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DroneShield Welcomes The Asia Group’s Report on Counter-Drone Best Practice for Critical Infrastructure

Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

Sydney, Australia – 22 October 2025 –DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone and electronic warfare (EW) solutions, welcomes the release of The Asia Group’s latest report on counter-drone best practices for critical infrastructure, a timely and strategic contribution to the growing global conversation around safeguarding essential assets from emerging aerial threats.

The Asia Group, chaired by The Hon Dr Kurt Campbell, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and inaugural Indo-Pacific Coordinator at the U.S. National Security Council, has outlined a series of recommendations that highlight the urgent need for governments, including the Australian Government, to enable critical infrastructure operators to deploy counter-drone technologies under strict regulatory frameworks.

The report underscores the increasing frequency and sophistication of drone incursions targeting infrastructure such as energy grids, transport networks, and communications systems. It calls for a proactive policy approach that balances public safety, operational continuity, and technological innovation.

Image: The Asia Group’s latest report on counter-drone best practices for critical infrastructure

Kacey Lam-Evans, Government Affairs Director at DroneShield, said, “With the growing number of drone-related incidents globally, critical infrastructure risks being left unprotected. Law enforcement agencies are often stretched thin, and the threat landscape is evolving faster than traditional response mechanisms.”

“The technology to address these drone threats is already here. It’s safe for the general public, non-kinetic, and proven. DroneShield urge the Australian Government to consider progressing consultation processes to investigate the practical application of the recommendations in The Asia Group’s report, to ensure critical infrastructure operators are empowered to take action against drone incidents.”

“This is an opportunity to ensure our infrastructure is resilient and secure.”

DroneShield supports a collaborative approach between government and industry to develop robust, transparent, and accountable frameworks for counter-drone deployment by critical infrastructure operators. The Company looks forward to contributing to ongoing discussions and policy development in this critical area.

The Asia Group’s Report, Counter-UAS and the Protection of Critical Infrastructure – Global Strategies and Best Practices for Australian Policy, can be accessed at theasiagroup.com/counter-uncrewed-aerial-systems-c-uas-and-the-protection-of-critical-infrastructure.

Posted in C-UAS, Press Release | 1 Comment »

UNITY Adds New Version of CTM and Switches with Long Laser Cables

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

CTM™ Now Available for iRay RH25 and Long Laser Cables for AXON™ and AXON™ SL

Broussard, LA. (Oct. 22, 2025) – UNITY Tactical®, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, is releasing a new version of its Combat Thermal Mount™ (CTM™) specifically for the iRay RH25. It is also expanding its line of AXON™ and AXON™ SL switches to include options with longer laser cables, allowing lasers to be mounted further back on the handguard.

The compact and lightweight CTM for the IRAY RH25 includes all standard features, such as the force-to-overcome mechanism that flips the thermal to the side for stowage. It also comes standard with a FAST™ QD lever, which enables quick detachment and reattachment while maintaining optic co-alignment, allowing the thermal to also function as a handheld imager (HHI). CTM was previously only available for the Trijicon® SkeetIR™x and Pixels on Target™ VooDoo-S™; the three models are not interchangeable.

New AXON and AXON SL variants offer seven-inch light cables and a choice of nine-inch or 13-inch laser cables. Standard single lead AXON SL switches for Crane laser or NGAL laser are also available in nine- or 13-inch lengths. These longer cables provide greater flexibility for users, enabling laser mounting further back, such as on the FAST™ Accessory Riser, while positioning the switch at the front of the handguard.

Both the CTM for the iRay and long laser cables are currently in stock and available for purchase through authorized UNITY dealers and on unitytactical.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

EagleNXT and Tough Stump Technologies Announce Expanded Strategic Partnership and Introduce New HELIOS Kit

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

New Offering incorporates Advanced EagleNXT VISION Drone, Providing Advantage of Real-Time Video Feeds; Expanded Partnership Provides Greater Capability for Operators

WASHINGTON D.C. — AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (dba, EagleNXT) (the “Company” or “EagleNXT”) (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of advanced drone and aerial imaging solutions, is proud to announce an expanded strategic partnership with Tough Stump Technologies, a premier innovator in advanced training solutions for defense and security applications. As part of the partnership, the two companies are announcing the new HELIOS™ kit, a next-generation, rapidly deployable platform that will include the eBee VISION drone from EagleNXT. This cutting-edge solution is available now, and will advance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to a higher level of performance.

The HELIOS™ system is designed to be a rapidly deployable, open-architecture platform providing real-time, actionable intelligence. Building on the proven ARTEMIS™ package,HELIOS™ incorporates the advanced eBee VISION drone, the ATOS tracking system, and a robust portable processing unit. This combination delivers unparalleled situational awareness and data synthesis, engineered for seamless interoperability with the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototype ecosystem. HELIOS™ is a cost-effective, low-bandwidth solution that will empower users to modernize their command-and-control systems and gain a decisive advantage in dynamic operational environments.

“We are proud to work with Tough Stump Technologies to expand our collaboration and as a first product of that, bringing the game-changing HELIOS™ system to the marketplace,” said Bill Irby, CEO and President of EagleNXT. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative, defense-focused solutions that enhance mission success and operational readiness. The HELIOS™ package is the result of our ongoing collaboration and represents another advanced offering that will deliver real-time intelligence and interoperability. We’re excited to see it match the evolving demand for unmanned capability.”

Also announced at AUSA, EagleNXT and Tough Stump Technologies are expanding their strategic partnership to also include cooperative marketing and promotional opportunities and closer alignment in pursuit of U.S. government business.

“Tough Stump is thrilled to deepen our alliance with EagleNXT, a true partner in innovation,” Jarrett Heavenston, CEO of Tough Stump Technologies. “Together we are addressing the unmanned needs with the Department of Defense and will expertly deliver the technologies that deliver capability and enhance what we offer to our U.S. Government and Federal customers and clients. With the new HELIOS™ package, along with our planned co-marketing efforts and joint pursuit of USG opportunities, we will unlock unprecedented value for customers, ensuring they have access to the most advanced, interoperable solutions available.”

For more information on the HELIOS™ package, visit Toughstump.com.

For more information about the full suite of EagleNXT UAS solutions, or to schedule a demo, visit EagleNXT.com or contact the AgEagle Media Relations team.

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

NP Aerospace Launches Their Upgraded Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Armoured Vehicle

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has announced the launch of their upgraded armoured Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 vehicle. NP Aerospace acquired the IP for this product, along with certain other assets of Jankel Armouring Limited from Administration, in 2024.

Since then, NP Aerospace has applied their acclaimed vehicle engineering and integration, production and supply chain skill sets to this vehicle and is now launching it as a significantly refined and upgraded NP Aerospace platform. This announcement coincides with the Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) Forum taking place in Geneva, 21-23 October 2025.

Delivering unprecedented levels of protection, functionality and reliability based upon many years of user feedback, the NP Aerospace LC300 is already being sought after and contracted by a multitude of global defence ministries and Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s). Having qualified the LC300 to the latest Edition 3 of the international VPAM BRV and ERV (VR7) standards as well as PAS 300 ballistic and blast and PAS 301 vehicle performance criteria, NP Aerospace has ensured the platform provides optimum protection and remains road-legal for NATO and European-based NGO customers, maximising the export potential to wider international user groups. The vehicle was the very first to be certified to VPAM VR7 BRV and ERV with a 2m side blast with a third row of seats in accordance with Edition 3 which uses biofidelic dummies, to understand the true impacts to the vehicle occupants.

The LC300 has been designed with a bolt in armour solution, delivering efficiency during the assembly process, electrical systems modularity, and unique patented technologies to provide customers with a 10-year service life. In recent months, the NP team has been delivering a range of structural upgrades to account for increased vehicle mass and payload, such as double cab and extended chassis variants. In addition, NP Aerospace has also integrated complex communications systems to meet a range of customer needs.

Throughout this process, NP Aerospace has further refined the vehicle design and the production practices to optimise the vehicle and bring it up to the very best standards in terms of capability, production efficiency, quality and through life supportability. To achieve this, the team in Coventry has been expanded. In July 2025 NP Aerospace launched the CAV support capability offering, to ensure that the very best support services can be delivered to current customers but also to expand that proven service offering across the global fleets. Potential new CAV support clients range from ministries of defence to NGO’s, and individual vehicle fleets are widely spread in terms of deployed geography. This service is offered with the LC 300 armoured platform.

David Petheram, MD & SVP, NP Aerospace Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares said: “our newly upgraded armoured LC300 is based on the vehicle we inherited as a result of our acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Ltd last year. Since then, we’ve further enhanced and refined the platform, adding in the NP Aerospace DNA, as we have responded to complex customer requirements. Specifically, our integration, production and supply chain skill sets have been applied to this project to optimise the benefits to the procurer, the fleet manager and the user. What we now have is a better platform when viewed from all perspectives and we’re pleased to be able to offer it to global markets. The Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) market offers great growth potential and is a significant area of focus for us as we continue to expand our team.”

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

222 Jackals (Schakal) for Germany and the Netherlands – order value at €3.4 billion

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

The European defense organization OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has commissioned Artec GmbH to deliver a total of 222 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles to the armed forces of Germany and the Netherlands. This new combat vehicle combines the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The main contractor for the Boxer is Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany. 150 Schakal vehicles are to be delivered to the German Armed Forces and 72 to the Dutch Army.

The total order for the German and Dutch armies is worth €3.41 billion gross, with Rheinmetall’s share amounting to almost €3 billion. The contract also includes a logistics package containing spare parts, training materials, and specialised tools. Furthermore, it covers optional additional services such as protection against anti-tank hand weapons, firing attack detection and firing attack identification as well as drone defence. The call-off of up to 248 additional vehicles is also included as an option.

Within the German Armed Forces, the Schakal armoured infantry fighting vehicle, consisting of the 8×8 Boxer platform and the 30mm Puma turret with Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, is the main weapon system for the Army’s newly established medium forces. The new armoured personnel carrier combines mobility, protection and firepower to the highest degree. This enables the medium forces to cover large distances at own pace within the shortest possible time. The 30mm turret allows a wide variety of targets to be effectively combated in dynamic combat situations.

Artec GmbH, a 64:36 joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS, is also to be the future main contractor for the RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 Millimeter), yet another combination of the proven drive module of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle and equipped with the weapon system of the Panzerhaubitze PzH 2000.

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

General Glen D VanHerck (USAF, Ret) Joins D-Fend Solutions Advisory Board

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Former USNORTHCOM and NORAD Commander Adds Strategic Defense Expertise, Reflecting Industry Momentum for Global Cyber C-UAS Leader

RA’ANANA, Israel and MCLEAN, Va., October 21st, 2025 — D-Fend Solutions, the leader in field-proven radio frequency (RF) cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, today announced that General Glen D. VanHerck (USAF, Ret.) has joined the company’s Advisory Board. General VanHerck’s decision to join D-Fend’s Advisory Board further validates the company’s pioneering role at the forefront of cyber counter-drone technology.

General VanHerck retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2024 following a distinguished career, culminating as Commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), where he oversaw the defense of North America and the U.S. homeland, including defense of critical infrastructure, domains safeguarded by D-Fend Solutions’ advanced technology. He previously served as Director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon and Commander of the USAF Warfare Center at Nellis AFB, NV. His deep strategy and policy background coupled with his operational experience matches the strategic mission and demanding requirements of D-Fend Solutions’ key customer sectors, including military, homeland security, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure protection.

“I am honored to join the Advisory Board of D-Fend Solutions,” said General VanHerck. “C-UAS capabilities are critical to national security and the protection of vital critical infrastructure. I have seen firsthand how rapidly the drone threat landscape is changing and appreciate how D-Fend’s innovative approach is meeting this challenge head-on. I am passionately committed to supporting and promoting the adoption of D-Fend’s advanced, safe, and much-needed counter-drone solutions in order to strengthen national security and homeland defense. I look forward to partnering with D-Fend and helping them stay at the forefront of addressing today’s threats, and those of tomorrow”.

General VanHerck’s appointment comes at a pivotal time globally as drone threats proliferate rapidly and advance in technology, capability, and capacity. His deep expertise in aerospace operations, homeland defense, and multi-agency security coordination positions him to guide D-Fend Solutions’ strategy in delivering next-generation counter-drone solutions that meet evolving security needs across military, government, and civilian environments. With experience defending the North American continent and airspace, and infrastructures vital to national security, his leadership perspective will further hone D-Fend’s operational relevance across these sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome General VanHerck to our Advisory Board,” said Zohar Halachmi, CEO and Chairman of D-Fend Solutions. “His operational leadership, strategic defense experience, and firsthand understanding of modern aerial threats, attributes that have earned him the trust of the highest echelons of U.S. defense and security, bring invaluable perspective to our team. His guidance will help ensure D-Fend continues to innovate and provide best-in-class protection against rogue drones globally. We look forward to leveraging General VanHerck’s expertise as we expand and deepen our support for homeland defense and security, bringing our innovative solutions to protect sensitive sites, people, and critical infrastructure.”

General VanHerck’s insight, forged through decades of safeguarding North America’s skies, will support D-Fend Solutions as the company advances its leadership in providing best-in-class protection to critical infrastructure, sensitive operations, and complex airspaces globally.

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

AV Awarded US Army RCCTO Contract for Kinesis, Named Lead Software & Systems Integrator for HMIF

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va.,–AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a contract award from the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for its tactical mission planning and command and control (C2) software for the Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) Increment 1 program.

HMIF accelerates the fielding of robotic formations to leverage machines to offload risk and provides Soldiers with additional information for decision-making for armored and infantry formations. Each formation will include ground and air systems and enablers to aid in the human decision-making process to find, fix, and engage enemy targets. HMIF prototype development supports existing and future robotic programs of record by mitigating risk associated with enabling capabilities such as the common architecture, communications and networking.

AV’s software solution, Kinesis, will provide a unified interface to meet the needs of HMIF for mission planning, tactical awareness, autonomy management, and payload control to simplify complex operations and accelerate mission capabilities with unmatched scale and speed.

“AV’s Kinesis software is a true force multiplier that allows a single tactical operator to control a mixed fleet of autonomous systems developed by multiple OEMs, transforming military operations and accelerating our combat readiness,” said Jason Hendrix, AV Vice President and General Manager. “By leveraging the simplicity and scalability of our open and modular software ecosystem, RCCTO is developing HMIF for ultimate mission flexibility–helping warfighters quickly, easily, and safely carry out autonomous missions across domains.”

Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV, added: “We are delivering superior autonomous solutions to warfighters, not just through our trusted and proven platforms but with our advanced controllers and software capabilities that simplify sophisticated operations, augment force capacity, and drive mission outcomes. Together with U.S. Army RCCTO and an incredible team of industry partners, we are pushing the boundaries of the possible in multi-domain operations.”

Kinesis provides interoperability across tactical C2 platforms, including TAK/ATAK. Its built-in Software Developers Kit creates a collaborative development environment for expanded modularity and integrations of third-party software. To support the HMIF program’s software needs, AV is leveraging strategic partnerships with industry leading expertise from Applied Research Associates’ Neya Systems, Parry Labs, and QinetiQ. The team’s collective capabilities will provide robust solutions that offer unmatched operational efficiency and deliver a comprehensive solution for the U.S. Army’s HMIF requirements.

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

PROOF Research Names Cameron Wride as Western US Sales Manager

Monday, October 20th, 2025

Seven-year industry veteran and former SWAT firearms instructor to lead sales in 12-state region.

Columbia Falls, Mont. (October 2025) – PROOF Research®, a leader in advanced firearms technology and carbon fiber barrel manufacturing, is proud to announce it has appointed Cameron Wride as its new Western U.S. Sales Manager. Wride will oversee sales and dealer relationships across Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Alaska. He brings seven years of outdoor industry experience with Cabela’s, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, and Kimber, along with law enforcement and firearms instruction background from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office in Montana.

“Cameron’s mix of industry knowledge, sales success, and hands-on tactical firearms experience makes him an exceptional addition to the team,” commented Brandon Hulzebosch, Director of Sales at PROOF Research. “His credibility with dealers and end-users across the West will help us continue driving growth across this critical region.”

Wride most recently served as a Patrol Deputy with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, where he was also a member of the Northwest Montana Regional SWAT Team, a certified firearms instructor, and deputy coroner. Before transitioning to law enforcement, he worked in sales roles for Cabela’s, Murdoch’s, and Kimber. While at Kimber, he managed major accounts, supported live-fire demonstrations, and attended trade shows.

“I’m excited to return to the industry and represent a company as respected and innovative as PROOF Research,” Wride said. “I look forward to translating my experiences into success for our dealers and customers across the West.”

Wride will be based in Montana and will manage sales strategy, dealer development, and regional outreach initiatives throughout his 12-state territory.

Find out more about PROOF Research barrels and rifles at proofresearch.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »