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Sharpened Strategic Positioning: Enforce Tac 2026 Sets New Standards for Europe’s Security and Defence Dialogue

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

Copyright: NürnbergMesse GmbH / Frank Boxler
With more than 1,400 exhibitors from 45 countries (2025: 998) and around 26,500 trade visitors from 100 countries (2025: 18,576), Enforce Tac 2026 has completed the most important step of its development to date. Whereas dynamic growth was the most visible change in 2025, the crowning development in 2026 was the achievement of structural systemic relevance. Europe’s leading trade fair for security and defence has established itself as the top European platform for strategic discussions, industrial scaling, and networked security architecture. Enforce Tac was held under the patronage of Germany’s Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the first time in 2026. The honorary sponsor was the Federation of German Security and Defence Industries (Bundesverband der Deutschen Sicherheits- und Verteidigungsindustrie, BDSV). Furthermore, the content framework represented by the central theme of “Networked Security” sharpened the trade fair’s positioning in the market.

The growth of Enforce Tac in 2026 was reflected not only in surface area and participant numbers, but more importantly by the trade fair’s depth of content and systemic perspective. The first-ever Enforce Tac Conference added a stand-alone conference dimension to the trade fair format. The strategic discussions held on the Main Stage and the innovation-driven presentations on the Inno Stage made it clear that Europe’s ability to defend itself is increasingly dependent on speed of development and production, industrial scaling, and reliable partnerships.

Key lines of discussion revolved around the protection of critical infrastructures, issues involving digital resilience, and the meshing of cyber capabilities with conventional defence capabilities. Overarching themes included the essential importance of reliable international cooperation relationships, technological innovation, strategic goal-setting, and operational realism. “A key outcome of many discussions was the shared realization that European security will only be viable if industrial capacity, technological innovation, and political will are closely intertwined,” explains Jasmin Rutka, Enforce Tac Event Director. She goes on to say that “Enforce Tac 2026 has made it clear that it provides the ideal setting for precisely this kind of structured dialogue.”

Comprehensive defence in collaboration with the security and defence industry

This development will be institutionally supported in the future by the event’s honorary sponsor, the Federation of German Security and Defence Industries (BDSV). BDSV CEO Dr. Hans Christoph Atzpodien likewise affirms the key role played by this trade fair: “Enforce Tac shows exactly how comprehensive defence works in practice: with technology independence, resilient supply chains, and close links between product development and real-world operations.”

Armored Forces Area staged for the first time in 2026

Enforce Tac introduced a separate focal point for ground-based military capabilities in 2026: the Armored Forces Area. This special area, a carefully thought-out addition to the trade fair’s programme, will be firmly integrated into the hall structure and developed further in 2027 and beyond. It is a clear example of the trade fair’s strategy of content enlargement.

Focus on networked security

Numerous companies used Enforce Tac 2026 to present new systems in the areas of unmanned platforms, sensors, cyber-technologies, and networked deployment solutions. There was a clear recognition that innovative solutions work best when they are deployed together on the basis of coordinated processes, interoperable systems, and reliable partnerships.

24 delegations from 16 countries travelled to Nuremberg

Twenty-four international delegations from 16 countries utilized Enforce Tac 2026 as a platform for professional exchanges, discussions of industrial policy, and extended bilateral cooperation arrangements. The active participation of so many players underscores the growing importance of Enforce Tac as the top European venue for decision-makers from military forces, government agencies, government ministries, and procurement organizations.

Enforce Tac 2027 is almost completed booked out

The fact that Enforce Tac 2027 is almost completely booked out is a clear sign of consistently strong demand. It also confirms the effectiveness of Enforce Tac’s strategic positioning as the leading European platform for the security and defence industry. Nuremberg’s Mayor Markus König also stresses this point: “Under the patronage of Germany’s Federal Chancellor, this year’s Enforce Tac has not only lived up to, but actually strengthened its role as the leading trade fair in Germany for internal and external security. As the top exhibition venue in Europe, NürnbergMesse has created the leading platform for dialogue on one of the most important topics of our time. Furthermore, the positive experience of the many domestic and foreign exhibitors and guests has confirmed Bavaria’s leading role in the security and defence industry.”

The changes made in 2026, including a clearly defined central theme, a considerably broader supporting programme, and new formats were very well received by the participating representatives of industry, government, and politics. This year’s event marks a milestone for Enforce Tac as it successfully positioned itself as the leading European platform for the security and defence industry, where debates are structured, fresh impetus is generated, and the full range of security-relevant systemic issues are addressed.

Important note: Only for members of military forces, government agencies, and organizations charged with law enforcement or military security duties.

AV Receives $186 Million US Army Delivery Order for Next-Generation Switchblade Systems

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. — February 26, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in autonomous systems and precision strike solutions, today announced receipt of a $186 million delivery order from the U.S. Army for Switchblade® 600 Block 2 and Switchblade® 300 Block 20 explosively formed penetrator (EFP) loitering munition systems.

The order was issued under the Army’s existing five-year, $990 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS), which was awarded in August 2024. This delivery order marks the U.S. Army’s first procurement of AV’s next-generation Switchblade product line, underlining a significant step forward in fielding advanced, precision loitering munitions across infantry and maneuver formations. It is the Army’s first Switchblade order containing EFP payload, delivering enhanced lethality against armored threats.

“This delivery order reflects the Army’s confidence in the next evolution of the Switchblade family and its relevance to modern, contested battlefields,” said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. “Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 build on years of combat experience while delivering meaningful upgrades in autonomy, resilience, and lethality tailored to today’s operational demands.” 

Switchblade 600 Block 2 is AV’s most advanced long-range loitering munition to date, designed for multi-domain operations and ruggedized for maritime and highly contested environments. Developed in collaboration with United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the system features upgraded avionics and advanced Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), enabling faster detection, identification, and engagement of threats. Integrated resilient communications, including Silvus MANET radios, support distributed operations and extended handoff ranges, while improved navigation and mission resilience allow effective employment in GPS-challenged environments. These upgrades provide commanders with increased reach, flexibility, and confidence against armored and high-value targets.

Switchblade 300 Block 20 introduces a new modular payload capability to the combat-proven, backpackable loitering munition. For the first time, the Army has procured the system with an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) payload, delivering enhanced lethality against armored threats while retaining the speed, portability, and ease of use that have made Switchblade 300 a trusted solution at the small-unit level. The Block 20 configuration also includes sensor improvements, enhanced user interfaces, and extended range options, allowing rapid, precision effects beyond line of sight.

Together, the Switchblade 600 Block 2 and Switchblade 300 Block 20 provide the Army with a scalable family of precision loitering munitions—from lightweight, single-operator systems to long-endurance, multi-domain capabilities—designed to operate seamlessly across echelons and mission sets.

“This delivery order further advances the Army’s Lethal Unmanned Systems Directed Requirement and reinforces AV’s role as the leading provider of combat-proven loitering munition systems,” said Young. “As we continue to invest in expanding Switchblade manufacturing capacity and accelerating delivery timelines, we are continuing to meet the growing demand for these products from U.S. and allied forces.”

MATBOCK Acquires Hawk Distributors, Inc, Expanding Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities Near Fort Bragg, NC

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – 2 March 2026MATBOCK, a leader in military and tactical technology development, today announced its strategic acquisition of Hawk Distributors, Inc., a contract cut-and-sew manufacturing company based in Sanford, North Carolina. The facility is strategically located approximately 35 minutes from Fort Bragg, in the heart of North Carolina.

This acquisition establishes MATBOCK Manufacturing, a new division dedicated to expanding MATBOCK’s vertically integrated production capabilities. The move combines MATBOCK’s reputation for designing lighter, more effective tactical equipment with Hawk Distributors’ nearly two decades of proven production expertise.

Hawk Distributors, founded in 2012 by Air Force veteran Terry Earle, has a rich history of manufacturing high-quality soft goods, from tactical gear and military apparel to commercial products for major brands. Under the acquisition, the company’s 40,000-square-foot facility, its skilled and diverse workforce, and its leadership will be retained. 

“The acquisition of Hawk and the establishment of MATBOCK Manufacturing is a critical step in our mission to support the warfighter,” said Sean Matson, Co-Founder and CEO of MATBOCK. “We are extremely excited about the current capabilities and the exceptional quality of work produced at the Sanford facility. This vertical integration allows us to control the entire product development lifecycle, from initial design to final production, ensuring every stitch meets our uncompromising standards. We are preparing to invest millions more to introduce even more advanced manufacturing technologies here.”

The Sanford facility is a robust production center, currently equipped with 110 sewing machines and two advanced, continuous-feed laser cutters with auto-alignment rollers.

Current services offered by MATBOCK Manufacturing include:

Contract Cut and Sew

Product Prototyping and Sampling

Technical Pattern Development and Grading

Past production highlights a diverse portfolio, including advanced tactical equipment (plate carriers, pouches, tactical packs), specialized apparel (uniforms, hoodies), rugged baggage (backpacks, range bags), and outdoor gear (tents, hammocks).

Within the next 2 weeks, MATBOCK will have four production Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printers to immediately increase production and capabilities. 

Looking ahead, MATBOCK Manufacturing plans to aggressively expand its service offerings to become a single-source solution for complex manufacturing needs. Planned future capabilities include RF welding, production-scale 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding. This will further strengthen the domestic supply chain and provide government and industry partners with a reliable, innovative, and USA-based manufacturing partner.

For inquiries about our capabilities or to get a quote on one of our services, please reach out to oem@matbock.com. Check out www.matbockoem.com for more details.

Ruger Expands Upgraded 10/22 Line with 10 Versatile New Models

Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is excited to announce the introduction of 10 new models of its recently upgraded 10/22® rifle. Each new model builds on the proven performance of the 10/22, enhancing a platform celebrated for its rugged reliability, adaptability and iconic status in the rimfire world.

With this expansion, the upgraded features previously available only in select versions are now offered in a broader range of configurations. All new models include a BX-Trigger®, a match bolt release and – for non-takedown models – a receiver with an integrated rear cleaning port for simplified maintenance.

These new models offer versatility to match a wide range of shooter preferences to fit almost any need. Consumers can choose from threaded or non-threaded barrels of various lengths, takedown or traditional models and stock options ranging from Magpul® and Hogue® to Ruger polymer, modular and wood.

For more information about the iconic 10/22 rifle and these upgraded models, or to learn more about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit Ruger.com.

Varjo Launches Ready-to-Deploy XR Systems for Secure and Air-Gapped Environments

Friday, February 27th, 2026

The new offering combines XR-4 Series headsets, certified workstations, and software into a single, deployable XR system suitable for air-gapped environments.

February 26, 2026 – Helsinki, Finland – Varjo, a global technology leader in mission-ready virtual and mixed reality, today expanded its 2026 product offering with the launch of Integrated XR Systems – complete, ready-to-run XR hardware solutions designed to simplify deployment and deliver assured performance from day one in air-gapped environments. 

With Integrated XR Systems, Varjo expands its product portfolio beyond industry-leading headsets to deliver fully validated XR solutions, combining Varjo XR-4 Series headsets (2026 edition) with premium workstations, pre-installed software, bundled licenses, and expert support. The new offering is designed for defense programs, system integrators, and professional XR users who require reliability and fast deployment. 

“As defense training requirements evolve, immersive simulation has become a core capability rather than an add-on,” said Bartek Panasewicz, VP Training Systems Land at Rheinmetall Electronics. “Varjo’s Integrated XR Systems allow us to deliver scalable, secure solutions that meet the growing demand for operational readiness across NATO and allied forces.” 

“Our military customers need fully equipped systems they can trust, not just devices,” said Valentin Storz, Chief Revenue Officer at Varjo. “At a time when parts of the XR market are recalibrating, Varjo continues to invest with discipline and purpose and evolve our portfolio based on the real-world needs of our customers, doubling down on mission-critical use cases where XR delivers measurable impact. Our Integrated XR Systems represent the next step in that evolution, delivering complete, secure platforms designed to close the training readiness gap.” 

Deploying high-end virtual and mixed reality has traditionally required sourcing hardware from multiple vendors, validating compatibility, installing software, and managing support across different suppliers. This integration phase often slows down real-world deployment and increases operational risk. 

 

Integrated XR Systems remove that complexity by delivering a single, fully configured XR platform that is validated, tested, and ready for use in secure settings on arrival. Each system includes: 

  • a Varjo XR-4, XR-4 Focal Edition, or XR-4 Secure Edition headset, 
  • a Varjo-certified workstation (XR Station) manufactured by Varjo’s long-term partners SCHENKER or RAVE Computer,  
  • pre-installed core XR software and tools, bundled licenses including offline support,  extended warranty coverage,
  • and expert support from Varjo’s professional services team (in Europe). 

The systems are built around a tested and validated hardware and software configuration optimized for demanding virtual and mixed reality training with the XR-4 Series. Core supporting software comes pre-installed, enabling deployment without internet connectivity or additional downloads, making the systems optimal for secure or restricted environments. 

Integrated XR Systems are delivered as a complete package with an extended warranty, providing a single point of accountability across hardware, software, and support. This approach supports long-term planning and scalable XR deployment across organizations. The bundled XR software suite includes Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, Varjo Base Pro, Varjo Lab Tools, NVIDIA™ App, Steam™, and SteamVR™, as well as Varjo sample demos and setup tools. 

Integrated XR Systems are part of Varjo’s broader professional XR portfolio, which also includes professional services. These expert services help organizations design, deploy, and scale XR solutions from system integration and customization to training, optimization, and ongoing operational support, enabling customers to move faster from deployment to real-world use.

Integrated XR Systems are now available as part of Varjo’s updated 2026 product offering, with pricing starting at:

Integrated XR System (XR-4): €24,990

Integrated XR System (XR-4 Focal Edition): €29,99

DroneShield Secures $21.7M Western Military Contracts

Friday, February 27th, 2026

Sydney, Australia – 26 February 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, is pleased to announce that it has received a package of six standalone contracts for $21.7 million from an in-country reseller for delivery to a western military end-customer.

The contracts are for the supply of dismounted counter-drone systems, spare kits, and software subscriptions. All items are readily available from existing inventories and it is expected delivery will be made in Q1 2026, with payment expected in Q2 2026. No additional material conditions need to be satisfied.


Image: DroneShield RfPatrol Mk2

The reseller is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a multi-billion dollar, global, publicly listed company that is required to distribute the products to the western military end-customer. Over the past seven years, prior to this contract, DroneShield has received 39 contracts from this reseller totalling over $17.8 million.

Textron Systems’ Damocles Loitering Munition Selected For US Army Low Altitude Stalking & Strike Ordnance (LASSO) Contract

Friday, February 27th, 2026

Wilmington, Mass., Feb. 25, 2026 – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today it was awarded a prototype agreement from the U.S. Army for the Low Altitude Stalking & Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program. Under the prototype agreement, Textron Systems will deliver a DamoclesTM loitering munition system and demonstrate it to the U.S. Army.

The DamoclesTM loitering munition, equipped with Textron Systems’ advanced GEN2 Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP), is a cutting-edge system designed to deliver decisive lethality in peer warfare environments. For the LASSO program, the Damocles system is integrated with a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to deliver top-attack capability. In the VTOL configuration, no launch or recovery equipment is required.

The Damocles system is built with a modular open systems approach (MOSA), allowing other payloads to be integrated into the system to support various concepts of operation (CONOPS), such as electronic warfare effects. For operational safety, the system includes features to prevent unexploded ordnance (UXO), reducing the risk of hazardous remnants on the battlefield.

“Loitering munitions technology will be key in protecting the warfighter on the battlefield – they allow warfighters to send systems like Damocles beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) to engage a target from a safer standoff distance,” said Henry Finneral, Senior Vice President, Weapon Systems. “Textron Systems is proud to support this mission and leverage our industry-leading EFP technology to provide next-generation capability at speed and at scale.”

Epirus, Digital Force Technologies Partner to Develop Non-Kinetic Counter UAS Kill Chain

Friday, February 27th, 2026

Los Angeles & San Diego, Calif—February 23, 2026Epirus and Digital Force Technologies (DFT) have partnered to deliver a fully integrated counter-UAS kill chain unifying the companies’ respective technologies for detection, tracking, identification, localization and non-kinetic, low collateral defeat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) threats.

Under the agreement, Epirus will lead systems integration of DFT’s Seraphim command-and control and multi-modal sensor fusion software with Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) platform for critical point defense.

Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave is a proven non-kinetic counter-UAS solution that  leverages electromagnetic interference to defeat swarming, AI-controlled and fiber-optic guided UAS that can evade legacy electronic warfare tactics. The Leonidas platform emits precise  electromagnetic interference to disable the critical electronics onboard a drone, neutralizing the  threat. Using software-based, operator-defined safe zones, Leonidas provides a scalable, high precision and low-collateral counter-UAS capability. The platform defeated a 49-drone swarm simultaneously with a targeted burst of electromagnetic interference at a 2025 live-fire demonstration.

DFT’s Seraphim software platform and counter-UAS Family of Systems deliver autonomous  tracking and identification of UAS threats in complex operational environments. Trusted to support  critical missions worldwide, Seraphim is built on a modular, scalable architecture that remains  sensor- and effector-agnostic, enabling rapid integration of best-in-class capabilities. Seraphim  combines sensing, decision support and effects coordination through a unified operational  interface. By fusing data in real-time and autonomously prioritizing threats, the platform enables  operators to move from detection to response with speed and precision.

“Leonidas was designed to maximize interoperability with partner technologies,” said Andy Lowery, Epirus CEO. “This collaboration marries our systems integration and swarm defeat  expertise with DFT’s edge processing and automation knowhow to deliver exactly what our  customers are asking for: a flexible, adaptable and fully integrated counter-UAS kill chain for critical point defense missions.”

“Integrating Seraphim with Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave platform extends AI-enabled  decision making through the defeat layer of the counter-UAS kill chain, delivering a turnkey detect to-defeat capability,” said Justin MacLaurin, Digital Force Technologies CEO. “This partnership  reflects a shared commitment to scalable, interoperable systems that give operators faster, more  effective solutions to defeat evolving drone threats.”

The companies will partner on U.S. government demonstration activities and are expected to  present their full counter-UAS kill chain solution later this year.