Press Release | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

MOD Enhances Its Communications Capability and Supports British Industry with the Procurement of Spectra Group’s GENSS

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

UK MOD enhances its communications capability and supports British Industry with the procurement of Spectra Group’s GENSS tactical communications system

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, specialists in delivering secure, reliable and resilient beyond line-of-sight communications for operations in denied and contested environments, has received its first order from the UK MOD for the recently launched GENSS tactical communications system as a defence unicorn. The UK MOD becomes the GENSS launch customer with an initial order of 40 body-worn systems, 14 platform systems and a full-service wrap.

GENSS is an evergreen software-defined tactical communications system designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, shaped by operational experience and built on UK sovereign engineering expertise. It delivers adaptable, efficient voice and data connectivity for distributed forces, with a system architecture designed to support capability evolution as operational requirements and technologies change. Spectra Group has a long history of producing innovative satellite communication solutions, and the UK MOD was also the first to adopt its award-winning SlingShot system, which enabled L-Band satellite access for existing tactical radios, and has over 10,000 in operation with specialist and regular NATO forces globally.

GENSS delivers tactical communications beyond traditional line-of-sight boundaries, providing secure voice and data connectivity using L-Band tactical satellite networking (L-TAC). GENSS builds on Spectra’s SlingShot heritage, delivering typical networking speeds of 64kbps at 25kHz, and up to 90kbps in optimal conditions and the radio offers flexible bandwidth operations from 5-200kHz. GENSS initially supports three core operational roles: SlingShot capability, MANET / Data bridging beyond line-of-sight and efficient beyond-line-of-sight voice and data connectivity.

By combining efficient bandwidth usage, adaptive coding and modulation and low-power transmission methods, GENSS enables resilient communications for mobile forces operating in contested or denied environments. It maintains reliable link performance in dynamic environments and inherently reduces the probability of detection and interception, using LPI-D techniques, AES encryption and anti-tamper protection, enhancing its security and operational effectiveness. Built as a software-defined system with modular architecture, GENSS is designed to support continuous capability evolution through software development, new waveforms and system integrations.

Simon Davies, Chief Executive at Spectra Group, said, “As a veteran and owner of a British business, it is extremely rewarding to have designed, engineered and manufactured GENSS to meet the complex and evolving communication demands of the modern soldier. Engineered with input from ex-serving military specialists to minimise operator burden and support effective use in demanding field conditions, GENSS is a lightweight, easy-to-use and highly adaptable communication system that provides assured connectivity in the most demanding of environments. We have worked closely with the UK MOD to ensure that GENSS meets their current and future requirements, and I am very pleased that again the UK MOD is leading the way in adopting this new capability.”

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said “This government is backing British innovators and entrepreneurs, doing things differently to deliver for our forces. These are contracts, not words or promises, and they mean that thirteen British companies, many of them new to defence, are receiving real investment to develop the technology our Armed Forces need. This is defence

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release | Comments Off on MOD Enhances Its Communications Capability and Supports British Industry with the Procurement of Spectra Group’s GENSS

AFSOC Unveils OA-1K Skyraider II Rapid Deployment Capability at SOF Week

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. —

During the annual Special Operations Forces Week conference, Air Force Special Operations Command unveiled a unique capability of its OA-1K Skyraider II.

To fulfill rapid deployment requirements and further provide expeditionary agility, AFSOC’s newest platform, the Skyraider II, is capable of rapid break-down disassembly and reassembly. In this broken-down state, one or several Skyraider IIs can be loaded onto a larger aircraft and moved during strategic airlift to a new location, overcoming the tyranny of distance. Upon arrival at its destination, crews can quickly configure the aircraft to a flyable operational condition.

“This capability is right in line with our vision of the versatility the OA-1K and its crews will provide to our teammates,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “The OA-1K offers a unique and modular solution for a wide range of operations, including armed overwatch, at a fraction of a cost of other platforms.”

The OA-1K was designed to be adaptable across mission requirements, whether it be close air support, precision strike, or armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

“SOF teams will value the Skyraider II’s ability to operate alongside them in austere environments,” said Conley. “Whether you need an OA-1K to find, fix, target, or engage directly, it will adapt to the requirements of the mission at hand.”

AFSOC will have an OA-1K static present at this year’s SOF Week conference. SOF Week is an annual, week-long conference that brings together the international SOF community, industry partners and leaders across U.S. Special Operations Command.

While at SOF Week, AFSOC leaders will engage with key stakeholders that will utilize the Skyraider II in the future, while strengthening strategic partnerships across the SOF enterprise to accelerate collective modernization.

The first missionized OA-1K was delivered to AFSOC on April 3, 2025. Since then, formal training has been anchored at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, where operators are refining the platform’s specialized capabilities, including its rapid deployment advantage.

“The rapid disassembly and reassembly means, in a matter of hours, the aircraft can be loaded into mobility aircraft like a C-5 or C-17 for worldwide deployment,” said Lt. Col. Robert Wilson, AFSOC’s Armed Overwatch requirements branch chief. “With the OA-1K ‘any place, any time, anywhere’ is not just a motto, but an actual capability.”

ASFOC will continue to validate this capability in upcoming operational tests and during regularly scheduled exercises. The flexibility offered to the commanders employing the OA-1K ensures they always have dedicated overwatch while operating in non-permissive environments.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, SOF, SOF Week | Comments Off on AFSOC Unveils OA-1K Skyraider II Rapid Deployment Capability at SOF Week

Anduril Introduces Voyager Gateway 1: Rugged Edge Compute for the Dismounted Operator

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

Voyager Gateway 1 puts a full mission server on the operator, turning every soldier into a connected node at the forward edge.

Dismounted operators carry heavy loads of radios, batteries, sensors, and other mission equipment. At the same time, many mission applications still rely on bulky servers at the command post, forcing operators to carry additional communications gear and power sources just to stay connected. That setup, compute in the rear, operators tethered forward, doesn’t hold up in a fight where command posts are targeted, networks are jammed, and squads operate dispersed.

Anduril is addressing this problem with Voyager Gateway 1 (G1), a rugged, body-worn compute and communications system designed to fit within an operator’s kit. About the size of a radio, waterproof, and built to run on very little power, Voyager G1 combines compute, networking, and communications in a single wearable device. The system allows mission applications and edge AI workloads to run directly at the tactical edge instead of relying on servers in the rear.

Voyager G1 turns every dismounted operator into a node on the Lattice Mesh, Anduril’s software platform for connecting sensors, systems, and operators across the battlespace. The device supports data sharing, voice communications, and live video across dispersed teams, allowing units to continue operating even when disconnected from higher headquarters or traditional infrastructure.

Voyager G1 is built to live on the operator’s kit without adding to their cognitive or physical burden:

Warfighter First: Voyager G1’s innovative body-worn design minimizes the weight and heat experienced when carrying a computer, allowing the warfighter to travel faster and go further.

Ready for any Mission: The rugged, ultra-low power, and waterproof module allows for hours of extended command-and-control and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations—even in the harshest and wettest of conditions.

Versatile Connectivity: With both wired and wireless interfaces, special operations forces can easily adapt to any situation in denied, degraded, intermittent, and limited (DDIL) environments to communicate over a greater range of comms paths.

Voyager G1 has already been tested in operational exercises alongside Anduril’s Mission Autonomy software.

During a recent INDOPACOM exercise, the system supported autonomous sensing and target-sharing workflows at the tactical edge, enabling operators to identify and share information in environments where conventional networking infrastructure was limited or degraded. The exercise demonstrated how rugged,FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 19, 2026 body-worn compute can help small teams maintain connectivity and operate more effectively in contested environments.

Voyager G1 extends the Voyager product line with a body-worn form factor, delivering rugged, low-power compute and resilient connectivity directly to the dismounted operator. Like the rest of the Voyager line, it is built rugged first for employment in harsh environments—designed to handle shock, vibration, water, and contested electromagnetic conditions without compromising performance.

For more information about Voyager and the Voyager product line, visit www.anduril.com/voyager.

Posted in C5ISR, Press Release, SOF Week | No Comments »

AFSOC Introduces ‘Havoc Spear’, Its Newest Cruise Missile

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command has officially unveiled the popular name of the AGM-190A small cruise missile as “Havoc Spear.”

The announcement, taking place at the Special Operations Forces Week conference, marks a critical step in AFSOC’s Enhanced Precision Effects (EPE) efforts, a modernization initiative set to equip adaptable weapon systems capable of delivering long-range, precise, kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

Havoc Spear is a low-cost, mission adaptable, modular-design cruise missile that can be rapidly produced. The project was spearheaded by U.S. Special Operations Command to get after the need for rapid, iterative weapon development.

“The primary value of this system is its modularity which provides expanded standoff options for commanders to neutralize a range of threats,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, commander of AFSOC. “Our modernization efforts with EPE will integrate all-domain effects across our platforms, firmly planting special operations forces into the Joint Force kill chain.”

To accelerate development, AFSOC and U.S. SOCOM enacted a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement(CRADA)with an industry partner to develop the missile. According to command leadership, typical weapons development programs take between five to seven years to complete, but Havoc Spear “broke the mold” of weapons acquisition as it was designed, tested, and evaluated in combat in less than three years’ time.

In his SOF Week keynote address, U.S. Navy Adm. Frank Bradley, commander of U.S. SOCOM mentioned CRADAs being the driving force in Havoc Spear’s production. He also touched on the advancements in the procurement and implementation of new technology.

“The technology was there, what we needed was the venue to move fast and take calculated, manageable risks,” said Bradley. “It is that exact DNA — that operator-to-engineer feedback loop — that is now scaling across the Joint Force.”

During a visit to AFSOC headquarters in November 2025, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink chose the name “Havoc Spear” as a capabilities descriptor of widespread destruction via mass attack (Havoc) and precision targeting from afar (Spear).

AFSOC plans to leverage Havoc Spear’s adaptable strike capabilities to support specialized airpower requirements for Joint Force partners in U.S.SOCOM, as well as tackling the Air Force’s most critical missions.

Havoc Spear’s capability will create dilemmas for adversaries, enhance lethality, and reinforce AFSOC’s commitment to maintain a decisive advantage against emerging threats across all domains.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, SOF, weapons | No Comments »

SOF Week 2026: AimLock and FN America Collaborate on Dune Solution to Update RWS for Counter-Small UA

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

At this year’s SOF Week event, AimLock and FN America will showcase the Dune RWS mounted on BC Customs’ SXV – XL- 6X6 ground vehicle

TAMPA, 19 May 2026 – Today at SOF Week 2026, AimLock, a pioneer in autonomous targeting and engagement systems, announced it is collaborating with FN America, LLC, on the Dune solution to combat small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The Dune features AimLock’s autonomy suite for networked, layered counter-UAS (cUAS) integrated into FN America’s FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM remote weapons station (RWS).

During the show, the Dune solution will be mounted on a BC Customs’ SXV – XL – 6X6 ground vehicle and on display at AimLock’s booth (#4306) in the Tampa Convention Center Outdoor hall. The SXV 6×6 is a purpose-built, rugged UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) capable of carrying up to 4,500 pounds, with 46 square feet of deck space and the ability to be transported internally via CH-47 with roll-on/roll-off ease. Powered by a durable Cummins R2.8 turbo diesel and heavy-duty drivetrain components, it delivers high performance, including sub-12 second 0–60 mph, while excelling in rapid deployment, infiltration, and extraction operations without requiring additional shoring.

As small, hard to combat UAS continue to complicate battlefield operations, solutions like the Dune are critical in updating existing RWS and enabling faster and more precise shots even in

the most complex engagement scenarios. Within the Dune solution, AimLock’s systems, powered by the company’s Keystone Core Targeting Module (CTM), will support FN America’s FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM RWS in delivering precision auto-targeting across key mission sets in cUAS, Force Protection, Direct Action, Integrated Defense, Strike Anti Armor, and Support by Fire.

The Dune: Integration of AimLock’s Technology into FN America’s RWS

The FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM RWS has been designed to fulfill the force protection mission through fire support and self-defense when mounted on light, medium and heavy vehicles.

It can be fitted with a variety of weapon types and enhanced with features like laser rangefinding, stabilization, and ballistic protection, allowing it to be tailored to different operational needs.

When integrated with AimLock’s Keystone CTM—intelligent computing hardware and software that combines sensor fusion with advanced fire control and artificial intelligence—within the Dune solution, the FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM is able to detect, classify, track, automatically calculate firing solutions, and supervise target engagement, such as small UAS.

“As global Allies modernize their warfighting capabilities against the proliferation of small UAS, it’s critical to provide them with solutions that don’t require complete system overhauls, but instead upgrade the platforms they already have,” said Bryan Bockmon, CEO of AimLock.

“The Dune solution, which combines AimLock’s proven targeting and engagement technology with FN’s legacy of creating state-of-the-art remote weapons systems, delivers on global warfighter needs as the battlefield continues to evolve in real-time.”

The Dune solution includes:

• AimLock Autonomy Suite for networked, layered cUAS

• FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM retrofit kit

• 30x113mm,12.7x99mm, 40x53mm, weapons compatibility

• Airburst programmable, proximity-fuzed, and conventional ammunition

In addition to having the Dune on display at AimLock’s outdoor booth (#4306), the AimLock team will also have an indoor booth (#448) in Tampa Convention Center Level 3.

Posted in AI / ML, Press Release, SOF Week, weapons | No 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 | No Comments »

B.E. Meyers & Co. Supports the Sterling Promise Foundation as a Silver Sponsor During SOF Week 2026

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

(Tampa, FL) B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., via The Brad and Nancy Meyers Family Fund, is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Sterling Promise Foundation’s annual fundraising event. The Sterling Promise Foundation Fundraiser will be held at The Westin Tampa Waterside, on May 19th from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. during SOF Week 2026.

The Sterling Promise Foundation exists to honor the life of Staff Sergeant Scott Sterling, who passed away in April 2021 after a heroic battle with colorectal cancer. Scott served in the 75th Ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (1SFOD-D).

Funds are being used to provide blood screening tests directly to Active-Duty personnel as well as Veterans of the SOF community to ensure early detection.

The May 19th event includes a silent auction, live music, and community. The Guardant Health Team will be on-site to conduct on-site screening, using their Shield™ Colorectal Cancer Screening blood test. Shield is a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test that can detect fragments of colorectal tumor DNA that are released, or shed, into the blood. DNA shedding is a normal process that happens as a tumor grows. By determining if signals from these DNA fragments are present in a blood sample, Shield can screen for colorectal cancer. To learn more or donate to this amazing cause, please visit 2026 Sterling Promise SOF Week Annual Event.

The Brad and Nancy Meyers Family Fund is a philanthropic entity designed to provide sponsorship to causes in support of Veterans, first responders, religious freedom, animal welfare, and nature conservancy in the US and around the world.

Posted in Advertiser, Medical, Nonprofit, Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems Join Forces to Redefine EW and C-UAS-Enabled Uncrewed Operations

Monday, May 18th, 2026

Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems sign strategic Memorandum of Partnership to jointly integrate advanced EW capabilities and C-UAS solutions into next-generation uncrewed-systems, delivering robust, defense solutions for evolving threat environments.

Bonn, May 12, 2026 – Rohde & Schwarz today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Quantum Systems during AFCEA 2026. This strategic agreement marks a significant step toward advancing integrated defense capabilities through the combination of electromagnetic warfare (EW) and counter uncrewed arial systems (C-UAS) expertise and cutting-edge uncrewed systems.

Quantum Systems, a key player in the development of uncrewed and intelligent aerial systems, will collaborate closely with Rohde & Schwarz to explore the integration of the latter’s advanced EW solutions into Quantum Systems’ uncrewed platforms (UxV). The partnership also includes the joint development and deployment of C-UAS solutions, addressing the growing need for effective protection against, e.g. uncrewed aerial threats.

Under the terms of this MoU, both companies will work to enhance operational effectiveness by embedding EW capabilities directly into next-generation uncrewed systems. This collaboration aims to provide defense and security forces with robust, adaptable solutions for complex and evolving operational environments.

“This MoU represents an important milestone in our mission to deliver innovative EW solutions,” said Alexander Philipp, Managing Director, Rohde & Schwarz Vertriebs-GmbH. “By partnering with Quantum Systems, we are combining complementary strengths to create powerful, future-ready capabilities for our customers.”

“The requirements of modern armed forces are changing at a rapid pace. Today, the key is the ability to quickly transfer proven technologies onto new platforms and make them immediately usable. Together with Rohde & Schwarz we are creating a German solution for uncrewed signals intelligence in the air and electronic protection systems on the ground, thereby deliberately expanding capabilities on the battlefield,” said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems.

The agreement underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation, collaboration, and strengthening technological leadership in the defense sector.

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