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Nokia to Provide Intelligent Connectivity for Finnish Border Guard Counter-Drone Initiative Nationwide

Friday, June 26th, 2026

· Nokia Defense joins Finnish-Nordic consortium to strengthen counter-UAS border security

· Secure, scalable connectivity enables real-time threat detection and interoperable mission-critical operations across land and sea

Espoo, Finland, June 25, 2026 – Nokia today announced its participation in a new industrial consortium led by the Finnish Border Guard to develop the next-generation counter-drone capabilities for patrol vehicles and boats. Nokia’s Defense unit will help support border security duties, surveillance, protection of territorial integrity and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure by providing an intelligent network solution that enables secure, high-performance connectivity, real-time data exchange and interoperability across systems.

The initiative supports the Finnish Border Guard’s goal of building a sovereign, integrated counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and threat detection capability to be deployed nationwide. By connecting platforms, sensors and command-and-control systems, the solution is designed to deliver enhanced real-time situational awareness and enable faster, more coordinated responses to evolving multi-domain threats.

Nokia’s role reflects the growing importance of trusted and intelligent connectivity as a foundation for modern defense and border security. As drones become more accessible and widely used, threat detection, sensing and connectivity must work seamlessly to protect personnel, infrastructure and mission effectiveness. Through the consortium, Nokia Defense will work with key partners to support a scalable, future-ready system aligned with national and allied requirements.

Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer, and Chairman, Nokia Defense, said: “Reliable, secure connectivity is becoming essential to how defense organizations detect, understand and respond to fast-moving threats. By contributing Nokia’s intelligent connectivity and sensing technology to this consortium, we are helping build an operational and interoperable solution that gives border authorities the real-time awareness and resilience they need in complex land and maritime environments.”

The Finnish Border Guard initiative includes the procurement and deployment of evaluation platforms, connectivity and sensing capabilities, and system integration. The solutions will be evaluated during 2027 and early 2028.

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

Avon Technologies Announces NG IHPS Delivery Orders

Friday, June 26th, 2026

Avon Technologies plc is pleased to confirm that Team Wendy Ceradyne has received delivery orders totalling over $40m from the US Army (ACC) and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) under the Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS) helmet contract, which was previously awarded in September 2021.

Jos Sclater, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“Securing the highest share of both DLA and ACC delivery orders against competition is a strong endorsement of Team Wendy’s product performance and improving operational execution. These awards build our order book and provide important long-term visibility, underpinning our confidence in the Group as we continue to deliver and strengthen our position with the US DoW.”

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release | No Comments »

Nester Hosiery Awarded US Army and US Marine Corps Cold Weather Sock Contracts

Friday, June 26th, 2026

Leading U.S. sock manufacturer strengthens position as the warfighters choice for military cold weather performance hosiery.

June 25, 2026 – Mount Airy, NC – Nester Hosiery, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance Merino wool socks, announced today that it has been awarded contracts supporting both the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program and the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program following the successful novation of the programs from Fox River.

These awards reinforce Nester Hosiery’s position as a leading provider of Berry Amendment compliant cold weather and performance sock systems for the U.S. military, delivering mission-critical products that are designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in the United States.

Under the awards:

Nester Hosiery will serve as the provider of record for the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year contract structure.

Nester Hosiery was also awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program under a three-year term.

“These two major awards reflect the trust placed in our team, our domestic manufacturing capabilities, and our longstanding commitment to delivering premium performance products to the warfighter,” said Kelly Nester, CEO of Nester Hosiery.

With manufacturing operations rooted in North Carolina and a decades-long legacy of domestic sock manufacturing expertise, Nester Hosiery continues to invest in its U.S.-based workforce, product innovation, and resilient supply chain capable of supporting both military and commercial markets.

The company’s military programs are supported through advanced knitting technology, technical product development expertise, and a commitment to delivering consistent quality and performance in the most demanding of operational environments.

To learn more about Nester Hosiery’s support with the Military community, please visit nesterhosiery.com/military.

Posted in Army, Clothing, Contracts, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Thyrm Introduces Limited Edition ‘Stars & Stripes’ PyroVault 2.0

Friday, June 26th, 2026

Sunnyvale, CA — Thyrm is paying tribute to America with the limited edition ‘Stars & Stripes’ PyroVault 2.0 Lighter Armor. This is the same widely popular PyroVault 2.0, in a two-tone Blue and Black colorway with blacked-out hardware.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable lighter for daily use, or you need a flame source for the backcountry, the PyroVault 2.0’s durable exoskeleton, gasket seal, spring-loaded lid for one-handed opening, & lanyard attachment will keep up with you no matter the mission.

The PyroVault 2.0 features include:

-Dual-wall, dual-color exoskeleton design
-Full gasket seal to keep fuel in and water out
-Full-size lanyard hole for retention in the field
-Stainless torsion spring and axle for reliable one-handed opening
-Low-profile latch for easy striker-wheel access
-Hidden Tinder-Quik™ fire starter included
-Designed and Made in the USA

Get yours before they sell out at thyrm.com/products/pyrovault-2-0-lighter-armor.

Posted in Advertiser, Gadgets, Press Release | No Comments »

Mehler Protection at Eurosatory 2026: From Armoured Mobility to Counter-UAS

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, FULDA, GERMANY (24 June 2026)

From protected mobility and Counter-UAS technologies to modular body armour systems, Mehler Protection presented a comprehensive portfolio of protection solutions at Eurosatory 2026.

Exhibiting at Hall 5B, Stand C220, the company welcomed military, law enforcement, and industry representatives from around the world, highlighting developments designed to address evolving operational requirements across both vehicle and personal protection domains.

Among the highlights was the first public presentation of the M-RACC KE protected mobility concept, an armoured tractor developed in cooperation with STEYR. Based on the STEYR Terrus CVT platform, the vehicle combines multifunctional work and transport capabilities with certified ballistic, fragmentation, and mine protection in accordance with STANAG 4569 and AEP-55 requirements. Designed for demanding operational environments, it supports tasks such as engineering operations, route clearance, infrastructure repair, logistics, and the restoration of damaged areas where ballistic threats, unexploded ordnance, fragmentation hazards, or mines may still be present.

The exhibition also featured SCILT, Mehler Protection’s close-range Counter-UAS system designed to protect vehicles against FPV drones, loitering munitions, and other aerial threats approaching from short distances and low angles. Developed as a dedicated last layer of vehicle protection, SCILT addresses a growing capability gap between conventional air-defence systems and passive armour solutions.

Alongside its platform protection portfolio, Mehler Protection showcased a comprehensive range of personal protection solutions for military and law enforcement applications.

Among the key exhibits was the latest generation of the ExoM Exoskeleton, a passive load-bearing system designed to reduce operator burden while maintaining mobility under heavy loads. Visitors also explored the full M.U.S.T. configuration, demonstrating how the modular protection system can be adapted and scaled according to mission requirements.

Additional exhibits included the MOBAST protective vest system developed for the German Armed Forces, covert and overt body armour systems, waistcoats, plate carriers, soft- and hard-ballistic protection solutions, ballistic helmets, and shields.

Learn more about Mehler Protection at mehler-protection.com.

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

Darley Welcomes Jim Johnson to Board of Directors

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

ITASCA, IL – June 25th, 2026 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Johnson to its Board of Directors. Jim Johnson brings decades of leadership experience and deep industry expertise to support Darley’s continued growth and innovation.

Jim Johnson served as President of Pierce Manufacturing from 2010 to 2023. He also served as an Executive Vice President of Oshkosh Corporation and President of Oshkosh’s Fire & Emergency business segment, with responsibility for the Frontline, Maximetal, and Oshkosh Airport Products brands in addition to Pierce. Most recently, Jim served as President of Oshkosh’s Vocational business segment, with responsibility for refuse vehicles, airport ground support equipment, utility, and concrete truck brands in addition to his Fire & Emergency responsibilities before retiring in 2024. Jim began his career in Indianapolis as an attorney practicing commercial litigation and has served on Darley’s Fire Advisory Board since 2025.

“We are honored to welcome Jim Johnson to Darley’s Board of Directors,” said Paul Darley, Chairman and CEO of Darley. “I have worked with Jim for nearly 20 years and have long respected his leadership, integrity, and strategic perspective. He is a visionary leader with a strong focus on people and innovation. His operational experience, legal background, executive presence, and deep understanding of sound corporate governance make him an outstanding addition to our Board as we continue to build for the future.”

“It is a privilege to join the Board of Directors of W.S. Darley & Co. Darley’s mission supporting our nation’s warfighters and first responders globally is inspiring,” said Jim Johnson. “This 118-year-old family business is shepherded by an exceptional leadership team, and I am honored to serve the organization as they continue on their notable growth trajectory.”

Jim Johnson’s appointment reflects Darley’s ongoing commitment to building on the strength of its Board of Directors with experienced industry leaders who provide strategic guidance and oversight in support of the company’s long-term direction and continued success.

About Darley: You serve others. We serve you. Darley provides the highest quality pump, technology, and equipment solutions for first responders around the world. With origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers a complete line of unmanned systems, immersive training technology, equipment and pumps. Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.

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

Team Boxer UK Delivers 100th Boxer Vehicle for the British Army

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Built in Britain for Britain: Landmark milestone showcases UK manufacturing excellence, sovereign capability and defence readiness

Telford, UK – 25 June 2026 – Team Boxer UK has reached a major programme milestone with the delivery of the 100th Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) to the UK Ministry of Defence, demonstrating the successful mobilisation of sovereign manufacturing capability and the continued momentum of one of the UK’s most important land defence programmes.

Built in Britain for Britain, Boxer is providing the British Army with a highly protected, modular and adaptable vehicle that will form a key element of the Army’s future warfighting capability.

Reaching the 100-vehicle milestone marks a significant achievement for the programme, highlighting the successful establishment of two UK production facilities, the growth of a nationwide supply chain and the enduring partnership between government, industry and the Armed Forces. It is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when international collaboration is combined with British industrial expertise.

The programme is delivered through collaboration between Rheinmetall, KNDS, the British Army, the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group), Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), OCCAR and the ARTEC consortium, alongside a network of UK supply chain partners. Together, they are delivering a critical capability for the Army’s future force while strengthening the UK’s sovereign industrial base.

The milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of hundreds of engineers, technicians, apprentices, programme specialists, military personnel and supply chain partners working across the United Kingdom to deliver this vital capability for the British Army.

Martyn Williams, Senior Responsible Owner for Boxer at the NAD Group, said:

“The delivery of the 100th Boxer to the UK Ministry of Defence is a significant milestone and reflects the tremendous work done by OCCAR, ARTEC, KNDS, Rheinmetall, the NAD Group and wider MOD to establish two UK Boxer production lines and the broad supply chains across the UK. The international collaboration through OCCAR and ARTEC has seen technology transfer to the UK, building on the UK’s proud history of armoured vehicle manufacturing.”

Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall UK, said:

“Reaching the 100-vehicle milestone is a significant achievement for the teams delivering Boxer in the UK. It reflects the dedication and expertise of our workforce, suppliers and partners, whose contribution is helping to build long-term manufacturing capacity and strengthen sovereign industrial capability. Boxer is creating lasting skills and investment while delivering a world-class capability for the British Army and supporting prosperity across the UK.”

Tony Webb, Operations Director at KNDS UK, added:

“The delivery of the 100th Boxer vehicle demonstrates the value of long-term investment in sovereign defence capability and the strength of the UK’s defence industrial base. Programmes such as Boxer sustain critical skills, support SMEs across a resilient national supply chain and drive investment in advanced manufacturing. This milestone reflects the power of collaboration between government, industry and international partners to generate lasting strategic advantage for the UK.”

Boxer vehicles are manufactured in the United Kingdom at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford and KNDS UK in Stockport, showcasing the strength of British defence manufacturing and the UK’s ability to deliver complex armoured vehicle programmes on home soil.

Through its extensive UK supply chain, the programme is helping to sustain and develop critical industrial skills, support regional economic growth and strengthen the manufacturing capability needed to meet future defence requirements.

As vehicles continue to enter service, Boxer will provide British Army formations with enhanced mobility, protection and operational flexibility across a wide range of missions and operating environments.

Beyond delivering a world-class military capability, the programme supports highly skilled employment, apprenticeships and advanced engineering expertise across the United Kingdom.

From design and assembly through to supply chain integration and support, Boxer demonstrates the UK’s ability to manufacture and deliver complex armoured vehicle programmes at scale on home soil.

The delivery of the 100th Boxer represents more than a production milestone. It is a celebration of the people, partnerships and industrial expertise that have made the programme possible. Built in Britain for Britain, Boxer demonstrates how international collaboration, British engineering excellence and long-term industrial investment can come together to deliver world-class capability for the Armed Forces.

As Team Boxer UK celebrates this achievement, work continues to deliver the programme and support the modernisation of the British Army’s future land capability.

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

Flux Defense Unveils the New PLATE PACK Made in Collaboration with Ferro Concepts

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Elevating Concealed Carry with Purpose-Built Backpack/Plate Carrier

Salt Lake City, UT – June 24, 2026 – Flux Defense and Ferro Concepts are proud to announce the new PLATE PACK Covert Backpack. The PLATE PACK is a covert, go-fast backpack that rapidly be worn as a front facing plate carrier. Designed to carry up to Level IV armor, a full fighting load, and a PDW like the Flux Raider or Sig Rattler, it keeps you prepared without drawing attention. When the job’s done, stow it and blend back into the environment. Built for mobility. Designed for the unknown.

“This new bag has been designed from studying PDW applications within clandestine operations and first responder use cases,” said Alex Aubrey, Chief Marketing Officer at Flux Defense. “We remain totally dedicated to the PDW concept for all users and building out a proper and professional ecosystem for our Raider platforms is of utmost importance. We teamed up with Ferro Concepts for their expertise to bring this solution to market. This is not just another bag, this is a new and better tool for first responders to use to win the fight”