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Archive for the ‘Maritime’ Category

The Wing Group Appoints Patrick Blake as Chief Operating Officer

Wednesday, July 16th, 2025

Lafayette, CA – The Wing Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Blake as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective July 7, 2025. The Wing Group encompasses the brands Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries and Mustang Survival, all of which have built deep, trusted relationships with marine and aviation professionals and consumers over more than 75 years of combined experience.

As COO, Blake will work closely with President Andrew Branagh and the leadership team to strengthen operations, scale capabilities, and support the Group’s continued global expansion. He is based out of Tampa, Florida.

Blake joins the Wing Group following a distinguished 29-year career with the United States Navy, retiring at the rank of Captain. He brings extensive leadership and operational expertise, having held senior positions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Most recently, he served as Commander of the Defense Logistics Agency, Indo-Pacific, where he led a team of over 1,400 personnel across nine subordinate organizations. 

From 2016 to 2018, Blake served as Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Group One’s Logistics Support Unit in Coronado, during which Wing’s Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts (CRRCs) were widely adopted across the fleet—giving him direct operational familiarity with the product in the field.

“We are proud to welcome Patrick to the Wing Group,” said Andrew Branagh, President of the Wing Group. “Our organization is experiencing rapid growth, and we’re facing an exciting wave of opportunities. Patrick’s leadership, strategic mindset, and operational background make him the ideal person to help us build capacity and take the Wing Group to the next level.”

“I am honored to join the exceptional team at the Wing Group, an organization committed to designing and delivering the world’s most trusted maritime and aviation lifesaving and support equipment,” said Patrick Blake. “From defense and law enforcement to maritime search and rescue, commercial operations, and outdoor adventure, Wing’s impact spans the globe. Throughout my Navy career, I saw firsthand the critical importance of reliable, no-fail gear in high-stakes environments. I am thrilled to now support those who operate in, on, and above the water by helping ensure they are equipped with the highest quality, most trusted solutions available anywhere in the world.”

www.winggroup.com

BlackSea Technologies Takes Part in BALTOPS 25 Exercise Alongside U.S. Navy and NATO Partners

Sunday, July 13th, 2025

Personnel Deliver Training, Logistics, Operations Planning and Execution Support for Company’s Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft 

BALTIMORE, MD, July 9, 2025 – BlackSea Technologies (“BlackSea”), a leader in the development of innovative maritime systems, mission solutions, and advanced technologies for the defense and intelligence communities, today announced its participation in the Baltic Operations 2025 (BALTOPS 25) exercise last month in the Baltic Sea. 

BALTOPS 25 is an annual maritime-focused exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations.  It provides the U.S. Navy and its NATO allies and partners an opportunity to test and refine joint warfighting capabilities in a dynamic environment.  Now in its 54th iteration, the exercise strengthens regional security and demonstrates NATO’s commitment to collective defense. 

BlackSea sent a team of experts to work alongside Commander, Task Force 66 (CTF 66) and NATO partners.  CTF 66 is the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet’s purpose-built, all-domain group with the mission to integrate robotic and autonomous systems into fleet operations.  BlackSea personnel supported all aspects of the exercise, from on-site training and logistics to mission and operations planning, execution, and oversight. 

According to CTF 66 lead Rear Admiral Michael Mattis, the Navy used at least 10 of BlackSea’s Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), a low-cost, attritable small, unmanned surface vehicle (sUSV).  In the 6th Fleet’s press release on BALTOPS 25, Mattis stated, “We must seek out creative solutions to rapidly field and develop new technology, with a focus on software and low-cost platforms, to inform our approach to future maritime security operations.” 

GARC played an integral role in BALTOPS 25.  All GARCs maintained mission-capable status throughout the entire event, with multiple GARCs operational simultaneously.  Several GARCS travelled over 120 nautical miles in a single day working in tandem with NATO allied assets. 

“BALTOPS 25 represents yet another example of GARC’s durability, reliability, and performance in the field,” said Jason Lamb, BlackSea’s Chief Strategy Officer.  “GARC continues to demonstrate its value and readiness for operational deployment.  With a GARC a day rolling off the production line, BlackSea stands ready to meet the Navy’s growing need for sUSVs with our high-rate, high-quality manufacturing, at scale and on budget.” 

Rampart Range Day 25 – Mustang Survival Rescue Swimmer Vest

Monday, June 9th, 2025

Mustang Survival created the Rescue Swimmer Vest as a low profile alternative to their popular Universal Swift Water Rescue Vest which some find too bulky for certain applications.

Additionally, the Rescue Swimmer Vest is intended for military and LE applications with its PALS field to accept pouches at both the front and back.

For flotation, it combines inflatable and foam (9 Ibs foam tuoyancy and 26 Ibs total buoyancy when manually inflated with CO2) and is intended to make swimming and performance in water when bladder is inflated easy. Additionally, an oral inflation/deflation valve easily adjusts buoyancy and tucks away when not in use

The yellow stitching was entirely a design choice as matches well with the dry suit seen above, featuring yellow and black panels. There’s another version with all stitching being black.

Departments, agencies, and military organizations in Canada can purchase Mustang Survival products via Rampart.

Rampart Range Day 25 – Salomon Forces Amphib Assault

Monday, June 9th, 2025

This is the upcoming Amphib Assault from Salomon Forces. Designed to be compatible with most combat swim fits, this shoe also provides under foot protection from rocky shores and caving ladders.

Non-absorbent upper materials, strategically placed mesh panels and drain holes ensure quick evacuation of water once on land.

Initial orders have already been placed by military customers. TAA compliant, the new Forces Amphib Assault will be available to ship to US customers in three months and to Canada in four months.

Departments, agencies, and military organizations in Canada can purchase Salomon Forces via Rampart.

Red Cat Expands Maritime Domain Capabilities with Battle-Tested Unmanned Surface Vessels

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Strategic partnership with leading USV company enhances Red Cat’s multi-domain capabilities and capitalizes on rapidly growing global demand for autonomous, kinetic-capable platforms

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2025 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a leading provider of drone technology for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced the expansion of its multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat’s official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations.

Meeting the Demands of Modern Conflict

Red Cat’s entry into the maritime domain builds on existing inroads, including a partnership with Ocean Power Technologies to integrate its aerial drones with autonomous maritime platforms. Red Cat’s own line of kinetic-capable USVs marks a significant step forward. The decision is a direct response to rising geopolitical tensions and a shift in U.S. defense priorities toward re-asserting American maritime dominance globally. Red Cat is well positioned to deliver American-manufactured solutions that address these urgent operational needs of the U.S. and allied naval forces.

“This is a pivotal moment for Red Cat as we evolve from an aerial-first drone company into a true multi-domain defense provider,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “This expansion into maritime platforms opens significant opportunities in a fast-growing and urgently needed defense sector. As the U.S. and its allies confront rising maritime threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, there’s a clear demand for powerful, proven, and scalable USVs made in America. With these USVs, we’re helping to shape the future of autonomous warfare and strengthening the foundation of U.S. defense manufacturing.”

Introducing Red Cat’s New Line of USVs

Red Cat is bringing its line of USVs to market in partnership with a leading global manufacturer of USVs. The system is tested daily in actual combat and designed to operate either autonomously or in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) configurations. The technology already has 10,000+ hours of operating time in live combat missions. Moving into production will accelerate Red Cat’s roadmap for USVs that integrate seamlessly with its existing family of ISR and unmanned aerial systems, supporting multi-domain and swarming operations.

“This system has been used day in and day out in the current conflict, accumulating tens of thousands of hours in real combat operations and achieving dozens of successful kinetic engagements against enemy assets, more than any navy since World War II,” Thompson stated. “By partnering with a company that has extensive proven experience and is well beyond the proof-of-concept stage, we gain a substantial competitive advantage as we enter this market.”

Red Cat is preparing to start production in Q3 of a seven-meter Expeditionary Multi-Role Craft developed to meet the demands of high-speed, long-range, kinetic maritime operations. It is built for larger payloads, extended endurance, and increased firepower. The version has enhanced range, payload capacity, and mission flexibility making it ideal for deep-strike missions, anti-ship warfare, and coastal interdiction in contested zones.

Leaders in Ship Building and Marine Innovation

Red Cat has assembled an elite team of master boatbuilders, drawing from industry leaders with centuries of collective experience. Renowned for pioneering advanced jet propulsion systems and crafting superior, American-made hulls, our team brings unmatched expertise to every vessel. Boatbuilding at scale demands profound knowledge and precision—qualities our proven professionals deliver with decades of hands-on experience, ensuring excellence in every detail.

For more information about Red Cat’s mission and its line of Unmanned Surface Vessels visit www.redcat.red/USV.

SOF Week 25 – Secumar Secuvac

Monday, May 12th, 2025

The Secuvac from Secumar is a waterproof protection system for the evacuation of injured persons secured to a stretcher. It prevents contact with water and thus hypothermia.

www.secumar.com

SOF Select 25 – LALO Zodiac Infiltrator

Monday, May 12th, 2025

Coming soon is the Zodiac Infiltrator from LALO.

The LALO Infiltrator was designed for amphibious operations, like diving, swimming, beach terrain, slick rocks, riverbeds, reefs, OTB ops, and so on.

This knitted upper construction incorporates Trek Dry bamboo moisture-wicking, H20 shedding antimicrobial lining, a Dual zone cushioned EVA mid and outsole, and the sole incorporates a passive drainage system.

lalo.com

Kraken Technology Group to Display K3 SCOUT at SOF Week 2025

Monday, May 5th, 2025

Friday 02 May 2025, Hampshire, UK – Kraken Technology Group will make its US debut at SOF Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida, where it will showcase its signature uncrewed naval platform, the K3 SCOUT. With full production manufacturing already underway in two UK facilities, Kraken is now delivering batch production runs to NATO countries, spearheading a shift towards modular, rapidly scalable maritime capabilities built for today’s complex naval environments.

Kraken will be on display with AV at Level 3: Stand 621, showcasing a full-scale modular payload integrated with AV’s Titan C-UASTM and HaloNav GPS-denied navigation solution. The full K3 SCOUT capability will also be on display at the docks outside the Tampa Convention Centre, with high-performance demonstrations taking place each day, Tuesday, May 6 through Thursday, May 8, at Noon EDT. This demonstration will highlight the K3 SCOUT’s interchangeable payload bay, featuring both a manual pilot module for crewed missions and the integration of AV’s HaloSwarm AI-enabled swarm logic technology for uncrewed operations.

Since its establishment in 2020, Kraken has grown to over 100 employees and will launch four more international facilities in the next 12 months. The company’s rapid expansion is due to Kraken’s high-speed, autonomous systems offering an agile alternative capable of undertaking persistent missions at scale. By delivering affordable, versatile platforms that extend the reach and resilience of naval forces, Kraken is redefining what is possible in littoral and open-sea operations and establishing itself as a key solution in the next chapter of maritime defence.