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

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – 2 March 2026 – MATBOCK, 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.

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

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.

Posted in Admin, Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

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

Posted in C5ISR, International, Press Release | No Comments »

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.

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on DroneShield Secures $21.7M Western Military Contracts

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.”

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

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

Friday, February 27th, 2026

Los Angeles & San Diego, Calif—February 23, 2026—Epirus 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.

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

ISI Introduces KNIGHT– A Very High-Resolution Satellite with Advanced SWIR and Video Capabilities

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Knight combines 35 cm true?color imaging, Full Motion Video and 1.5 m SWIR sensing to extend space?based intelligence into night and low?visibility conditions

February 25, 2026, Israel – ImageSat International (TASE: ISI), a global leader in space-based intelligence solutions, reports that the KNIGHT development program is progressing according to schedule and has entered its final stages. The satellite is designed to strengthen ISI’s operational portfolio by delivering persistent, high-clarity observation of critical targets across day, night, and degraded visibility environments, enabling effective collection in low-visibility conditions such as haze, smoke, fog, and during dawn and dusk.

For defense and security users, KNIGHT provides reliable monitoring in conditions where conventional electro-optical systems face limitations. Its integrated SWIR channel enhances detection, recognition, and tracking capabilities, while onboard AI processes imagery directly in orbit – prioritizing mission-critical data and accelerating response timelines.

Building on the intelligence-centric architecture pioneered by ISI’s RUNNER satellite, KNIGHT incorporates proven in-orbit analytics, real-time movement tracking, and efficient narrow-band intelligence dissemination via embedded AI. It extends this foundation into the very high-resolution domain and into night and limited-visibility operations, combining 35 cm true-color imaging with a dedicated SWIR channel and integrated video capabilities to deliver a richer and more dynamic intelligence picture.

Advanced onboard computing enables real-time image and video assessment, autonomous memory management, and optimized downlink usage. The satellite can filter low-quality data, re-task areas of interest autonomously, and deliver actionable intelligence directly to operational networks. Its flexible processing architecture also allows software and algorithm updates throughout its lifetime, ensuring continuous performance enhancement and evolving analytical capabilities in orbit.

“Completing recent development milestones demonstrates the maturity of the Knight program and our continued execution towards a launch planned for 2027,” said Noam Segal, CEO of ImageSat International. “KNIGHT is being developed to provide defense and security users with clearer and more continuous intelligence, both static and dynamic, regardless of time of day or visibility conditions. By integrating very high-resolution imaging, SWIR sensing, video, and onboard AI-driven processing, it enhances operational flexibility and decision-making confidence in complex environments.”

www.imagesatintl.com

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors, Space | No Comments »

DSTG and DroneShield Sign Bilateral Collaborative Research Agreement to Advance Counter-Drone Technology

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Sydney, Australia – 26 February 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced the signing of a Bilateral Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) with the Australian Department of Defence (Defence), through the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), to strengthen Australia’s capability in counter-drone technology.

The agreement establishes a framework for sharing data on emerging drone technologies and access to either parties test articles, ranges and facilities. This collaboration will leverage DSTG’s scientific expertise and DroneShield’s industry-leading counter-drone technology to ensure both organisations continue to deliver world-class solutions to emerging threats posed by new drones.

DroneShield has also announced the establishment of a $13 million R&D Hub in Adelaide for counter-drone technology, strategically located to enable closer collaboration with Defence and DSTG. This investment complements DroneShield’s previous R&D collaborations, such as with the DSTG-supported Defence Innovation Network that helped develop DroneOptID, DroneShield’s optical system for detection, identification and tracking of fast-moving drones.

Image: A new partnership between DroneShield and DSTG will establish a framework for sharing data on emerging drone technologies

Angus Bean, Chief Product Officer of DroneShield said, “This agreement represents an important step in advancing counter-drone technology not only for Defence but for DroneShield’s end-users globally. Working closely with DSTG allows us to combine our practical experience with their research expertise to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Australian Defence Force.”

The collaboration will focus on emerging drone technologies through sharing data, test articles and conducting collaborative test programs to drive innovation areas that enhance detection, tracking, and neutralisation of unauthorised drones, supporting Defence and industry efforts to safeguard Australia’s security in an increasingly complex operational environment.

DSTG’s media release including quotes attributable to Chief Defence Scientist Prof Tanya Monro may be viewed at: defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2026-02-25/australia-accelerate-counter-drone-research-droneshield

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