Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

The Office of Strategic Capital Signs $820 Million Conditional Loan Commitment with Performance Drone Works to Expand Domestic Drone Component Manufacturing

Friday, July 31st, 2026

The United States Department of War’s Office of Strategic Capital announced today a conditional loan commitment of up to $820 million to Performance Drone Works to establish high-volume domestic manufacturing capacity for critical drone components.

Together, the OSC financing and additional private capital committed alongside it will support a new high-volume source of domestically manufactured components for use across the broader U.S. drone industrial base. The project is intended to supply components to multiple manufacturers and platforms, representing a significant expansion of domestic production capacity for drone components. These components are intended to support a range of Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft produced by PDW and other domestic manufacturers. With this strategic financing, OSC will enable the development of production capacity to address critical component bottlenecks facing the broader U.S. unmanned-systems ecosystem.

“PDW will be one of several domestic component producers receiving OSC loan commitments in support of President Trump’s Executive Order 14307, ‘Unleashing American Drone Dominance.’ Expanding domestic component production will benefit manufacturers throughout the ecosystem and improve supply-chain resilience,” said David A. Lorch, Director of the Office of Strategic Capital and Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg.

James R. Shanahan, Senior Managing Director at OSC, added, “We are squarely focused on identifying and addressing bottlenecks in critical supply chains, including drones and autonomous systems. OSC’s transaction with PDW, along with private capital crowded in alongside it, will support the construction of significant new manufacturing capacity to address vulnerabilities across the drone supply chain.”

The conditional loan commitment between OSC and PDW specifies customary additional steps the company must take to proceed toward financial close, including satisfying financial, legal, technical, and other due diligence requirements.

“Achieving Secretary Hegseth’s mandate for drone dominance requires a secure and resilient industrial base here at home. The Office of Strategic Capital is strengthening the domestic supply chain for critical drone components to ensure American manufacturers can deliver the lethal capabilities that our warfighters need,” said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering.

– DoW

SKD Armor Loop Covered Plate (LCP) and Ferro Concepts LCP Harness Kit In Stock at SKD Tactical

Friday, July 31st, 2026

St. Louis, MO (July 31, 2026) – SKD Tactical, LLC., now stocking the SKD Armor LCP (Loop Covered Plate) and the Ferro Concepts LCP Harness Kit.

Created for ultra low-vis applications, the SKD Armor Loop Covered Plate (LCP), Special Threat (Patented) defeats the following threats:

7.62×39 PS Ball (MSC)

5.56×45 M193

5.56×45 M855

7.62×39 API BZ

The Ferro Concepts LCP Harness Kit provides minimalist Plate Armor capability at a scant 8.3 oz. Because the cummerbund and shoulder straps attach at any angle desired by the wearer, the FC LCP Harness Kit offers more adjustability for an optimal fit than any other plate carrier on the market. Designed in close partnership with SKD Armor, the FC LCP Harness Kit is the new king of minimalist/ultra low-vis plate armor.

The SKD Armor LCP is available in Grey and Black, and currently in Medium SAPI only.  The FC LCP Harness Kits are available in sizes S/M and L/XL, and in Black only.

Please direct all inquiries to cs@skdtac.com.

Red Cat Receives $2.49 Million US Air Force Order for Black Widow Systems

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

AWARD SUPPORTS TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF BLACK WIDOW AS A POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR TO THE AIR FORCE SECURITY FORCES’ CURRENT TEAL 2 FLEET
SALT LAKE CITY, July 30, 2026Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced that its Teal Drones subsidiary has received a $2.49 million firm-fixed-price contract from the U.S. Air Force for Black Widow™ small unmanned aircraft systems, training and related support.

The award includes Black Widow systems, train-the-trainer support, batteries, spares and shipping. According to the contract, the equipment will be used to conduct a technical and operational assessment of Black Widow as a potential successor to the Air Force Security Forces’ current Teal 2 fleet.

The customer organization is the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC), which trains, equips, and managed program execution for the Air Force Security Forces enterprise worldwide. This encompasses active-duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Defenders. This technical and operational assessment positions Black Widow as a potential successor across the total AFSFC’s Teal 2 fleet, building on Red Cat’s momentum as the U.S. Army’s selected Short Range Reconnaissance platform.

“We are proud to support the U.S. Air Force across active-duty, Air National Guard, and reservists, as the AFSFC evaluates Black Widow for missions at the tactical edge,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “This assessment of the Black Widow reflects growing recognition across the Department of War that secure, American-made systems are essential for the operations our national defense and security organizations carry out every day.”

Black Widow is Red Cat’s flagship short-range reconnaissance system and the U.S. Army’s selected platform for its Short Range Reconnaissance Program. The system is designed to provide warfighters with rapidly deployable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The contract calls for delivery by August 24, 2026.

S&S Precision Awarded GSA Multiple Award Schedule Contract

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Virginia Beach, VA – July 31, 2026S&S Precision is proud to announce that we have been awarded a General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract.

The GSA Schedule provides federal, state, and local government customers with a streamlined process to purchase S&S Precision products at pre-negotiated prices and terms.

“Securing a place on the GSA Schedule is a significant milestone for S&S Precision and offers our government customers an additional, straightforward purchasing option,” said Angela Borland, VP of Business Development at S&S Precision. “We have worked closely with end users for years, and any step that simplifies access to the right equipment is a success.”

The award expands the purchasing options available to S&S Precision customers and supports the company’s continued growth across the military, law enforcement, and government markets.

S&S Precision’s GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract number is: 47QSMS26D005M, and runs through June 2031.

Ti Defense’s Military Virtual Trainer (MVT) Accepted into the U.S. Army Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Marketplace

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

GOLDEN, Colo., July 17, 2026 — Ti Defense today announced the acceptance of its Military Virtual Trainer (MVT) into the U.S. Army Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Marketplace. As an innovative virtual training platform designed to enhance tactical readiness and weapons proficiency, this milestone positions the MVT as an approved training solution available to support Soldiers, units, and training organizations seeking to improve weapon handling, marksmanship fundamentals, and operational effectiveness through immersive virtual training.

The MVT serves as a critical bridging capability until a Program of Record to replace the legacy Engagement Skills Trainer II (EST) can be established.

The LVC Marketplace serves as a centralized ecosystem for purchasing advanced training technologies that support the Army’s modernization objectives. The MVT’s inclusion reflects its ability to deliver realistic, scalable, and accessible training experiences that seamlessly complement live-fire ranges and traditional instruction.

“We are honored to be accepted into the U.S. Army LVC Marketplace,” said Greg Otte, Ti Defense CEO and President. “This achievement validates our commitment to providing high-quality, data-driven training solutions that help Soldiers build and sustain critical weapon skills.

By leveraging immersive technology, the MVT enables more frequent, cost-effective, and measurable training opportunities that support mission readiness.”

The MVT provides a comprehensive virtual training environment that allows users to practice weapon employment, target acquisition, decision-making, and engagement techniques in realistic operational scenarios in accordance with Service Doctrine. The platform delivers detailed performance analytics, enabling instructors and trainees to identify strengths, address skill gaps, and track progress over time.

Key benefits of the MVT include:

Enhanced Readiness: Enables Soldiers to train more frequently outside traditional range schedules.

Data-Driven Performance Measurement: Provides actionable insights through detailed after-action reviews and performance metrics.

Scalable Accessibility: Offers configurations ranging from ultra-portable setups to fixed locations.

Cost and Resource Efficiency: Reduces reliance on live ammunition and range availability while reinforcing foundational weapon skills.

Immersive Learning Environment: Replicates operational scenarios that improve engagement and skill proficiencies.

As the Army continues to invest in innovative training technologies, the MVT’s presence in the LVC Marketplace expands opportunities for units to integrate virtual training into their overall weapons development programs. The platform is designed to complement existing training methodologies by providing Soldiers with an accessible, repeatable, and effective way to develop and maintain critical combat skills.

“Acceptance into the LVC Marketplace represents an important step in expanding access to next-generation training capabilities,” added Brent Ludlow, Military Business Development and Military SME at Ti Defense. “We look forward to partnering with Army organizations to help maximize training effectiveness and prepare Soldiers for the challenges of today’s complex operational environments.”

For more information about the Military Virtual Trainer and its capabilities, visit www.TiDefense.com.

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.”

Snakestaff Systems Announces Universal Snakeskin Tourniquet Carrier

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Snakestaff Systems has announced the release of the Universal Snakeskin, a do-it-all tourniquet carrier designed to provide a versatile mounting solution across a broad range of professional, recreational, industrial, and everyday applications.

Developed for compatibility with both the Snakestaff ETQ™ and ETQ Wide™, the Universal Snakeskin addresses a longstanding challenge: securely mounting a tourniquet where immediate access makes the most sense. While traditional mounting solutions have largely been limited to tactical equipment or purpose-built platforms, many everyday environments—including vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, heavy equipment, work gear, and recreational equipment—have lacked a practical, secure means of carrying hemorrhage control equipment. The Universal Snakeskin bridges that gap by providing a single carrier that performs equally well on conventional load-bearing equipment and in the diverse environments where rapid access to a tourniquet can be equally important.

The carrier incorporates multiple integrated attachment methods into a compact platform, allowing it to be mounted to backpacks, bicycles, motorcycles, vehicle interiors, heavy equipment, rifle stocks, plate carriers, battle belts, climbing harnesses, and numerous other applications.

“Readiness shouldn’t be dictated by the limitations of your equipment and environment,” said Jefferson Colledge, Chief Executive Officer of Snakestaff Systems. “The Universal Snakeskin changes the conversation. Instead of asking where you can mount your tourniquet, it allows you to decide where you should.

The introduction of the Universal Snakeskin reflects Snakestaff Systems’ continued commitment to developing practical, adaptable medical equipment that expands access to lifesaving interventions without adding unnecessary complexity. The carrier is intended for use by military personnel, law enforcement, first responders, industrial workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and responsibly prepared civilians seeking rapid access to lifesaving medical equipment across a wide variety of environments.

The Universal Snakeskin is available immediately through Snakestaff Systems and its authorized dealer network.

Reptilia Introduces the Canno: A Purpose-Built Nicotine Pouch Container

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Hillsborough, NC 7/30  Reptilia announces the launch of the CANNO, a purpose-built, pocket-sized container designed to provide a more durable and practical way to carry nicotine pouches.

Designed with the same attention to detail and functional approach found throughout Reptilia’s product line, the CANNO gives users an alternative to carrying nicotine pouches in the disposable plastic cans they originally come in.

Compact enough for everyday carry, the CANNO is designed to keep nicotine pouches organized, protected, and ready when needed. Its small footprint makes it easy to carry in a pocket, range bag, vehicle, or everyday carry setup.

The CANNO is available in six colors: Gold, Purple, Grey, Green, and Orange.

Inside each container is an engraved reminder for the moment every nicotine pouch user eventually faces: RELOAD.

“There’s no reason something you carry every day needs to live in a disposable container,” said Reptilia. “The CANNO takes a simple, everyday object and gives it the same level of thought and design we apply to everything we make.”

The CANNO represents Reptilia’s continued expansion into purpose-built everyday carry products, bringing the company’s design-driven approach to an item that users carry every day.

The Reptilia CANNO is available now.

For more information or to purchase the CANNO, visit reptiliacorp.com/product/reptilia-canno.