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ROTTWEIL Extends Its International Defence & Law Enforcement Portfolio Significantly

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026

The prestigious ammunition brand ROTTWEIL known for its shotshell products launches fourteen (14) different product solutions for law enforcement and security agencies as well as special forces. Besides door breaching cartridges, ROTTWEIL’s portfolio now also carries a slug, buckshot, training as well as an anti-drone (C-UAV) range meeting the remarkably increasing demand for respective products and boosting the DLE portfolio of the German brand substantially. Shotguns have been part of the arsenal of armies and police units for over a century.

Even today, shotguns remain standard issue for armed forces and police forces worldwide.

The range of applications is vast, but the choice of ammunition remains crucial to the desired effect. The new ROTTWEIL DEFENCE & LAW ENFORCEMENT product line provides professional users with suitable ammunition that can be deployed effectively and cost-efficiently for a wide variety of purposes.

ROTTWEIL’s offer now encompasses three (3) slug, five (5) buckshot, two (2) training, and four (4) C-UAV cartridges.

• The three slug loads feature an outstandingly impactful 12/76 Brenneke Magnum EDP load with 38g for hard targets, one in 12/70 with 32g, and one in 12/67.5 with 28g, The latter two are both designed for soft targets.

• The five buckshot products come in two calibres: four in 12/70 calibre ranging from 32g (21 pellets #3) to 30g (9 and 8 pellets, #0 and #00 respectively) down to 20.5g (9 pellets #0) plus a 12/67.5 calibre in 18g (9 pellets #1). The latter two products have copper loads.

• The new training range of ROTTWEIL includes a steel and a hard lead product, in calibre 12/70 with 31g (#1) and 34g (#5) respectively.

• Three out of the four anti-drone or C-UAV product solutions come all in 12/70 calibre with two copper loads in 34g (#4 & #6), and the third one with hard lead in 34g (#4). The fourth round is a lead load in 12/70 calibre featuring a special construction ensuring a tight and stable pattern effectively engaging drone targets.

The cartridges are suitable for use in both bolt-action and semi-automatic shotguns across all loadings. The use of high-quality, specially matched components and designs ensures reliable performance in a wide range of applications. Both requirements as well as product features are and will be defined in close collaboration with customers and users worldwide.

The international Eurosatory show, the global event for defence and security in Paris, France, offers the perfect platform to present the new portfolio to a selected professional audience.

More detailed information can be found on the website of ROTTWEIL’s brand and trademark owner, RWS based in Fuerth, Germany.

NP Aerospace to Acquire ITEN Defense and Expand Into the US Market

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026

Coventry, UK — 22 Jun 26 — NP Aerospace, a leading global armour technology manufacturer and vehicle integrator, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Iten Defense, a U.S. based specialist provider of advanced defence protection solutions, from Edgewater Capital Partners and other minority shareholders.

The acquisition will strengthen NP Aerospace’s and Iten’s portfolio of survivability and protection technologies, enhancing its ability to support defence and security customers with mission-critical armour solutions across global markets.

“This is an important strategic step for NP Aerospace as we continue to invest in advanced protection technologies and expand our capabilities for customers worldwide,” said James Kempston, Chief Executive Officer of NP Aerospace. “Iten Defense brings strong technical expertise, manufacturing capacity, and complementary capabilities, and we look forward to working with the team following completion.”

“In close partnership with Iten’s management team, we’ve transformed the business over the past few years through a series of strategic initiatives and investments in expanded capabilities. We are confident that the combination with NP Aerospace will further accelerate Iten’s growth as a leader in advanced protection solutions,” said Pete Ostergard, Managing Partner of Edgewater Capital.

Iten Defense CEO, Damon Walsh, commented: “This is great news for Iten and, more importantly, for our customers. As a larger global enterprise with combined engineering and technical know-how, we will be well placed to respond to today’s increasingly complex defense requirements at a pace to best serve our customers’ needs.”

Until closing, NP Aerospace and Iten Defense will continue to operate as independent businesses.

Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including certain government and regulatory approvals. The transaction will close promptly following satisfaction of these conditions. Further details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Safran Launches eTAD: The New Standard for Thermal Clip-Ons, Offering Augmented Battlefield Perception to Soldiers

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026

Safran Electronics & Defense presents eTAD, its latest-generation thermal vision device, designed to clip onto a night vision goggle (NVG). Developed to strengthen the operational capabilities of European armed forces, eTAD expands Safran Electronics & Defense’s soldier vision range beyond the already existing TAD, creating a new European standard for thermal clip-on equipments.

Drawing upon the Safran Electronics & Defense’s recognized expertise in the field of defense optronics, eTAD was designed by incorporating feedback from international armed forces. Over 25,000 Safran Electronics & Defense thermal clip-on devices are already deployed worldwide by numerous allied forces.

TAD is now a standard equipment due to its camouflage detection abilities, integrated magnetic compass, and modularity. eTAD, with advanced navigation features, augmented reality, and C2 (command and control) integration, enables the soldier to see first, understand faster, and act precisely in any operational conditions. It offers a combination of high performance, technological sovereignty, and interoperability.

Safran Electronics & Defense’s offering relies on a secure and fully controlled optronic value chain, with a production capacity of over 500 thermal clip-on devices per month, ensuring immediate availability and scalability to meet the needs of armed forces.

Alexandre Ziegler, Head of Defense Global Business Unit, Safran Electronics & Defense, stated: “By launching eTAD, Safran Electronics & Defense is providing European forces with a next-generation, sovereign thermal vision capability that is not subject to ITAR regulations. The fusion of vision, navigation, and command (C2) data enhances understanding of the tactical situation, information sharing, and the coordination of units involved in collaborative combat. This innovation highlights Safran Electronics & Defense’s commitment to European sovereignty and operational superiority for soldiers.”

Gentex Corporation Selected to Support U.S. Army NGC2 Program with Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset and Integrated Solutions

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026

CARBONDALE, Pa., June 15, 2026 — Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for U.S. Armed Forces and allied partners worldwide, has been selected to provide its Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset in support of the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototyping.

Under this effort, systems will be utilized by soldiers during NGC2 work-up experiments leading up to the Project Convergence Capstone 6 (PC-C6) event. The selection reinforces Gentex’s role in advancing integrated soldier systems that enhance connectivity, protection, and operational effectiveness in modern, networked environments.

In addition to the AMP Communication Headset, Gentex will deliver a comprehensive suite of integrated communications and protection solutions designed to enable seamless interoperability across mission sets, including:

Push-to-Talk (PTT) and Cabling Solutions: Allows mounted soldiers to connect to a body worn radio and vehicle inter communications system (ICS) simultaneously. The AP-107 3-way PTT is detachable so mounted soldiers can use their combat helmet and rapidly exit and enter the vehicle without having to switch between their Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet and Ground Combat Helmet.

NFMI Earplugs: The Ops-Core Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) Earplugs provide increased noise reduction, while maintaining clear communications and 3D hear-through when used with NFMI enabled Ops-Core headsets. The earplugs do not need batteries, recharging, or any wired connection. When engaged, the NFMI earplug will seamlessly integrate for clear communication. When worn together, the system provides a 34 dB NRR rating.

IHPS ARC Rail Prototype and AMP Helmet RailMount Kits: Featuring a newly developed Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) helmet rail and rail arm solution, allowing secure and comfortable mounting of the AMP Communication Headset to IHPS and NG-IHPS helmets.

Together, these solutions provide a scalable, integrated system that enhances communication clarity, operational flexibility, comfort, and protection for soldiers operating across diverse mission environments.

“For more than 130 years, Gentex has delivered high-performance solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the modern warfighter,” said Kevin Reilly, Segment Director, Close Combat at Gentex Corporation. “Supporting NGC2 reflects our continued commitment to integrating hearing protection to the Army’s Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) helmet with the launch of our new IHPS ARC Rail for the AMP Communications Headset. It also complements Gentex’s broader portfolio of headborne systems, including NG-IHPS, ACH Gen ll, Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) and Ops-Core FAST® helmets.”

The AMP Communication Headset plays a central role in this capability, delivering 3D audio hearing enhancement of up to +12 dB while providing a 22 Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for comprehensive hearing protection. Dual removable downleads allow mounted Soldiers to simultaneously connect to a vehicle intercommunication system (ICS) and a body-worn radio, enabling seamless transitions between mounted and dismounted operations without changing helmets. This capability significantly improves operational efficiency by eliminating the need to switch between ground combat and Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet systems.

This selection builds on Gentex’s proven track record of supporting U.S. Army Forces. It also reflects Gentex’s expanding global support of allied defense forces, equipping military organizations across more than 20 countries with integrated headborne systems. This complements Gentex’s broader portfolio of headborne systems, including NG-IHPS, ACH Gen II, and ACVC helmet liner solutions.

As the U.S. Army continues to modernize command and control capabilities, Gentex remains focused on delivering integrated, mission-ready solutions that connect, protect and enhance the performance of the modern warfighter.

Alpine Eagle and Origin Robotics Partner to Strengthen European Drone Defence Capabilities

Monday, June 22nd, 2026
  • Alpine Eagle and Origin Robotics partner to integrate the BLAZE interceptor into Sentinel, creating a layered sensor-to-effector drone defence architecture
  • The companies are announcing their partnership and showcasing their capabilities during Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.
  • The German and Latvian defence innovators plan local manufacturing and future deployments in Germany

Paris, France, 16th June 2026: Alpine Eagle, the European counter-drone defence technology company, and Origin Robotics, the Latvian developer of autonomous unmanned aerial weapons systems, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine Origin Robotics’ BLAZE interceptor with Alpine Eagle’s Sentinel architecture, creating a layered sensor-to-effector counter-drone capability.

The agreement marks a significant step in Alpine Eagle’s strategy to build the next generation of air defence, connecting sensing, decision-making and interception into a single layered network. It also reflects a broader shift towards integrated air-defence architectures that combine sensors, command-and-control and multiple interception layers into a single operational system.

Alpine Eagle’s Sentinel architecture combines airborne and ground-based radar with distributed sensor networks and Sentinel-OS, the company’s software backbone that unifies sensors, platforms, and effectors into an integrated network. Together, these capabilities provide earlier detection, improved situational awareness and more time for operators and warfighters to make informed decisions in complex environments. The integration of BLAZE, a radar-guided autonomous interceptor designed to defeat drones and loitering munitions, adds a further interception layer, strengthening Sentinel’s ability to coordinate detection, decision-making and response through its system-of-systems approach. 

European governments are accelerating investment in counter-drone capability following lessons from Ukraine and recent conflicts in the Middle East, where large-scale drone attacks have demonstrated the need for earlier detection, layered defence and more cost-effective interception.

Under the agreement, the companies will initially focus on technical integration, customer demonstrations and operational validation, while establishing a pathway towards future local manufacturing of BLAZE in Germany.

Jan-Hendrik Boelens, co-founder and CEO of Alpine Eagle, said: “Drone warfare is forcing militaries to rethink how they protect airspace. The challenge is to bring detection, tracking, and interception together into an integrated system that can respond quickly and scale with the threat. Integrating BLAZE into Sentinel expands our sensor-to-effector architecture and gives customers another effective layer within a broader counter-drone network.”

Agris Kipurs, co-founder and CEO of Origin Robotics, said: “The future of drone defence depends on combining the right sensors, software and effectors. No single system can solve the challenge alone. By integrating BLAZE into Sentinel, we are bringing together complementary capabilities that help customers detect threats earlier and respond more effectively.”

The partnership builds on successful initial integration activities between the two companies and reflects a growing trend towards European defence technology companies combining specialised capabilities into integrated systems that can be deployed, adapted and scaled more rapidly than traditional programmes. By strengthening interoperability between complementary technologies, the collaboration supports the development of a more resilient European defence industrial base and the ability to scale production as demand grows. 

Alpine Eagle will be exhibiting at Eurosatory 2026 and can be found in Hall 5b, booth D414. Origin Robotics will be in Hall 5b, booth C423. 

RTS Tactical Receives US Patent, Raising the Standard for Ballistic Shield Protection

Monday, June 22nd, 2026

U.S. Patent No. 12,624,927 Recognizes RTS Tactical’s Innovative Boltless Viewport Assembly for Ballistic Shields

RTS Tactical, a leading manufacturer of body armor and tactical gear solutions for our men and women in uniform, announced that it has been awarded another U.S. Patent for its Boltless Viewport for a Ballistic Shield.

Designed to address longstanding challenges associated with traditional Ballistic Shield Glass viewport construction, the patented system reflects RTS Tactical’s mission to Raise The Standard for modern body armor.

Traditional ballistic shield viewports typically rely on bolts or adhesive systems to secure transparent armor to the shield body. While widely used throughout the industry, these methods can introduce gaps, weak points, and can degrade under heat or repeated impact. RTS Tactical’s patented boltless viewport assembly was developed to create a more reliable solution, eliminating the need for traditional viewport bolts or boltless systems that rely on adhesives, while providing a secure mechanical connection of the viewport to the shield body.

The newly patented technology is currently featured in several RTS Tactical ballistic shield platforms, including the LEGION Ballistic Shield, Centurion Ballistic Shield, and Lead Entry Ballistic Shield, all designed to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement and tactical professionals operating in high-risk environments.

The issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12,624,927 represents more than intellectual property protection. It serves as recognition of RTS Tactical’s continued investment in research, development, and advanced engineering.

Rigad and Qore Performance Partner to Expand Access to Advanced Thermoregulation and Hydration Equipment in the Czech Republic

Monday, June 22nd, 2026

Knoxville, TN and Semily, Czech Republic — Qore Performance, Inc., the inventors of the ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM of thermoregulation and hydration technologies, is proud to announce Rigad as an authorized dealer for the Czech Republic. This partnership provides Czech military, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals with direct, local access to Qore Performance tools, which are purpose-built to increase the work capacity and survivability at war and at work.

Since 2011, Rigad has operated as a leading supplier of top-tier tactical clothing, outdoor equipment, and military gear. Known for rigorous internal selection standards and a commitment to carrying only proven, reliable brands, Rigad ensures that its customers receive the highest quality kit available on the market. By adding Qore Performance to their inventory, Rigad expands its capability to provide mission-essential climate control and hydration solutions to Czech professional end-users.

Direct Access to the ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM

Through this partnership, customers in the Czech Republic can now purchase Qore Performance’s industry-leading technologies directly from Rigad’s inventory, bypassing long-distance shipping complexities. Key solutions now available include:

  • ICEPLATE® Gen 3: The world’s most advanced conformal hydration system. This hard-cell bladder provides 52.4 fl oz (1.55 L) of hydration while offering cooling or heating capabilities when frozen or filled with hot water.
  • ICEFLASK®: A rugged, 16.9 oz (500ml) hard-cell canteen designed to carry water while fitting into standard radio pouches, providing consumable cooling or heating in a compact form factor.
  • ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3: As the definitive human readiness infrastructure, ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 integrates patented ICEPLATE®, ICEFLASK®, and ICEVENTS® technologies into the world’s only plate carrier built to optimize the human machine.

“We are proud to partner with Qore Performance and bring their innovative thermoregulation solutions to customers across the Czech Republic. Qore’s approach to performance, durability, and mission-focused equipment aligns naturally with RIGAD’s long-term commitment to professional users, military personnel, law enforcement, and demanding outdoor customers.” said Jan Karas, Sales Representative at Rigad.

“Rigad is an exceptional partner with a deep understanding of the unique demands faced by professionals in the Czech Republic,” said Austin Pitsch, Marketing Manager of Qore Performance. “By stocking the ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM locally, Rigad is ensuring that operatorshave immediate access to the best possible tools to weaponize temperature and maintain peak capability in any environment.”

Today, RIGAD combines a modern e-commerce platform with brick-and-mortar stores and professional customer support for both civilian and professional end users.

  • Opening retail locations in Semily, Olomouc, and Ostrava
  • Expansion into firearms and shooting equipment
  • Launch of a complete company rebrand and new e-commerce platform in 2024

In addition to retail and distribution, RIGAD invests heavily in original content creation and community engagement. Through Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and its online magazine, the company regularly publishes product presentations, educational content, field-focused articles, and videos covering tactical culture, shooting, preparedness, and outdoor lifestyles.

This direct connection with end users has helped RIGAD establish a loyal customer base and a strong reputation within the European tactical community.

Professional end-users and customers can shop the Qore Performance collection online now at Rigad.com.

Darley Releases New Uncrewed Systems Capabilities & Partner Brochure for Defense and Public Safety Missions

Monday, June 22nd, 2026

ITASCA, IL – June 17th, 2026 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is proud to announce the release of its new Uncrewed Systems Capabilities & Partners Brochure. Accessible online at www.darley.com/what-we-provide/uncrewed-systems, the brochure provides a comprehensive overview of Darley’s expanding uncrewed and autonomous solutions including platforms, partners, and system-level integration options designed to support evolving operational needs across defense, public safety, and emergency response environments.

This brochure showcases Darley’s integrated approach to uncrewed technologies, highlighting platforms, components, and support solutions that enhance operational effectiveness across air, land, and maritime domains. Built as a practical resource for partners and end users, the brochure simplifies access to key capability information while reinforcing Darley’s commitment to mission-ready innovation.

“Uncrewed systems are playing an increasingly critical role in modern defense and public safety operations,” said Audrey Darley, Vice President of Defense Supply Chain. “This brochure reflects Darley’s focus on delivering reliable, adaptable solutions that support our customers’ missions today and into the future. It brings together our capabilities in a clear, accessible format designed for both the defense and first responder communities.”