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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Blue Ops, a Red Cat Company, and Havoc Partner to Develop Open-Architecture Autonomous Maritime Defense Systems

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Companies plan to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software across Blue Ops’ USV portfolio to establish operational fleets

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 17, 2026 — Red 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, and Havoc, a leader in all-domain collaborative autonomy, announced a partnership today, formalized through Red Cat’s maritime division, Blue Ops.

Under the partnership, Blue Ops and Havoc plan to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software and command-and-control capabilities across multiple Blue Ops uncrewed surface vessels, including the Variant 7 and additional platforms as they are introduced. The integration is intended to enable coordinated multi-vessel operations and expand the range of autonomous functions available to U.S. and allied defense customers.

The partnership builds on Blue Ops’ Modular Open Systems Architecture (“MOSA”) approach to maritime systems, which is designed to support the rapid integration of autonomy, sensors, communications, payloads, and other mission technologies based on evolving operational requirements. Havoc’s collaborative autonomy technology has been successfully deployed on behalf of the U.S. Department of War in multiple operational contexts.

“This partnership is exactly what our open-architecture strategy was built for,” said Barry Hinckley, President of Blue Ops. “Our goal is to build the best small USVs in the world while making it easy to integrate leading technologies from across the U.S. and our allies. Havoc has developed a powerful collaborative autonomy solution and integrating it with Blue Ops platforms gives customers greater choice and flexibility while accelerating how quickly advanced autonomous maritime capabilities can be fielded.”

Blue Ops and Havoc also plan to establish operational fleets at Havoc’s headquarters in Rhode Island and Blue Ops’ headquarters in Florida. These locations will provide U.S. and allied defense customers and partners with access to integrated Blue Ops and Havoc systems for live demonstrations, testing, training and operational evaluation, including both single-vessel autonomy and coordinated multi-vessel operations.

“Havoc’s primary strategy is to pair our leading-edge collaborative autonomy software with platform manufacturers who have already proven innovation, excellence, and scale,” said Paul Lwin, CEO and Co-Founder of Havoc. “Blue Ops is the perfect partner to continue our journey because they are building an open, flexible family of maritime systems that align directly with how we believe autonomy should be deployed. By integrating Havoc across the Blue Ops portfolio, we can give operators the ability to command and coordinate multiple autonomous vessels while preserving the flexibility to adapt as operational requirements evolve.”

Additionally, the companies plan to work together to expand market access for their respective technologies. Blue Ops and Red Cat intend to introduce Havoc’s autonomy and command-and-control capabilities to their government and commercial customers, while Havoc intends to market Blue Ops’ family of USVs to its customer base. Together, the companies plan to pursue opportunities requiring integrated autonomous maritime systems.

The partnership provides a framework for continued technical integration, demonstrations and joint customer engagement as the companies further develop their commercial relationship.

BLADE’s Hunter WOLF Robotic UGV Scheduled for Evaluation with the 82nd Airborne Division (TiC)

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Third Army training event demonstrates Hunter WOLF adaptability and utility across diverse mission requirements
FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Aug. 17, 2026 — The U.S. Army is expanding the evaluation of the Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) from HDT Robotics, LLC dba BLADE, through a Transition in Contact (TiC) event with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The training and evaluation is taking place August 20, 2026.

The Hunter WOLF from BLADE (formerly HDT) continues to prove its maturity with TiC event with the 82nd Airborne.

The Hunter WOLF is a robotic multi-mission ground vehicle designed to reduce the physical burden on soldiers. With a payload capacity of up to 2,800 lbs, it supports logistics and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) missions while helping to solve the military’s “last tactical mile” of supply challenge. By carrying critical equipment, supplies, and personnel, it extends operational duration, keeps soldiers in the field longer, reduces fatigue, and allows them to operate at safer distances. Built specifically for dismounted military operations, it delivers mobility, payload, and power in a compact system engineered to perform in demanding environments where commercial vehicles fail.

The training event will provide hands-on experience for soldiers from one of the Army’s premier rapid-response units. Known as the “All-American” Division, the 82nd Airborne can deploy worldwide within 18 hours and specializes in parachute assault and other key military operations.

“No two Army units operate the same way,” said Tom Van Doren, President of Robotics, BLADE. “The value of these evaluations is seeing how the Hunter WOLF supports different mission sets, environments, and operational priorities. Every event helps validate the flexibility of the platform and identify new ways it can reduce workload and help keep soldiers out of harm’s way.”

During the training, soldiers will operate and evaluate the Hunter WOLF in real-world scenarios, gaining experience in system operation and mission integration. The vehicles will be configured to support a variety of mission requirements, including communications, logistics, casualty evacuation, mobile power generation, and equipment transport.

Specifically, configurations include:

  • Two Vehicle-mounted Tactical Radios (AN/VRC-158)
  • Autonomy
  • Five Universal Battery Chargers (UBC)
  • Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
  • 15kW Mobile Power Export (120/240VAC inverter offload)
  • Extended Cargo Rails for Equipment Transport

“The 82nd Airborne brings a unique operational perspective centered on agility, mobility, and rapid deployment,” said John Conway, VP of Business Development, Robotics, BLADE. “Training units like this help demonstrate how the Hunter WOLF can integrate into light / mobile infantry operations while delivering the support soldiers need to stay focused on the warfighting mission.”

This event follows previous Hunter WOLF training and evaluation activities conducted with U.S. Army units earlier this year, including the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. Collectively, these engagements are providing valuable soldier feedback while demonstrating the platform’s adaptability across multiple mission requirements and operational environments.

www.hdtglobal.com

Mehler Protection Returns to MSPO with Advanced Personal Protection Solutions

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY, 10 August 2026

Mehler Protection, a leading provider of ballistic protection solutions and part of Mehler Systems, will return to the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Poland, from 8–11 September 2026. Following its last appearance at MSPO in 2024, Mehler Protection will once again present a broad portfolio of personal protection solutions for military, law enforcement and security professionals.

At Hall 4, Booth 4-D09, visitors will be able to explore solutions covering different operational requirements, including modular body armour, plate carriers, ballistic helmets, riot protection, ballistic shields and load-distribution systems.

Among the key systems on display will be M.U.S.T., Mehler Protection’s modular, scalable protection system. Its modular design allows the protection configuration to be adapted according to different operational requirements, providing users with the flexibility to adjust their equipment to the mission at hand.

Another highlight will be ExoM II, the latest generation of Mehler Protection’s passive exoskeleton technology. Designed to redistribute the load of heavy protective equipment away from the shoulders, ExoM II helps reduce the physical burden associated with carrying ballistic protection and additional equipment for extended periods. The system will be displayed together with the Omega Jaw ballistic protection solution.

For public-order and riot-control applications, Mehler Protection will showcase the Riot II protective system.

Together, the three complete configurations will demonstrate different approaches to protecting personnel across a range of operational environments and requirements.

The presentation will be complemented by a selection of plate carriers and body armour systems alongside hard- and soft-ballistic protection solutions. Visitors will also be able to explore several ballistic helmet configurations, as well as flexible and rigid ballistic shield solutions designed to provide additional protection in high-risk situations.

The 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition brings together armed forces, government representatives, procurement organisations and defence industry professionals in Kielce, providing an important meeting point for the defence sector in Central and Eastern Europe.

Learn more about Mehler Protection: mehler-protection.com

Department of War Orders Research Security Audits at 30 Academic Institutions

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

The Department of War has issued formal notifications to 30 domestic academic institutions, directing them to initiate immediate and comprehensive reviews of their academic, financial and research collaborations with foreign entities of concern.

These notifications address active institutional ties and collaborations with foreign entities identified under Section 1286 of the FY19 NDAA, as well as organizations associated with rebranded Confucius Institutes. Executed by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, this action is designed to protect American taxpayer-funded research investments from unauthorized technology transfer, intellectual property theft and adversarial exploitation.

“The Department of War has zero tolerance for academic partnerships that compromise our national security,” said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. “Institutions that receive funding from American taxpayers must uphold the highest standards of research security, and these mandated audits will ensure accountability across the board.”

To maintain eligibility for future federal research funding, the notified universities must complete a comprehensive audit of all identified foreign collaborations, assess the exposure of sensitive or export-controlled research, and implement strict mitigation plans, including the termination of problematic partnerships. Institutions are required to report their findings and actions directly to the Department no later than August 31, 2026.

“Universities are critical partners in executing a wide range of Department of War research programs, and the Department must therefore ensure that our research investments are well protected from foreign exploitation,” said Dr. Joseph Jewell, Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology.

Through these audits, the Department of War will better anticipate emerging threats, adapt to evolving adversarial tactics and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation. The Department is pursuing this effort alongside partners in Congress.?Together with the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, the Department continues to build a robust research ecosystem that protects critical discoveries from exploitation.

ARO – Omnivore Wrap

Monday, August 17th, 2026

As part of the first of a series of new product launches, ARO has released a Wrap model for the Blackhawk! Omnivore. The Wrap is designed to allow the user to mount pouches to their retention holster.

Extremely low profile the Wrap is constructed from polypropylene sheets woven together for maximum strength and weight savings. By wrapping around the holster body, the bulk added to the holster is virtually zero. Weighing less than an ounce, the Wrap is lighter than the competition. The Wrap is the most modular solution enabling pouches on every face of the holster.

The Wrap is designed to use your existing retention holster hardware.

ARO has produced exceptional instruction materials available at:

The Wrap is currently available for Safariland 6000/7000 series & Safarivault series holsters, AlienGear RapidForce Levels 3&4 WML Holsters and now, Blackhawk! Omnivore WML Holsters. 

www.aroproducts.com

Why Arktis Invests in Developing Its Own Camouflage Systems

Monday, August 17th, 2026

At Arktis, camouflage development is part of the wider capability we offer military organisations, government agencies and defence brands.

The COMB family demonstrates this approach.

Rather than creating a single “do everything” pattern, COMB was developed as an environmental system. COMB Arid addresses grassland, semi-arid, and rocky terrain, while COMB Blizzard focuses on alpine and winter operations. Additional variants like COMB Urban, or the separate French Desert Noir, and Tundra  developments further showcase Arktis pattern development capabilities.

  • Camouflage and colourway development
  • Pattern scaling and repeat optimisation
  • Garment integration across complete clothing systems
  • Manufacturing across combat apparel, insulation, waterproofs and load carriage
  • Low-volume specialist development through to large-scale manufacture

For organisations looking to develop proprietary camouflage or launch exclusive product lines, these capabilities form part of Arktis’ wider OEM and manufacturing services.

With more than 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing tactical clothing for military and law enforcement customers worldwide, Arktis supports partners from initial concept through to production-ready solutions.

If you’re developing a new capability, launching a specialist product range or looking for an experienced manufacturing partner, we’d welcome the conversation.

Learn more about Arktis’ manufacturing capabilities: Arktis Endurance Textiles.

View the COMB collection: COMB Family Collection

ShellShock Protection Introduces New High-Performance Ballistic Glasses for the Ultimate Athlete

Sunday, August 16th, 2026

All New SunShift Ballistic Glasses in Flat Dark Earth
Austin, TX — August 14, 2026 — ShellShock Protection is excited to announce the expansion of its SunShift Ballistic Glasses lineup with a new Flat Dark Earth (FDE) colorway, offering shooters and outdoor enthusiasts adaptive eye protection in a mission-ready frame.

The SunShift FDE features a low-profile, field-ready frame paired with photochromic lens technology that transitions from clear to a protective gray tint when exposed to UV light. This allows wearers to move between varying light conditions without changing eyewear, maintaining a clear field of view from low-light environments to bright outdoor settings.

“We built the SunShift lens to keep up with the dynamic nature that shooters demand,” said Eric Hung, owner of ShellShock Protection. “These lenses transition from clear to a protective gray tint when exposed to UV light, helping wearers move between changing environments without swapping eyewear. With variable visible-light transmission, these glasses are built to a high standard that ShellShock Protection stands for.”

Meeting ANSI Z87.1+ standards, the SunShift glasses provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection. The durable polycarbonate lens is treated with FogGuard Pro™ anti-fog technology to reduce condensation, while an oleophobic coating resists fingerprints, oil and smudges.

Weighing just one ounce, the SunShift is engineered for all-day comfort. Its flexible TR90 frame balances lightweight wear with durability. The non-slip rubber temple details and adjustable rubber nose piece allow for these glasses to stay secure in high intensity training sessions, range practice and outdoor activities.

The new FDE frame offers a classic earth-tone option, ideal for tactical gear, field apparel and everyday outdoor setups. It delivers the same lightweight, adaptable performance of the SunShift line in a colorway suited for those who prefer a more grounded look.

Each pair of SunShift Ballistic Glasses includes a microfiber cleaning cloth, microfiber drawstring bag and drop-proof clip case.

Key Features:

  • New Flat Dark Earth frame color
  • ANSI Z87.1-rated ballistic eyewear
  • Photochromic polycarbonate lens transitions from clear to gray tint
  • 99.9% UVA/UVB protection
  • FogGuard Pro™ anti-fog and anti-scratch treatment
  • Oleophobic, fingerprint-resistant lens coating
  • Lightweight, flexible TR90 frame
  • Adjustable nose piece and non-slip rubber temples
  • 1 oz. total weight

The SunShift Ballistic Glasses in FDE are now on sale for $79, originally $95, starting August 15, 2026 on ShellShock’s website here.

For more information about ShellShock Protection, visit shellshockpro.com or follow ShellShock on Instagram and Facebook.

Red Cat Announces Multiyear Partnership with Washington Commanders to Support America’s Military Community

Sunday, August 16th, 2026

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SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 10, 2026 — Red 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 a multiyear partnership with the Washington Commanders to support U.S. service members, veterans, and their families.

As a Proud Partner of the Washington Commanders, Red Cat and the team are working together on military appreciation initiatives, including community events, fan experiences, and recognition programs that honor service members, veterans, and military families throughout the season.

The partnership reflects both organizations’ commitments to supporting those who serve and highlights Red Cat’s mission to strengthen American leadership in autonomous systems. Through its Family of Systems, Red Cat develops secure, American made drone technologies that provide critical intelligence and situational awareness to the U.S. military and allied forces.

“Red Cat is focused on building the next generation of autonomous systems for the men and women who defend our country,” said Jeff Thompson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Red Cat. “Our partnership with the Washington Commanders extends that mission beyond the battlefield by recognizing the service and sacrifice of our military community. We are honored to work alongside an organization that shares our commitment to giving back to those who have given so much.”

Throughout the upcoming NFL season, Red Cat will launch a comprehensive marketing campaign across one of the country’s largest media markets. The partnership will include in-stadium branding and digital signage at Northwest Stadium, military appreciation programming, community initiatives, game day activations, and digital content that highlights Red Cat’s commitment to those who serve.

“The Washington Commanders are proud to partner with Red Cat to celebrate the military community and the values of service, leadership, and innovation,” said Jim Rushton, Chief Partnerships Officer of the Washington Commanders. “Together, we look forward to creating meaningful experiences that recognize our service members while engaging fans throughout the season.”