martin, GM Defense Collaborate to Strengthen America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base

BETHESDA, Md., and DETROIT, June 16, 2026 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and GM Defense today announced a new collaboration to strengthen America’s manufacturing and defense industrial base, facilitated by the U.S. Department of War. Working under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Lockheed Martin and GM Defense will explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities and innovation by combining Lockheed Martin’s defense production expertise with General Motors’ advanced industrial capabilities in high-rate commercial manufacturing and engineering.

The collaboration will focus on three areas: strengthening defense supply chains, advancing manufacturing and design capabilities, and evaluating opportunities to expand production capacity through commercial manufacturing expertise and infrastructure. Initial efforts will include exploring ways to accelerate production readiness and apply proven commercial manufacturing approaches to support defense production requirements.

“America’s security depends not only on developing advanced technologies, but on our ability to produce them quickly, reliably and at scale,” said Frank St. John, chief operating officer, Lockheed Martin. “This collaboration brings together two leaders in American manufacturing and innovation to explore new ways to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand production capacity and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities for the United States and its allies.”

“Working together, GM Defense and Lockheed will further strengthen American manufacturing and national defense by driving greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify initial projects to pursue together.”

The collaboration reflects growing demand for greater production capacity, supply chain resilience and manufacturing agility across the defense sector. By combining commercial and defense expertise, the companies aim to identify opportunities that can accelerate production timelines while maintaining the quality, performance and reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.lockheedmartin.com.

About GM Defense LLC

GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.

Posted in Admin, Industry, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

The Army Wants To Improve Your Combat Boots

Monday, June 8th, 2026

In a request for information recently issued to industry, the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center sought out potential sources which will support the re-shoring of the domestic footwear industry, improve capabilities for the domestic military footwear industrial base, and ultimately provide the best performing footwear technology to the Warfighter.

Naturally, this effort won’t just improve the Army’s boots but those of every service as well as potentially commercial footwear manufactured domestically.

The reality is that the US has a small domestic footwear production capacity belated primarily on military procurement which by law requires US made goods. The Berry Amendment specifies that most textile goods purchased by the US military must be manufactured in the US using US materials.

Because the industry is so small and caters to military procurements it hasn’t kept up with technological improvements found in many overseas factories which are newer and must be responsive to changing materials and processes.

The military has been very slow to adopt those same material and manufacturing processes developed for commercial footwear, there’s no pay off for US based companies to make capital improvements. In fact, building a new, state of the art factory could result in failing to capture military contracts due to the inability to build to older specifications.

While the RFI is open to everyone, the reality is that companies who aren’t already building to US military specs and comfortable with low margins are going to be at a serious disadvantage.

Specifically, DEVCOM SC asked footwear manufacturers to identify possible gaps and process and/or equipment improvements to enhance domestic processing capabilities, which may be beneficial to future military footwear systems. This request is part of a research and development effort under the FY24 Congressional Military Footwear Research Initiative.

That last bit is a bit concerning. Two years later and they’re just getting to it. Our procurement system is going to have to move faster and become more responsive.

However, I am very excited about the focus of this effort:

Increase domestic production capacity and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity. Efforts should provide tangible improvements to footwear manufacturing processes.
Re-shore critical footwear technologies and strengthen domestic production capabilities.
Improve the cost-effectiveness, quality, or performance of military footwear.
Implement flexible, automated, or digital manufacturing approaches adaptable to multiple footwear types.

As I mentioned earlier, the specification or Purchase Description for military footwear is pretty basic. The Army is asking for innovation but they don’t want to innovate their designs.

All proposed solutions must align with the project scope and the following constraints:

1. Product Compliance: The proposed manufacturing improvements must not alter the footwear’s design, materials, or construction in any way that would result in non-compliance with the applicable DoD purchase description. Any footwear prototypes delivered must meet all specifications of an existing purchase description.

2. Funding Limitations: Funding may not be used for capital expenditures, defined as purchases of long-term physical assets such as equipment, facility improvements, or tooling intended for full-scale production. Tooling used for short-run prototype production (e.g., lasts or molds), as well as consumables, prototype materials, labor, and short-term leases, are considered allowable project expenses.

I realize we facing a chicken or egg moment but that is what always holds the domestic textile industry back. The military wants a new capability but won’t specify it because it doesn’t yet exist in the supply chain. Industry won’t invest in modernizing their factories unless there’s a solid demand signal from their customer. Delays ensue and stack up. Before long, we are decades behind the international industry standard.

Finally, I’d like to point out that two boots for specialized environments are not included in this effort, the Army Extreme Cold Weather Boot (often called the “Bunny Boot”) and the Army Jungle Boot The purchase descriptions and technical requirements for these specific platforms are under revision, making them unsuitable for this initiative.

Posted in Boots, Manufacturing | 2 Comments »

BDT UK Announces Exclusive Partnership with the London Proof House

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

Tampa, Florida, SOF Week, 19 May – Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) has signed an exclusive agreement with the London Proof House, the UK’s statutory authority for the testing and safety certifications of small arms, to provide the advanced testing and proofing for the rifles it is putting forward to replace the current SA80 as part of Project GRAYBURN.

The agreement will mean that, should BDT UK win Project GRAYBURN, the London Proof House will provide all weapon proofing to ensure either the Beretta NARP or Sako ARG40 is ready for frontline service. The decision to sign the exclusive agreement is part of BDT UK’s mature position on Project GRAYBURN and recognises the essential part that proofing will play as part of the UK manufacturing chain.

As part of the development of its proposal for Project GRAYBURN, the business has highlighted that testing and proofing of the weapons is likely to present a critical step in the manufacturing process that is often overlooked. This agreement is aimed at ensuring these steps are at the centre of BDT UK’s offering to streamline the process from weapons manufacturing to front-line fielding.

The London Proof House remains one of only two proofing institutions in the UK. It continues to operate under the authority of the Gun Barrel Proof Act and subsequent legislative updates. The Proof House is responsible for testing both new and imported firearms, as well as re-proofing older guns that have undergone repairs or modifications.

The announcement comes as BDT UK demonstrates its proposal for Project GRAYBURN at SOF Week, focused on the importance of manufacturing the British Army’s future weapon systems in the UK.

Jack Cadman, Military Group Manager at BDT UK, said: “Our exclusive agreement with the London Proof House demonstrates the development of our sovereign manufacturing model for Project GRAYBURN and our focus on limiting risk for the customer. Having a partnership with the UK’s leading proofing organisation will help streamline manufacturing, getting new rifles into the hands of our soldiers faster.”

David Miles, Proof Master at The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, said: “BDT UK engaged us early in their bid preparation cycle and recognised the vital role that proofing will play in the manufacturing and delivery of Project GRAYBURN. This agreement represents a significant opportunity for the London Proof House, and we look forward to supporting BDT UK’s proposition to UK Defence.”

Posted in Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release, SOF Week, weapons | 1 Comment »