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Springfield Armory Announces Launch of Echelon Pro 9mm Pistols

Thursday, October 15th, 2026

Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the launch of the new Echelon® Pro Comp line of 9mm pistols. Available in 4.0C compact, 4.0FC hybrid and 4.5F full-size variants, these Echelon Pro pistols add a distinctive set of enhanced features to the modularity and adaptability that define the Echelon series.

The Echelon Pro Comp builds on the proven foundation of the fully ambidextrous Echelon platform with a performance-focused collection of features. Built around the same robust Central Operating Group® and Variable Interface System®, the Echelon Pro pairs a LightForged™ frame featuring aggressive Badlands texture with an integrally compensated slide assembly finished in Springfield Grey Cerakote®. A machined steel flared magwell, stainless steel guide rod, tritium front sight with an orange luminescent ring, and three included extended magazines round out the package.

The Echelon Pro’s LightForged Grip Texture uses precision lasers to sculpt and reform the surface of the grip module, creating a highly defined texture reminiscent of custom stippling with greater consistency and control. The process allows precise shaping of texture geometry and placement across the grip for a refined, repeatable surface with excellent traction and a premium feel. The Echelon Pro debuts this technology with the Badlands pattern, an aggressive “cracked-earth” texture engineered for confident grip and control.

The 4.0C compact model comes with three 18-round extended magazines, while the hybrid-sized 4.0FC (with a 4″ barrel and compact slide paired with a full-size grip module) and the 4.5F full-size each come with three 20-round extended magazines. The flared magwell is removable to allow the use of flush-fit magazines.

Like all Echelon pistols, the modular Echelon Pro Comp pistols’ serialized Central Operating Group allows for easily swapping out grip modules of differing colors and sizes. In addition, the Variable Interface System allows for the direct mounting of today’s most popular optics to the slide. All three variants feature an MSRP of $899.

“At its launch, the Echelon quickly established itself as a premier 9mm duty pistol with cutting-edge performance and a highly modular design,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “The new Echelon Pro takes that solid foundation and adds a wide range of performance-oriented enhancements to further expand this platform’s already impressive capabilities.”

For more information on the Echelon Pro Comp pistols, please visit spr-ar.com/r/6280.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

Reptilia Introduces Q-Sert Versions of TORCH Light Body and SOCKET QD Sling Mount

Thursday, October 15th, 2026

New mounting options bring two established Reptilia accessories to Q-Sert-equipped handguards.

Reptilia announces the launch of the TORCH™ 6V/18650 Q-Sert Light Body and SOCKET™ Q-Sert QD Sling Mount, expanding its accessory lineup with dedicated options for the Q-Sert mounting system.

Both products attach directly to Q-Sert-equipped handguards, providing compact mounting solutions for lights and slings without separate adapters.

TORCH™ 6V/18650 Q-Sert Light Body

The TORCH combines the light body and mounting interface in a single component, keeping the light close to the handguard and reducing unnecessary bulk. Offered in left- and right-side configurations, it allows users to choose the placement that suits their setup.

The TORCH is compatible with Modlite Systems and SureFire® M600DF Scout light heads and tail caps. It is sold as a light body only, not a complete light.

MORE INFO

SOCKET™ Q-Sert QD Sling Mount

The SOCKET brings Reptilia’s low-profile, anti-snag sling attachment design to the Q-Sert mounting system. Originally developed in response to an end-user request for a streamlined QD attachment, the SOCKET provides a compact connection point while minimizing protrusions that can catch on equipment.

The new Q-Sert version extends that approach to users seeking a dedicated sling attachment for their Q-Sert-equipped handguards.

MORE INFO

Availability

The TORCH™ 6V/18650 Q-Sert Light Body and SOCKET™ Q-Sert QD Sling Mount are available through Reptilia. For product details and ordering information, visit ReptiliaCorp.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Reptilia Introduces Q-Sert Versions of TORCH Light Body and SOCKET QD Sling Mount

Army Hosts International Signing Ceremony for UAS and Counter-UAS Marketplaces at AUSA 2026

Thursday, October 15th, 2026

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army hosted senior defense leaders and international delegates from eight partner nations for a formal signing ceremony, further expanding allied access to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS Marketplaces at the 2026 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Acting Secretary of the Army Hon. Adam R. Telle hosted the event alongside the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Hon. Brent G. Ingraham, and President and CEO of AUSA Gen. (Ret.) Robert B. Brown.

Partner representatives from Albania, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, Japan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Panama, including defense ministers and general officers, joined U.S. leaders on stage to formalize their participation through signing Statements of Intent (SOIs).

The signing solidified increasing multinational commitments to participate in two secure U.S. Army online platforms — one dedicated to UAS and one to Counter-UAS capabilities.

“Today’s Statement of Intent signing marks a critical milestone in transforming warfighting procurement at the speed of business,” said Acting Secretary Telle. “These digital marketplaces tear down legacy bureaucratic barriers and help rapidly equip our Soldiers with every competitive advantage to remain the most lethal and capable fighting force the world has ever seen. We are building open architecture at the tactical systems level and open architecture at the strategic national level. By bringing our allies and partners onto a unified, online purchasing platform, we are delivering lethal, decisive capability at scale while strengthening the collective defense industrial base.”

Through a streamlined procurement pathway known as the “FMS Fast Lane,” partner nations can order pre-cleared, standard-configuration drone and counter-drone systems directly through pre-established contracts. By proactively completing key exportability requirements (including technology transfer approvals, marketing licenses, and foreign disclosure clearances) the Army compressed traditional FMS case development timelines from months down to days.

“Our mission with the UAS and Counter-UAS Marketplaces is simple: deliver commercial agility within an accountable, government-to-government framework,” said Hon. Ingraham. “With standardized auto-generated Letters of Offer and Acceptance and pre-negotiated contract vehicles, allied partners can now move from request to purchase in days rather than months.”

This ceremony built upon momentum established in June 2026 at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, where the Army signed initial SOIs with nine European partners (Denmark, France, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom). Since then, 29 partners across the Indo-Pacific, European, Central, and American commands have joined the marketplace framework.

The following partners are currently signatories of the marketplaces:

Albania
Argentina
Australia
Canada
Croatia
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Latvia
Lithuania
Mexico
Morocco
Netherlands
Norway
Panama
Poland
Romania
Singapore
South Korea
Sweden
Taiwan
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom

US Army Public Affairs

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

Arkeus’ Warden Hyperspectral Optical Radar Enters Australian Army Service

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

Arkeus is pleased to confirm its Warden Hyperspectral Optical Radar (HSOR) will enter service with the Australian Army to provide comprehensive wide-area domain awareness for the Army’s Integrator UAS as a part of the Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System (TUAS) Program, strengthening Army’s ability to generate complete domain awareness across land and littoral environments.

The capability will support Army commanders to detect, understand and respond across larger areas of the battlespace, improving situational awareness and contributing to decision superiority in complex operating environments.

Following down-selection in November 2025, where Warden outperformed advanced sensing technologies from around the world, Arkeus has worked closely with the Australian Army and Insitu Pacific to rapidly integrate, test and validate the Warden on the Australian Army Integrator UAS.

With the completion of that process, the Australian Army is pleased to confirm acquisition of the first tranche of Warden systems for deployment with the Army’s (TUAS), being delivered and sustained by Insitu Pacific.

COL Joel Domigan from Headquarters Army Aviation Command outlined that the acquisition is part of the Australian Army’s TUAS Program to support tactical level intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements of Army’s Combat Brigades.

“The introduction of Warden enhances Army’s ISR posture by providing persistent, wide-area surveillance from the Integrator platform. It enables commanders to extend their situational awareness, shorten decision cycles, and maintain operational advantage across land and littoral domains. This wide-area sensing capability is a key enabler that enhances Army’s ability to operate effectively in a contested environment,” said COL Domigan.

Arkeus CEO and co-founder, Simon Olsen, said: “We’re honoured to deliver Warden to the Australian Army and provide capability that can help Australian soldiers on the ground gain a far more comprehensive understanding of the battlespace, in a much shorter time frame.

“Warden brings together wide-area, real time, hyperspectral optical sensing that is powered by our ARK artificial intelligence orchestration and data fusion software. This combination enables the Integrator to be able to autonomously detect, classify, locate and track objects in real time, and over wide areas, extending the area of coverage from each platform in the land, littoral and maritime domains. Warden delivers a disruptive speed and precision of decision making in the most challenging operating environments.

“During testing and integration, Warden demonstrated its ability to perform in challenging and degraded conditions, by day and night, where conventional optical systems can struggle. It is purpose-built for high-tempo operations, contested operations and the growing role of autonomous systems in modern defence,” said Olsen.

Warden will be mounted on Insitu Pacific Integrator Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Arkeus has been collaborating with Insitu Pacific for a number of years to bring enhanced domain awareness to their Integrator Air Vehicles. Andrew Duggan, Managing Director of Insitu Pacific said: “Integrator’s range, endurance and mission flexibility make it well suited to persistent surveillance across land and maritime environments. Arkeus’ Warden HSOR payload adds a powerful wide-area sensing layer to the platform, combining hyperspectral collection with onboard AI processing to support Army’s ISR requirements.

“As we continue to build sovereign capability here in Australia to sustain and grow Integrator’s capability for Army under the Australian Army’s TUAS program, the successful integration of Warden in partnership with Arkeus has clearly demonstrated how rapidly we can field cutting edge capabilities. The Integrator is a flexible and proven platform, purpose built for complex missions and this effort has clearly demonstrated its readiness to be paired with advanced Australian sensing technology like Warden,” said Duggan.

Warden is the world’s first, real time, wide-area, hyperspectral ISR sensor for Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (TUAS). Whereas current sensing hardware is designed for a human operator, Warden is specifically built for AI. This means it is not restricted by human limitations. Its Hyperspectral Optical Radar can see significantly further than comparable alternatives. Warden employs an edge-based AI orchestration and data fusion engine, ARK, operating on the sensor itself to be able to contextually understand the environment and rapidly detect, classify, locate and track objects within the area of operation, all in real time.

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

Introducing Flymotion AirMesh

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

TAKE MISSION CONNECTIVITY TO THE AIR

FLYMOTION AirMesh™ is a purpose-built UAS connectivity payload designed to extend communications range, expand network coverage, and strengthen connectivity across dynamic operational environments.

Integrated with the Skydio X10D/X10* and powered by Silvus’ battle-proven MANET technology, AirMesh™ provides secure, high-bandwidth connectivity between operators, sensors, and unmanned platforms, supporting critical video, voice, telemetry, and mission data.

Beyond extending operational reach, AirMesh™ can also enable the aircraft to serve as an airborne mesh relay node, helping teams maintain and expand their network where connectivity is needed most.

EXPANDED COVERAGE

EW-RESILIENT CONNECTIVITY

COMMUNICATIONS RELAY

Support the exchange of video, sensor data, telemetry, and voice between connected teams and systems.

Powered by

AirMesh™ integrates the Silvus StreamCaster® LITE 5200 MANET radio, providing secure, high-bandwidth communications and compatibility across the Silvus ecosystem.

Native Integration with

AirMesh™ uses the aircraft’s native payload interface and integrates with supported Ground Control Stations, with no external batteries, wiring, or aircraft modifications required.

Interested In Integrating AirMesh™

With A Different UAS Platform?

Contact our team to discuss your platform, operational requirements, and potential integration opportunities.

*Configured as an aerial mesh node on the Skydio X10.

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

Skapion Unveils the World’s First Native Counter-Swarm Defense System

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

Purpose-built for simultaneous, large-scale engagements against drone swarm attacks at a significantly lower cost

Washington, D.C. / Ramat Gan, Israel, October 14, 2026 – Skapion, a defense technology company developing advanced counter-swarm solutions, today unveiled what the company describes as the world’s first Native Counter-Swarm defense system, a new class of air-defense capability purpose-built from the ground up to detect, engage and defeat large-scale, coordinated drone swarm attacks, in an affordable cost.

Skapion recently announced a $36 million Seed funding roundled by UP. Partners and Khosla Ventures to accelerate the development and validation of its counter-swarm defense system.

As coordinated drone attacks grow in scale, speed and sophistication, conventional counter-UAS solutions face an increasingly difficult challenge. Most existing air-defense technologies were originally developed to engage individual or limited numbers of threats, creating operational, capacity and cost constraints when confronted with simultaneous mass attacks, as seen in the wars in Ukraine and Iran where legacy air defense systems are being saturated by drone swarms built to exhaust defender magazines and budgets.

Skapion takes a fundamentally different approach. The company’s system has been designed by Skapion’s Founding Architect, General (ret.) Pini Yungman, Architect of Iron Dome and former GM of Rafael Air & Missile Defense and engineered from inception around a native many-to-many architecture, enabling multiple interceptors to engage multiple targets simultaneously and at scale.

The highly mobile, fully kinetic system is designed to simultaneously engage more than 100 targets with an interception rate above 97%, while delivering a significantly lower cost per interception compared with conventional air-defense solutions – creating an economically sustainable defense layer against mass, low-cost aerial threats.

At the center of the system is an AI-native command-and-control architecture that fuses data from Skapion’s own detection and tracking sensors or third-party systems. It evaluates and prioritizes threats, allocates interceptors and manages engagements in real time – allowing full end-to-end autonomy or a single human operator on the loop – per customer policy. An open, sensor-agnostic architecture enables integration with external threat data, existing C2 systems and other counter-UAS systems. This makes the Skapion system relevant both as a standalone air defense battery for critical infrastructure and maneuvering forces and as an easily deployable national air-defense complementary and gap filling system.

Skapion’s fully kinetic approach is designed to engage communication-independent and autonomous threats. Its vertical-launch architecture provides 360-degree engagement capability, while the system is designed for flexible deployment across ground, airborne and maritime platforms.

“The next generation of threats cannot be defeated by simply stacking yesterday’s air-defense solutions,” said Ido Bar-On, Co-founder and CEO of Skapion. “A swarm is not just a larger number of discrete drones. It changes the dynamics of the engagement, the number of simultaneous decisions, the speed at which they must be made and the economies of every interception. Native Counter-Swarm means designing the entire system from day one for simultaneous mass engagement.”

Posted in C-UAS, Press Release | Comments Off on Skapion Unveils the World’s First Native Counter-Swarm Defense System

Uvision Advances Sensor-to-Effect Operations at Scale

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

Eight-canister HERO 120 MCL combines scalable, distributed launch capability with AI-enabled CORTEX mission management

Washington, D.C., October 13, 2026 – Uvision, a global leader in loitering munition systems and integrated precision strike solutions, is showcasing at AUSA 2026 a scalable approach to deploying and managing distributed effects, orchestrated through its CORTEX AI-Enabled Battle Intelligence and Mission Management System and demonstrated through an eight-canister Multi-Canister Launcher (MCL) configuration for the HERO 120.

Designed for remote operation, the MCL accommodates up to eight HERO 120 loitering munitions and can be deployed in mobile, fixed and containerized configurations, across land and maritime platforms. Integrated with CORTEX, the MCLoperates as part of a broader sensor-to-effect network, connecting sensing, decision-making and precision effects.

One application of this approach is persistent border defense. Across extended border areas, launch nodes can be positioned in mobile and fixed configurations and connected through CORTEX with ISR and other sensing assets, linking persistent surveillance with precision response across multiple sectors.

At AUSA, Uvision is also showcasing the integration of Wayland Autonomy’s IRIS airborne ISR payload with Tactical CORTEX, extending the sensing layer with wide-area ISR and onboard target generation, including in GPS-denied environments. Together with Uvision’s expanding range of launch systems and effectors across the HERO, VIPER and PEREGRINE families, the integration addresses both sides of the operational challenge: expanding the information available to forces while increasing the range and flexibility of effects available for mission execution.

“It’s not just about having more effects in the field. It’s about having them where you need them, when you need them, and giving forces the flexibility to use the right capability for the mission,” said Dr. Ran Gozali, CEO of Uvision. “That’s what we’re focused on: bringing sensing, mission management and a broader range of effects together in a way that gives forces more options and greater operational flexibility.”

Posted in AUSA, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

American Military University & American Public University Launch New AI Certificate, Two New Finance Programs and Six New Microcredentials for First Responders

Tuesday, October 13th, 2026

New Offerings Equip Students with In-Demand Skills for Leadership and GrowthCHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Oct. 12, 2026 — To help prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities, American Military University(AMU) and American Public University(APU) part of American Public University System are launching a new AI Certificate, two new finance programs, and six new micro credentials for first responders (called NanoCerts®).

Registration is now open for all offerings at both AMU and APU.

“We have an ongoing commitment to help our students become tomorrow’s leaders, and a significant part of that is providing academic pathways that align with rapidly changing workplace demands,” said Dr. Elizabeth Joy Johnson, Provost of AMU and APU. “We are proud to expand our finance curriculum, add an innovative certificate focusing on AI and add several career-relevant NanoCerts® for first responders as we continue to educate those who serve us in our communities.”

The expanded career-relevant offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in Finance, which explore the principles of financial management and how they apply to businesses. This includes corporate finance, investment management practices, and the institutions and markets that shape global capital.

The undergraduate AI certificate program equips students with foundational knowledge of practical applications for generative AI and large language models (LLMs). Students will learn how to support complex tasks and solve real-world problems with artificial intelligence. This includes applying ethical, legal, and governance principles relevant to military and federal contexts.

The new offerings also include six new undergraduate NanoCert® programs:

NanoCert® Basics of Emergency Management;
NanoCert® Disaster Management Fundamentals;
NanoCert® Emergency Management Communications;
NanoCert® Community Risk Reduction Chief;
NanoCert® Battalion Chief;
NanoCert® Administration Chief;

NanoCerts® are three-course programs focused on upskilling to quickly meet career or professional development goals. These NanoCerts® can provide knowledge that federal, state, and local first responders need as they pursue leadership opportunities, build specialized expertise, or expand responsibilities in fire service and emergency management. In addition, the NanoCerts® are specifically designed to stack into the Bachelors in Emergency and Disaster Management, and the Bachelors in Fire Science Management offered at AMU and APU1.

The new offerings complement numerous related undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and other programs in emergency services and disaster management as well as homeland security. AMU further supports first responders through the Everyday Heroes Grant, a 20% special tuition grant designed for emergency services professionals and their extended families (spouses, dependents, parents, siblings, and legal partners).

To learn more about AMU and APU’s public-safety focused programs, visit: www.amu.apus.edu/online-colleges-and-schools/school-of-security-global-studies.

AMU and APU offer 200-plus programs from associate up to master’s and doctoral degrees, with monthly class starts. Visit here for more info: www.amu.apus.edu/academic/degrees-and-programs/program-finder.

Posted in Press Release, Training | No Comments »