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X-Bow Awarded $12.2 Million Contract to Boost Drone Capabilities

Tuesday, April 7th, 2026

New Rocket-Assisted Take-Off System to Enhance AEVEX’s Unmanned Aircraft

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, Apr. 7, 2026 — X-Bow Systems Inc (X-Bow), the leading non-traditional producer of advanced manufactured solid rocket motors (SRMs), sub-orbital launch solutions and defense technologies, today announced a $12.2 million contract with AEVEX to produce rocket-assisted take-off (RATO) kits for AEVEX’s Disruptor drone. X-Bow will deliver hundreds of production kits and thousands of SRMs and components between March and August 2026, demonstrating its commitment to building fast, fielding faster, and delivering now to meet urgent defense needs.

X-Bow’s RATO2 motor launching an AEVEX Disruptor drone.

X-Bow’s RATO² (Rapidly Assembled Tactical Option for Rocket-Assisted Takeoff ™) system allows drones to take off from unprepared surfaces and confined spaces, significantly expanding operational flexibility in modern conflict zones.

Jason Hundley, Founder and CEO of X-Bow, stated, “This contract validates our ability to rapidly scale production and meet urgent defense needs. Our technology is critical for enhancing the capabilities of modern unmanned aircraft.”

The global military drone market is projected to grow significantly, with increasing demand for systems capable of operating in diverse environments. X-Bow’s RATO² technology addresses this need by enabling drones to operate from a wider range of locations and potentially extending their payload capacity and range.

This latest contract caps a series of recent awards for X-Bow, totaling $212 million in the past six months. Unlike traditional defense contractors, X-Bow’s agile approach and proprietary manufacturing processes reduce time-to-market for critical defense technologies from years to months.

X-Bow’s RATO² production kits, which include solid rocket motors and launch cradles, incorporate proprietary technologies such as advanced propellant formulations and innovative manufacturing processes, positioning the company as a leader in next-generation solid rocket motor technology.

Looking ahead, X-Bow plans to expand its product portfolio to address emerging needs in hypersonic propulsion, low-cost interceptors, next-generation space-based interceptors, and evolved sub-orbital space launch systems.

About X-Bow Systems

Since 2016, X-Bow Systems has rapidly evolved into the non-traditional leader in advanced solid rocket motor manufacturing and sub-orbital launch services, spearheading American reindustrialization in the new defense industrial base. Guided by its mission to “build fast, field faster, deliver now,” X-Bow is addressing critical munitions shortages and gaps in defense and space sectors through proprietary energetics technology, vertical integration from propellant development to full rocket assembly, and end-to-end launch capabilities. Backed by prominent aerospace and venture capital investors—including Crosslink Capital, Razor’s Edge Ventures, Balerion Space Ventures, Boeing, Arkenstone Capital, The Capital Factory, Upsher Management Company, Event Horizon Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures—X-Bow is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a dedicated R&D facility in Socorro, NM. The company has additional presence in Texas, Mississippi, California, Alabama, Colorado, Utah, Maryland, and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.XBowSystems.com.

Posted in Drone, Press Release | Comments Off on X-Bow Awarded $12.2 Million Contract to Boost Drone Capabilities

Colt Optics Selected to Support the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) Program

Tuesday, April 7th, 2026

Prague (March 23, 2026) – Colt CZ Group SE (“Colt CZ”) hereby announces Colt Electro Optics, LLC (“Colt Optics”) has been selected to support the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) C25 General Service Weapon System program.

Colt Optics, a subsidiary of Colt CZ Group, is proud to have been selected to provide its custom-designed 1-6x Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO), along with its custom dual ring mounting solution, for the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) program. Led by the Canadian DefenceInvestment Agency, the program will deliver a modern replacement for the current C7/C8 assault rifle fleet, including a modernized small-arms optic.

The Colt Optics CMAR 1-6x LPVO will be produced in Canada to maximize Canadian defense readiness and industrial capability for the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Colt Optics was founded in 2024 with a focus on designing weapon optics for the ever-evolving needs of the modern warfighter and all firearm users, alike,” said Matt VanHaaren, President of Colt Optics. “Our team of engineering expertise spans decades of experience and has developed optics currently in service with many militaries around the globe. We are excited to support the CMARprogram in providing this capability to the Canadian Armed Forces,” added Matt Van Haaren.

Please visit www.coltoptics.com for more information.

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Red Cat Announces Strategic Partnership with Ukraine’s Spetstechnoexport to Advance Multi-Domain Uncrewed Systems Collaboration

Monday, April 6th, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, March 30, 2026 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc.?(Nasdaq: RCAT), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced it has entered a strategic partnership with Spetstechnoexport (STE), a state-owned enterprise under Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, to accelerate collaboration on next-generation unmanned and robotic systems.

The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishes a framework for cooperation across air, land, and maritime domains. The collaboration is designed to support the integration of advanced technologies, expand production capabilities, and enable broader access to U.S. and Ukrainian defense innovations in global markets. This partnership positions Red Cat as one of the first U.S. companies to formally collaborate with a Ukrainian state-owned defense enterprise on the advancement of multi-domain unmanned systems.

The announcement follows a joint event held in Ukraine earlier this month, where Red Cat and STE convened defense stakeholders, technology developers, and operational end users to showcase emerging unmanned systems and identify opportunities for deeper cooperation.

“This partnership reflects a fundamental shift in how allied nations collaborate to rapidly develop, scale, and deploy unmanned systems,” said Chris Ericson, Chief Operating Officer at Red Cat. “Ukraine has become a proving ground for new defense technologies, and STE plays a critical role in connecting those innovations to global partners. Together, we are creating a pathway to accelerate capability development and deliver mission-ready solutions across multiple domains.”

STE serves as a key integrator of Ukraine’s defense technology ecosystem, facilitating international partnerships, export coordination, and the scaling of advanced systems for operational deployment. Through this partnership, Red Cat will work alongside STE and Ukrainian developers to explore joint initiatives that align with evolving mission requirements in contested environments.

The collaboration builds on Red Cat’s broader strategy to deliver a fully integrated Family of Systems, combining aerial, ground, and maritime platforms with secure communications and scalable manufacturing, to support modern military and security operations. As global demand increases for rapidly deployable, resilient, and interoperable unmanned systems, the partnership underscores the importance of allied cooperation in advancing defense innovation and strengthening industrial capabilities.

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NEXTORCH Snow Guard Winter Tactical Gloves Built For Real Winter operations

Monday, April 6th, 2026

Seattle, WA – (March 31st, 2026) – NEXTORCH North America, the primary U.S. distributor of global manufacturer NEXTORCH Industries, is proud to announce NEXTORCH Snow Guard Winter Tactical Gloves; designed and engineered for those who demand warmth and durability in winter conditions or temperatures above 14°F.

The NEXTORCH Snow Guard Winter Tactical Gloves deliver warmth, protection, and control without compromise. Cold weather performance shouldn’t be limited by temperature, bulk or loss of dexterity. Snow Guard gloves are engineered with a zoned insulation system and a waterproof-breathable membrane, allowing you to stay warm, dry, and fully operational in rain, snow, and cold windy days.

Built with CORDURA® stretch fabric, 40 grams of insulation in the palms, and 100 grams of insulation on the back of the hand, these gloves block out cold air and lock in heat. A sealed inner membrane prevents moisture penetration while allowing vapor to escape during extended wear, keeping hands dry and comfortable. Reinforced high-wear zones and premium tactical fabrics ensure Snow Guard stands up to repeated friction andharsh environments, making them a dependable winter companion. They are the perfect balance between durability, dexterity, and all-weather protection.

With a three?layer thermal lock construction, durable outer layer, efficient thermal middle layer, and soft breathable inner layer,they provide stable protection without sacrificing comfort. An ergonomic cut allows for flexible adaptation. Accordion elastic cushioning at thumb and back of hand work with stretch finger panels to provide a natural fist closure with smooth, unrestricted movement. Ten?finger touchscreen operation across the full palm allows uninterrupted device use. The index finger tip is specifically optimized for precise, stable control in fine tasks. The water?resistant, stay?dry layer repels rain and snow while the inner lining wicks moisture for longer comfort. Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, XXL.

NEXTORCH Snow Guard gloves feature anti?loss optionsincluding a middle finger loop for hanging, a wrist D?ring for secure storage and a glove pairing clip for daily organization, plus optional anti?loss cord for precise operations.

Key features:

– Cold Weather Performance: resilient design for extreme conditions

– Ergonomic Design: tailored fit conforms naturally to your hand

– Ten-Finger Touchscreen Compatibility: conductive fiber ensures effortless device use

– Seamless Fingertip Construction: eliminates bulk, enhancessensitivity and dexterity

– Hourglass Knuckle Stitching: follows natural joint movement for a stronger, steadier grip

– Segmented Finger Backs: move dynamically with your hand for responsive control

– Elastic Thumb Joint Panel: allows fluid motion when operating flashlights and tactical tools

MSRP: $47.99

Available for Evaluation

Law enforcement, military, and security agencies in the U.S. are invited to participate in the NEXTORCH 30-Day-Free Test & Evaluation Program. To learn more about the T&E program “click here”.

Posted in Handwear, Press Release | Comments Off on NEXTORCH Snow Guard Winter Tactical Gloves Built For Real Winter operations

World’s First Inherent FR Blends Debut at Techtextil

Monday, April 6th, 2026

From 21 to 24 April at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Hall 9 Stand F03 will bring together textile manufacturing and specialist finishing expertise in one integrated offer. Carrington Textiles and Pincroft will present a co branded stand that unites fabric development, dyeing, printing and advanced flame retardant finishing under one roof.

The focus for 2026 is the unveiling of an entirely new generation of inherent flame retardant fabrics, developed in collaboration with technologies including Lenzing FR and XLANCE®. The collection introduces proprietary blends that have not previously existed in the global textiles market. Engineered from the fibre stage to deliver durability, wearer comfort and long term protective performance, these fabrics represent a genuine step change in inherent FR development. Each construction has been created to answer evolving garment engineering demands while maintaining permanent FR integrity throughout the full life cycle of the garment.

Alongside these industry first launches, Pincroft will demonstrate its depth as a specialist commission dyer, printer and finisher, with a strong emphasis on flame retardant finishing technologies. Its capabilities extend from controlled dyeing and precision rotary screen printing to in house permethrin application for insect repellent finishes. With artwork development, digital file preparation and rotary screen engraving managed internally, Pincroft oversees the full process from concept to final fabric, ensuring technical accuracy, repeatability and supply chain security for defence, workwear and technical textile programmes

Together, the two brands, part of RTS Textiles, present garment manufacturers and textile buyers with access to never before seen inherent FR blends supported by integrated finishing expertise, all from a single stand at Techtextil 2026.

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Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT Base Pack 60 FO Long-Range Mission Backpack

Saturday, April 4th, 2026

Modular 60L pack with front-opening access, expandable capacity, and V2 Plus Carrying System designed for extended operations.

Knoxville, Tenn. (April 2026) – Tasmanian Tiger®,a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc.,announces the release of the TT Base Pack 60 FO, a long-range mission backpack engineered for extended field operations and modular load management. The pack expands the brand’s Base Pack family with a 60-liter platform featuring a large front-opening design (FO) that allows quick and efficient access to equipment in the field.

Designed for military, law enforcement, and professional users operating in demanding environments, the TT Base Pack 60 FO integrates Tasmanian Tiger’s V2 Plus Carrying System, delivering stability and load distribution when carrying heavy equipment over long distances. A defining feature of the pack is its full front-opening main compartment, which allows users to quickly organize and retrieve mission-critical gear without unloading the pack.

The TT Base Pack 60 FO offers extensive modularity and adaptability for changing mission requirements. The pack features a height-adjustable, detachable lid with gear loops and an easy-access pocket, and when the lid is removed, a roll-top snow guard allows the pack to be securely closed while expanding the total capacity from 60 liters to approximately 75 liters. The pack is divided into main and bottom compartments for organized storage and is hydration system compatible, with antenna ports routed into the main compartment for communications equipment.

Additional functionality includes extensive MOLLE webbing on the front, sides, and lid for attaching mission-specific pouches and accessories, side compression straps, and perimeter base compression for load management, and fixation points for hiking poles or ice axes. The removable padded hip belt, which utilizes a pull-forward adjustment system, can also be detached and used independently as a Warrior Belt, offering additional flexibility for modular loadouts. A height-adjustable chest strap, multiple gear loops, and a front carry handle further enhance usability during demanding operations.

Constructed from CORDURA® 700 den fabric (Multicam in 500 den) and T-Square Rip FD, the TT Base Pack 60 FO is designed to deliver durability and reliability in harsh operational environments. The TT Base Pack 60 FO has a 60-liter/3662 cubic inches capacity, weighs 7 lbs. / 3.08 kg, and measures 30 x 12 x 9 inches (77 x 31 x 23 cm). It is available in black, olive, and coyote for an MSRP of $499. Multicam is available at an MSRP of $699.

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NP Aerospace’s Production line Kicks into Gear to Deliver Remaining Light Tactical Transport Vehicles to BeMOD

Friday, April 3rd, 2026

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has announced that the production line to deliver the remaining 87 Light Tactical Transport Vehicles (LTTV) to the Belgium MOD (BeMOD) is now fully operational and accelerating at pace. Following the pre-production proof of process and quality deliveries, the first significant full-production batch was accepted by the customer in February, which will now be followed by the delivery of all 87 vehicles by the end of 2026.

The original LTTV programme was to deliver 199 of the Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG based vehicles to the BeMOD. In September 2024 NP announced the receipt of a contract to deliver the remaining 87 vehicles, the contract having been novated, following NP Aerospace’s acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited, announced on 10 June 2024. As well as the production of new LTTV vehicles, contractual discussions also included lifetime in-service support to the LTTV vehicle fleet for which NP Aerospace will use its proven Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares business unit to deliver.

In establishing the full production capability, NP Aerospace has adopted a fresh approach, with operations being centered in their Coventry facilities. As was agreed with the customer, a particular emphasis has been placed upon working to the required quality standards and timescales. Using NP Aerospace’s fully established vehicle related, UK-based supply chain, the team has employed proven best practices to develop a production programme that meets and where possible, exceeds customer expectations. Having taken time to get this right, NP Aerospace is now confident that all inherited programme challenges have been addressed, and the pace of production can now be accelerated, to successfully deliver the remaining vehicles to BeMOD.

The LTTV vehicle was designed to provide a modular and configurable tactical support vehicle that benefits from unique, removable mission modules that enable the vehicle to be re-configured rapidly for operational platform versatility. With a payload of over 3 tonnes, dependent on the final vehicle specification, the LTTV has 3 core variants for Special Operations support, including an ambulance variant. Alongside a user-configurable, fully integrated suite of military sub-systems that includes a removable ballistic protection kit, a Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS), weapon mounts and communications fit.

David Petheram, NP Aerospace VSSS Managing Director commented: “Following on from the receipt of the LTTV contract from BeMOD in 2024, we’re pleased to be able to announce that we’ve successfully worked through all of the challenges of re-starting this disrupted programme, in close collaboration with our customer. Our production line is established and is now kicking into gear, upon strong foundations, to enable the rate to be accelerated from this point forward.” He added: “Now we’re fully up and running and delivering vehicles, this is great news for NP Aerospace and our customer, also for our UK supply chain and for Coventry as we continue to create and/or sustain high skilled jobs in the region and across our supplier partnerships.”

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US Government Awards Contract to Global Military Products to Manage the Army’s Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility at Rock Island Arsenal

Friday, April 3rd, 2026

TAMPA, FL – (April 1, 2026) – The U.S. Government has awarded a four-year contract to Global Military Products to take over facility management and new product development of the Army’s Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility (QCCCF) at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. The change in operation management will help boost predictable and sustainable workload at the facility, while expanding on the skilled workforce, equipment and production capacity critical to the nation’s defense industrial base.

“The Army’s Rock Island Arsenal has been in operation for more than a century to keep our country lethal and ready, with the Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility focused on production of brass and steel cartridges,” said Jeff Brunozzi, president, Global Ordnance Holdings, LLC. “Under this agreement, we will leverage the facility’s capacity and employees’ capabilities to better serve the U.S. and its allies by expanding current cartridge case production and establishing a Mortar Barrel Production Center of Excellence.”

The 180,000 square-foot QCCCF has deep-drawn forging technology that produces brass and steel cartridge cases, ranging from 40mm through 155mm. In addition to managing the current workload, Global Military Products will look to add production of additional cartridge cases in support of its contracts for both U.S. and non-NATO cartridge cases. This effort leverages the facility’s existing and underutilized manufacturing tooling assets, equipment and workforce while replenishing critical cartridge case inventories for the U.S. and partner-nation demand.

Global Military Products will also establish a domestic Mortar Barrel Production Center of Excellence within the QCCCF in partnership with Ellwood National Forge (ENF). Establishing a second source, solely U.S.-based production capability mitigates risk, improves readiness, strengthens supply chain resilience and aligns with government priorities for expanding critical munitions manufacturing under the U.S. Industrial Base Modernization Strategy. QCCCF will remain a government-owned facility, creating a reliable, scalable and domestic source for critical mortar components and reducing supply chain vulnerability for U.S. and allied forces.

“By integrating mortar barrel production into QCCCF’s expansive and well-structured manufacturing layout, we will create a second-source domestic capability for 81mm and 120mm mortar systems,” said James Knight, Director of Business Development, Global Military Products. “Our approach will both enhance the facility’s operational versatility and transform its unused capacity into a strategically relevant manufacturing node for critical mortar barrels.”

The teams at Global Military Products and ENF leading this effort have extensive experience with modernization efforts and plant management, including leading and supporting modernization efforts at Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP), Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP) and Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP). These efforts were planned and sequenced to minimize production impact, reduce technical risk, and maintain compliance with Army safety and quality standards.

As part of the ELLWOOD Group, ENF has drawn on the vertically integrated capability to design, melt, remelt and forge steel ingots to ensure consistent supply of high-quality cannon and artillery barrels and component forgings ranging from 81–155mm for the past 40 years. This long production experience has enabled ENF to fully develop, mature, and continuously improve its manufacturing and quality processes. ENF’s technical expertise, customer service orientation and breadth of offerings is a demonstrated capability for achieving effective results at QCCCF.

The four-year Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract is firm-fixed price. The contract value is not being disclosed.

Photos by Dori Whipple, Joint Munitions Command

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