Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

European Consortium Launches iMUGS2 to Advance Interoperable Unmanned Ground Systems

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025

A European consortium uniting leading defence, research, and technology organisations from across the Union has launched the iMUGS2 project to develop the next generation of interoperable unmanned ground systems, following its successful proposal to the European Commission under its European Defence Fund (EDF) programme. The project is coordinated by Milrem Robotics.

Building on the achievements of the first iMUGS project, iMUGS2 aims to enhance Europe’s autonomy and robotics capabilities by developing a scalable, interoperable, and secure system-of-systems architecture for both unmanned and manned platforms. The project reinforces Europe’s technological sovereignty in key defence areas, including AI-driven autonomy, systems integration, communications, and command and control.

“With iMUGS2, Europe takes another significant step towards developing truly interoperable and scalable robotic forces that enhance the continent’s defence capabilities,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics. “The project promotes innovation and cooperation among European nations, ensuring that future AI-based autonomous systems can operate seamlessly together on the battlefield.”

iMUGS2 begins immediately with extensive conceptual, operational, and technical development across multiple domains. Partners will design and refine operational concepts, system architectures, and technological solutions that advance manned–unmanned teaming, autonomous functions, secure communications, and electronic protection.

In parallel, the project focuses on system integration, lifecycle efficiency, and interoperability, laying the groundwork for upcoming demonstrations and capability deployment across Europe’s defence landscape. These developments will ensure resilient, cost-effective, and future-ready unmanned systems.

About iMUGS2

With a total value of approximately €55 million and nearly €50 million in EDF funding, iMUGS2 pursues three strategic objectives: to develop and demonstrate combat-ready unmanned ground systems that support dismounted troops; to define operational concepts showing how unmanned ground and aerial systems can improve infantry battalion operations and cross-domain cooperation; and to advance modular, open architectures and lifecycle management frameworks that ensure interoperability across both legacy and future platforms.

About the Consortium:

The iMUGS2 Consortium comprises 29 partners from 15 European Union member states. The group includes large corporations, mid-sized businesses, SMEs, and research organisations. Each partner provides leading expertise in their respective fields, supporting a comprehensive vision throughout the project’s lifecycle. This diversity allows the consortium to tackle potential challenges and deliver strategic, effective solutions.

The iMUGS2 Consortium includes the following entities: AVL List, Bittium Wireless, Bureau Veritas, Czech Technical University in Prague, Cybernetica, Delft Dynamics, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, Elettronica, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, FN Herstal, GMV, Huta Stalowa Wola, Insta Advance,  Integrated Systems Development, John Cockerill Defense, Kepla, KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, ?ukasiewicz – PIAP, Milrem Robotics (project coordinator),  Nortal (Talgen Cybersecurity), Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Svensk Konstruktionstjänst and TNO.

For more information, please visit imugs.eu.

Responding To Overwhelming Demand, American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit Extended Through 2027

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025

Hundreds of sites in all 50 states have clamored to host the interactive exhibit from American

Battlefield Trust and Daughters of the American Revolution

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2025 — While millions of Americans are contemplating the people, places and events of our War for Independence, thanks to the acclaimed Ken Burns documentary airing this week on PBS, the American Battlefield Trust and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are taking that history off the screens and bringing it into communities across the country. Responding to immense public appetite for high-quality educational materials to support programming for the 250th anniversary of the conflict, they have extended the run for their joint traveling exhibit, the American Revolution Experience, by two full years, through 2027. Further, two additional copies of the exhibit are being put into circulation to reach the more than 600 sites clamoring to welcome the project, which focuses on the contributions of ordinary people to the American Revolution, rather than generals or statesmen.

“As Americans eagerly seek out ways to remember the story of our nation’s origins during this 250th anniversary period, this exhibit provides an outstanding and accessible way to honor the myriad individual stories of courage, determination and hope that set us on our path,” said Trust President David Duncan.

“The overwhelming response to the American Revolution Experience perfectly illustrates the passion of DAR members and chapters, as they look to introduce their communities to the remarkable men and women who rose to the challenges demanded of them along our path to liberty,” said DAR President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage.

More than 70,000 visitors from all 50 states have experienced the exhibit so far, which includes 12 panels that spotlight individuals who were deeply touched by the Revolutionary War – stories that transcend time and connect the viewer to America’s patriot history, brought to life with custom illustrations by artist Dale Watson. The panels are complemented by three digital kiosks containing contextual information about the broader conflict.

The American Revolution Experience launched digitally during the summer of 2022, swiftly winning the Bronze Award in the Education, Art, & Culture division at the second annual Anthem Awards, which celebrate purpose and mission-driven work, and becoming a finalist in the “People’s Choice” category of the?Webby Awards, which highlight “the Best of the Internet.” Funding to transform the online product into a physical exhibit suitable for pop-up display at a wide variety of sites came from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and via a matching grant from the federal American Battlefield Protection Program.

Thanks to the extension, additional sites are welcome to host the exhibit in the coming months and years. Application details, hosting information and the full tour schedule are available at www.battlefields.org/ontour.

About the Organizations 

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution?was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With nearly 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. Learn more at www.dar.org.

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.

Eligible Paratroopers Now Receive Increased Parachute Duty Pay

Saturday, November 22nd, 2025

WASHINGTON — As of October 1, 2025, Soldiers who qualify for hazardous duty incentive pay (HDIP) for parachute duty are now receiving $200 a month for static line jumps, a $50 increase from the former rate. Qualified jumpmaster Soldiers are also eligible for a new monthly jumpmaster special duty assignment pay (SDAP) of $150.

“These pay increases demonstrate the Army’s continued appreciation for airborne service and acknowledge the distinctive challenges faced by our paratroopers,” stated COL Frank Pena, Chief of Total Army Readiness Division, U.S. Army G-1. “We’ve worked closely with airborne units and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to ensure accurate updates for those who qualify for the incentive pay.”

Soldiers eligible for HDIP include qualified parachutists, those in training to become parachutists, those assigned to positions requiring parachute jumps, and those ordered to perform parachute jumps from aircraft in flight. Jumpmaster Soldiers performing jumpmaster duties in authorized positions additionally qualify for SDAP. Eligibility for both incentives is contingent upon Soldiers meeting and maintaining the minimum performance standards detailed in DODI 1340.09.

The Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, announced the pay increase in May during the 82nd Airborne Division’s All-American Week event at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He commended paratroopers for the commitment and sacrifice, stating, “Here’s to our paratroopers, our jumpmasters, who do the difficult things in difficult places that most Americans can never imagine.”

Parachute duty involves significant physical demands and inherent risks, including potential injuries during jumps, exposure to challenging weather conditions, and the physical toll of rigorous training exercises. The increase aligns parachute duty incentive pay with other hazardous duty roles, such as military free-fall operations.

“This was long overdue, and I’m glad we were able to get this across the line,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-1. “Parachutists’ incentive pay hadn’t been adjusted since 1998.”

“The increase reinforces the value of this hazardous duty, and the vital contributions paratroopers make to Army readiness.”

By LTC Andrew Yang, U.S. Army Directorate of Military Personnel Management

G3 Systems Selected as the Preferred Supplier to Upgrade NavyPODS Capability

Friday, November 21st, 2025

G3 Systems Limited, the British company with over 24 years of operationally proven expertise in designing and producing deployable infrastructure and containerised solutions, has recently completed an essential upgrade to an existing NavyPODS unit. The work has been completed for QinetiQ on behalf of the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and aligns with previous work that G3 Systems completed for the Royal Navy early in the development of the NavyPODS concept.

The Royal Navy’s vision for NavyPODS represented a paradigm shift in maritime capability. Rather than traditional ship designs with fixed systems, the focus switched to simplicity, adaptability and modularity. The concept, driven forward by OCTO, revolves around the idea of utilising standardized containers as Persistent Operational Deployment System (PODS) housing a spectrum of capabilities, ranging from precision strike and unmanned air systems to directed energy and medical aid.

G3 Systems has vast experience and proven expertise in designing, building and supporting such high-specification, bespoke, deployable containerised solutions. In addition, G3 Systems also has extensive experience in designing and delivering NavyPODS, having produced the very successful Heavy Lift Drone NavyPODS capability in 2022.

This project was required to upgrade an existing NavyPODS system, for which G3 Systems were not the OEM, to deliver the intended capability. The work included fitting an internal lift structure,bupgrading the roof opening system and repairing and upgrading the structure to meet operational requirements. At the same time, G3 Systems upgraded the ancillary systems to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Nick Rose, Managing Director G3 Systems said, “This work allowed G3 Systems to utilise our knowledge and understanding from the initial NavyPODS concept, and demonstrates our versatility and ability to take on equipment for which are not the OEM, understand it and improve it to meet the customer’s operational requirements. I am really pleased that we have been able to ensure all aspects of the unit are now fully operational and meet the requirements of the end-user.”

National Safety Apparel Expands Defense & Government Leadership

Friday, November 21st, 2025

Promotes Markin Dornan to Executive Vice President and Appoints Tommy Young as Vice President of Defense

CLEVELAND, OH — November 21, 2025 — National Safety Apparel (NSA), a leader in mission-critical protective apparel, today announced the promotion of Markin Dornan to Executive Vice President of Defense & Government and the appointment of Tommy Young as Vice President of Defense. These leadership moves strengthen NSA’s focus on U.S. military and government customers and build on the company’s established presence through its DRIFIRE® Defense and Wild Things® brands.

DRIFIRE® Defense delivers high-performance, Berry-compliant FR apparel made in the U.S.A. and trusted by military personnel and tactical teams for its advanced fabric technology—combining flame resistance, moisture management, durability, and comfort engineered for the battlefield. Wild Things®, trusted since the early 2000s by elite military units, provides rugged, lightweight technical outerwear—also Berry compliant and U.S.-made—designed for the harshest environments and used today across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

As Executive Vice President of Defense & Government, Dornan leads the division’s strategic direction and cross-functional execution. Since joining NSA in 2009, he has expanded the company into new markets, built high-performance teams, and led numerous product innovations. Dornan also serves as Board Chair of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) and recently earned the Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB) from Harvard Business School Online.

Tommy Young serves as Vice President of Defense at National Safety Apparel, where he leads strategy, government programs, and innovation across the company’s defense portfolio—including advanced protective systems for military personnel.

An Air Force fighter pilot, Young served 13 years on active duty flying the F-16, completing over 100 combat sorties. He continues to serve in the Air Force Reserve as Chief of Combat Operations, supporting Air Operations Centers (AOCs) worldwide that oversee real-time air mission planning and execution.

Prior to joining NSA, Young spent more than a decade in the military apparel and technical fabrics industry, partnering extensively with the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, and elite military units to develop advanced protective solutions for U.S. service members. His career blends proven combat leadership, global defense expertise, and commercial execution—bringing a mission-driven mindset to advancing the next generation of protective solutions for U.S. and allied forces.

“Markin brings strategic clarity and a proven record of execution; Tommy brings a service-first, results-driven approach to defense sales,” said Mike Enright, President of National Safety Apparel. “Together, they anchor our Defense & Government team and ensure our Berry-compliant, U.S.A.-made solutions reach the units that depend on them. We’re building the bench—with a Director of Marketing and Product role—to accelerate launches, strengthen partnerships, and keep mission needs at the center.”

“Tommy’s honorable service background and industry experience showcase his proven track record as a leader,” said Markin Dornan, EVP of Defense & Government. “His values align with NSA’s, and I’m confident he will help our team deliver meaningful contributions for the Warfighter and for NSA.”

“I’m honored to join such an outstanding organization and team at National Safety Apparel,” said Tommy Young, VP of Defense. “NSA’s DRIFIRE® Defense and Wild Things® brands have earned the trust of those who serve, and I’m excited to help drive continued growth and innovation while advancing our mission to protect and support the Warfighter.”

NSA continues to invest in leadership and capability growth, including an open Director of Marketing and Product position to expand brand, product marketing, and demand generation across Defense & Government.

Learn more at thinknsa.com.

 

Genesis Rescue Tools Achieves Berry Compliance; Launches Strategic Push into US Government & Department of War Markets

Friday, November 21st, 2025

Dayton, OHGenesis Rescue Systems, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic rescue tools used in the fire service across the United States, is now fully Berry Amendment compliant, allowing for procurement within U.S. Government and Department of War programs.

Berry compliance, which requires that products purchased by the DoW be sourced, manufactured, and assembled in the United States, positions Genesis Rescue Tools for immediate eligibility in federal purchasing channels, including military, and federal contracting sectors.

“With Berry compliance in place, we are no longer limited to the fire service” said Spencer Howell for Genesis. “We can now compete head-to-head for military and federal contracts that require U.S. sourcing.”

Howell Rescue Systems to Lead Military Sales Channel

Howell Rescue Systems, the exclusive Genesis master distributor for the eastern half of the Unites States, has designated Shay Dortch as Military Sales Representative to oversee federal and defense outreach.

“Shay will be the point of contact for all DoW and U.S. Government procurement teams,” said RJ Snider, VP of Sales for Howell Rescue Systems. “He understands the market, the procurement process, and the operational demands of federal agencies. We are making a commitment to supply our federal agencies with top tier products produces by Genesis Rescue Systems.”

Built in the U.S. for U.S. Missions

Genesis Rescue Tools are engineered and built in the United States, with a proven track record in fire service vehicle extrications, tactical breaching, and superior performance when it’s needed most, aligning closely with the demands of U.S. military and Department of War.

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Exhibiting at SHOT Show 2026, Booth 20413

Friday, November 21st, 2025

November 21, 2025 (Redmond, WA) – Join B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications worldwide, at SHOT Show in booth 20413, January 20-23. SHOT Show is one of the largest trade shows in the defense industry with over 2,700 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees.

We are excited to meet with our domestic and international partnersand showcase our latest innovations. Come see thegroundbreaking new MINIRVA™ technology inside of the MILR®and DAGIR®, and the DeathStar™ array in the VSLAP®. Our well world renowned MAWL®, GLARE®, IZLID® and warfighter solutions will also be on display. This is a great opportunity learn how our technologies continue to push the boundaries of photonic innovation. To schedule a meeting with B.E. Meyers & Co. email us at sales@bemeyers.com. For more information on our products and capabilities, please visit bemeyers.com.

SCHUBERTH GmbH Presents New T100C Training Helmet

Friday, November 21st, 2025

Magdeburg, 18 November 2025 – Head protection specialist SCHUBERTH GmbH from Magdeburg is presenting the new T100C training helmet at Milipol Paris 2025. The helmet was developed specifically for training as well as operational scenarios in military and law enforcement settings, combining low weight with maximum protection and modularity. With this, SCHUBERTH expands its portfolio of tactical head protection systems with another practical, field-oriented model.

Optimized for Training and Real-Condition Operations

The T100C is the training variant of the proven M100 combat helmet and features the same interfaces (rails, shroud, etc.) and identical interior components, ensuring that operation remains unchanged for the user. The newly developed multilayer carbon-composite shell provides maximum shape stability and durability while significantly reducing weight.

Weighing just 750 g (sizes XS–M) and 790 g (sizes M–XL), the T100C is the lightest training helmet in its class. For the first time, a tactical training helmet meets the requirements of the mountaineering helmet standard EN 12492 and the whitewater helmet standard EN 1385.

The EPP inner shell with 4-point chin strap and neck cushion provides optimal comfort and shock absorption. Thanks to the new adjustable interior system, the helmet can be individually adapted to head shape and wearing preference and is compatible with all tactical hearing protection systems available on the market.

Flexibility Through a Modular Accessory System

Like all modern SCHUBERTH system helmets, the T100C features a fully modular design. The integrated rail system with three attachment points allows simultaneous mounting of oxygen or respiratory masks, communication systems, cameras, or IR/IFF identification modules. Additionally, the helmet is equipped with the Enhanced Connection Device (ECD) system, which provides extended interfaces for additional accessories—from artificial camouflage material to tactical add-on components.

Design and Safety According to International Standards

The T100C meets the relevant safety standards for training and exercise helmets:

• Mountaineering helmet EN 12492

• Whitewater helmet EN 1385

It is available in Black, Bronze Green, and Sand Brown. The helmet shell features a high-cut design.

“With the T100C, we are offering our military and police partners a training solution that replicates the handling and ergonomics of our combat helmets exactly—at significantly reduced weight and with maximum wearing comfort. This closes the gap between realistic training and operational deployment,” explains Milad Youkhanna, Head of Military & Law Enforcement at SCHUBERTH GmbH.