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UF PRO and Lindnerhof to Exhibit at TTPOA 2026

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA / LENGGRIES, GERMANY (25 March 2026)

UF PRO and Lindnerhof will exhibit at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Conference 2026, taking place from 22–26 April in Round Rock, Texas, with both brands present at the exhibition on 23–24 April. The event is one of the key gatherings for tactical law enforcement professionals in the United States, bringing together SWAT teams, special operations units, and training professionals for a week of training, education, and equipment evaluation.

This year, UF PRO and Lindnerhof will present their latest tactical clothing and load-carrying solutions, with a focus on systems designed for real operational environments. The UF PRO USA and Lindnerhof USA teams will be on site during the exhibition days, presenting the systems on display and discussing operational requirements and real-world use cases directly with professional users.

At TTPOA 2026, UF PRO will present a selection of tactical clothing designed for operational use across a wide range of environments and mission profiles. On display will be the Striker XT Gen.3 BDU and Striker TT BDU, the P-40 All-Terrain Gen.2 Pants, and the Delta Eagle Gen.3 Softshell Jacket.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to try on a range of insulation and weather protection systems, including the AcE Winter Gen.2 Combat Shirt, AcE Plus Gen.3 Tactical Winter Jacket, Monsoon XT Gen.2 Jacket, Delta OL 4.0 Winter Jacket, Hunter Jacket, and Storm Chaser Jacket.

In addition, UF PRO will showcase accessories including the Striker Gen.2 Base Cap and the Striker Gen.3 Boonie Hat.

Lindnerhof will present modular load-carrying systems and specialized mission setups, including abseiling and parachuting configurations, weapon retention solutions for airborne operations, landing pack systems, and modular load carriers.

The booth setup will include mission-specific configurations such as a Shikari and abseiling setup with Quick Drop belt, a Multicam setup, and additional equipment including weapon retention systems for parachuting operations and load-carriage solutions designed for specialized tactical tasks.

TTPOA is known for its hands-on environment, where equipment is evaluated in a practical context and discussed directly with professional users. Visitors will be able to explore the systems on display, try selected UF PRO products, and learn more about Lindnerhof load-carriage solutions and mission-specific configurations.

Both brands continue to work closely with professional users to develop equipment that performs in demanding operational environments, and TTPOA remains an important platform for direct exchange with the U.S. law enforcement community.

Posted in Advertiser, LE, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on UF PRO and Lindnerhof to Exhibit at TTPOA 2026

Fortastra Expands Leadership Team to Accelerate Development of Mission-Ready Space Systems

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Industry Veterans from Relativity Space, Hermeus, Astrion and Divergent Join to Elevate Engineering, Product, and Organizational Growth

LOS ANGELES, CA., — April 2, 2026 — FortastraCorporation, a developer of advanced space systems supporting national security and commercial missions, today announced the appointment of Josh Jetter, Sahil Desai and Arnold Nowinski to its leadership team. These new hires strengthen Fortastra’s engineering, product, and organizational capabilities as the company continues scaling to support modern space infrastructure operations.

Josh Jetter will take on the role of Chief Technology Officer at Fortastra, where he will spearhead the company’s engineering organization across design, manufacturing, integration and operations. Jetter brings top-level experience building advanced aerospace systems across both startup and traditional ecosystems. Previously, he served as Senior Director of Avionics Engineering and Manufacturing at Relativity Space, and as Director of Engineering at Impossible Aerospace. Earlier, he held engineering leadership roles at Momentus Space, contributed to hardware development for Starlink at SpaceX, and supported multiple space systems programs at Sandia National Laboratories. At Fortastra, Jetter will work closely with customers to align product roadmaps with evolving technical requirements and mission needs.

Sahil Desai joins Fortastra as Vice President of Product, where he will head up product strategy and growth to ensure Fortastra’s technology delivers mission-ready capabilities for defense and commercial partners. Desai started his career as an Intelligence Community Officer supporting national security initiatives. He later served as Director of Programs at Hermeus Corporation, teaming up with Fortastra CEO Mike Smayda, where he established the company’s program management function and helped secure key hypersonics contracts. Most recently, as Vice President of Aerospace and Defense Programs at Divergent Technologies, Desai helped scale the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies in defense technology environments.

Arnold Nowinski joins Fortastra as Vice President of People, bringing more than 25 years of experience supporting commercial, civil, and Department of Defense programs. He most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of the Space Launch and Sciences business unit at Astrion, where he staffed and led a team of more than 250 engineers and scientists across multiple NASA and U.S. Space Force programs. Arnold also spent time developing the flight safety system for Falcon 1 at SpaceX. Earlier in his career, he served as a developmental engineer in the United States Air Force, assisting in research and development at the Air Force Research Laboratory and mission assurance of National Security Space launches.

“Fortastra is building technology that will define the next era of space operations and achieving that vision demands leaders from across disciplines and industries,” said Mike Smayda, CEO of Fortastra. “Josh, Sahil, and Arnold bring world-class experience spanning engineering, product strategy, and organizational leadership from some of the most demanding and innovative sectors. This diversity of expertise provides a unique advantage as we continue developing mission-critical systems for our government and commercial partners.”

“I’ve spent my career building aerospace systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible and am thrilled to be joining this organization securing critical assets in orbit,” said Josh Jetter, Chief Technology Officer at Fortastra. “Fortastra is tackling some of the most complex challenges in space operations, and I’m happy to be a part of the journey as we build reliable, scalable systems.”

“Modern space missions demand advanced technologies that are operationally ready,” said Sahil Desai, Vice President of Product at Fortastra. “Fortastra is uniquely positioned to deliver that capability, and I’m excited to help guide the product strategy to bring these innovations to customers who need them most.”

“The space economy is growing rapidly, and building the teams most capable of supporting that growth is essential,” said Arnold Nowinski, Vice President of People at Fortastra. “Fortastra is curating an exceptional group of experts and I’m excited to help develop the organizational foundation that will support the company’s expansion.”

Fortastra recently raised over $8 million in seed financing, led by Upfront Ventures, with participation from Generational Partners, Wave Function Ventures, Bloomberg Beta, and Forward Deployed VC.

About Fortastra

Fortastra designs and operates maneuverable spacecraft for on-orbit security. Headquartered in Torrance, California, Fortastra combines modern engineering practices, high-rate spacecraft manufacturing, and advanced autonomy to protect critical space infrastructure and deliver consistent operational advantage for the United States and its allies. Learn more at www.fortastra.com

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“Culture First” Argues That the Highest-Performing Teams Are Built Through Culture, Not Talent Alone

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Jon B. Becker distills lessons from a career working alongside elite teams to give a practical blueprint for building high-performance cultures

APRIL 1, 2026 | LOS ANGELES, CA — In Culture First: 9 Leadership Practices That Build Elite Teams, released today on Amazon, Jon B. Becker draws on his extensive career advising and equipping elite tactical units worldwide to make a pointed argument: performance is not primarily a function of talent or strategy, but of culture.

Becker is the founder and CEO of AARDVARK Tactical, a company he launched at seventeen that has since become a trusted partner to top-tier units. He has spent his career embedded alongside federal, state, local, and international teams operating in environments where failure carries real consequences. Over time, he observed a recurring pattern: what separates enduring, high-performing units is not resources or individual capability, but cultural practices, deliberately built and rigorously maintained.

Culture First translates those observations into nine leadership practices, each paired with practical tools leaders can implement immediately. While rooted in high-stakes tactical environments, the framework is intended for broader application across organizations.

At the center of Becker’s argument is a simple premise: culture functions as the operating system of any organization. When neglected, it forms by default. When built with intent, it becomes a force multiplier.

Speaking about the book, Becker said:

“After working alongside some of the most capable teams in the world, one thing became clear: success leaves patterns. The same cultural principles show up repeatedlyunder different leaders, in different missions, across different organizations. This book attempts to capture those patterns and make them usable.”

The book reflects not only Becker’s field experience, but also years of conversations with high performers across disciplines, many featured on his podcast, The Debrief, which has reached more than 1.5 million listeners.

Lt. Lee McMillion, Commander of LAPD D-Platoon (SWAT), has seen the principles firsthand:

“The 9 Practices are not just catchphrases for this book. They are how Jon Becker has built, sustains, and leads his private business, and the reason we have him present Culture-Centric Leadership to our entire team.”

The book’s broader relevance is echoed by Michael Lumpkin, retired Navy SEAL, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, and former corporate President and CEO:

“Jon Becker nails it in his understanding that organizational culture is the operating system that drives the success or failure of any organization. His use of real-life examples in both tactical no-fail missions as well as the business world demonstrates that it is central to every organization regardless of mission.”

Culture First is published by Lessons Learned Publishing and is available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats, with hardcover and audiobook editions scheduled for release on May 15, 2026.

About Jon B. Becker

Jon B. Becker is the founder and CEO of AARDVARK Tactical and PROJECT 7 Armor, with decades of experience equipping and advising elite military and law enforcement units. He is a TEDx and keynote speaker, attorney, documentary filmmaker, Ironman triathlete, and host of The Debrief with Jon Beckerpodcast. His work focuses on translating lessons from elite teams into practical leadership frameworks for organizations across industries. Culture First is his first book.

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Fort Campbell Soldiers Gain Enhanced Access to Qore Performance Thermoregulation and Hydration Equipment via ATS Tactical Gear Partnership

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Knoxville, TN and Oak Grove, KY — Qore Performance, Inc., the inventors of the ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM of thermoregulation and hydration technologies, is proud to announce ATS Tactical Gear as an authorized dealer. Located at 15858 Fort Campbell Blvd, ATS Tactical Gear provides the Fort Campbell community and the 101st Airborne Division with direct, local access to Qore Performance equipment, which is purpose-built to increase the work capacity and survivability of the individual wearer.

A veteran-owned and operated company, ATS Tactical Gear has supported military and law enforcement personnel for over 20 years with rugged tactical nylon. By adding Qore Performance to their showroom, ATS Tactical Gear continues its commitment to offering professional-grade solutions that meet the specific needs of the airborne and light infantry communities.

Professional Grade Solutions at the Gate

Soldiers and professional end-users in the Oak Grove and Fort Campbell area can now purchase Qore Performance’s industry-leading technologies in-person at the ATS Tactical Gear showroom. Key products 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/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 or its purpose-built ICEFLASK® Wing and MOLLE Holsters, providing consumable cooling or heating in a compact form factor.

ATS is also offering bundles with ATS manufactured Standard and Airborne pouches for ICEFLASK®.

“ATS Tactical Gear is an ideal partner due to their strategic location and their deep roots within the Fort Campbell community,” said Austin Pitsch, Marketing Manager of Qore Performance. “By stocking our equipment locally in Oak Grove, ATS is ensuring that soldiers have the best possible tools to weaponize temperature and increase work capacity right where they train and deploy.”

Professional end-users can visit the ATS Tactical Gear showroom at 15858 Fort Campbell Blvd, Unit D, Oak Grove, KY, or shop online at ATSTacticalGear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Sustainment | Comments Off on Fort Campbell Soldiers Gain Enhanced Access to Qore Performance Thermoregulation and Hydration Equipment via ATS Tactical Gear Partnership

Rheinmetall and Boeing Partner on German MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia have entered into a strategic partnership to offer the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as a mature solution for the Bundeswehr’s procurement of collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) into Germany by 2029.

Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat has completed more than 150 flights and has been designed, developed and manufactured in Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force and other allied nations.

A proven autonomous CCA, it will act as a force multiplier, teaming with manned platforms to provide critical combat mass in highly contested airspace. Its modular design and autonomous behaviours support a broad range of mission capabilities, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and the integration of weapons systems.

Under the partnership, Rheinmetall, with its experience in 5th-generation fighter aircraft and unmanned systems and its strong industrial base, will be the system manager for MQ-28 in Germany, overseeing system integration into existing and future command and weapon systems of the Bundeswehr, adaptation to national requirements and ensuring operational, maintenance, and logistical support.

“With Boeing Defence Australia as a partner, we are laying the groundwork to optimally tailor the MQ-28 to the Bundeswehr’s requirements,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “As a system integrator, we ensure that integration, operation, and further development come from a single source while simultaneously strengthening industrial value creation in the form of an industrial hub in Germany and Europe. We see revenue potential for Rheinmetall in the range of three-digit millions of euros.”

The strategic partnership ensures a high level of national and sovereign value creation and supply security in Germany.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat’s open, modular system architecture allows for continuous upgrades and rapid capability growth. Rheinmetall will support a dedicated digital environment in country, where engineers from both Germany and Australia contribute, test and validate new software and hardware innovations.

“This is not just a partnership between our companies but between two great countries, Germany and Australia, who share a similar strategy for integrating collaborative combat aircraft into their air forces,” said Dr. Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global. “Our partnership will see Germany’s industrial base leverage years of Australian innovation and investment to field and evolve MQ-28 for the Bundeswehr.”

The collaboration supports joint development, testing and the systematic growth of German content on the Australian-developed platform and offers the Bundeswehr considerable time savings in the deployment of a CCA capability by 2029.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and Boeing Partner on German MQ-28 Ghost Bat

DroneShield Partners with Kinetic Interceptor Manufacturer with Origin Robotics MOU

Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

Sydney, Australia – 31 March 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology solutions, along with Origin Robotics, a defence technology company specialising in advanced autonomous systems, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to formally progress joint collaboration across defence and security projects.

Both companies bring battle-proven technologies already deployed in demanding operational environments. DroneShield contributes its advanced detection, electronic warfare and best-in-class sensor fusion and command-and-control capabilities. Meanwhile, Origin Robotics brings interceptor-focused autonomous platforms engineered for rapid launch, with its BLAZE platform, selected by multiple European governments and now entering operational service.

The MOU establishes a structured framework for the two companies to partner on joint projects that address emerging counter-UAS requirements. This collaboration also represents a pathway to providing operators access to a uniquely powerful combination: world-class detection and tracking from DroneShield’s SensorFusionAI and DroneSentry-C2, seamlessly cueing the proven precision of interceptor-drone defeat enabled by Origin Robotics’ autonomous systems.

DroneShield and Origin Robotics recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further cooperation on counter-UAS opportunities.

As the threat environment evolves, driven by widespread use of long-range, low-cost kamikaze drones such as Shahed’s, interceptor drones are increasingly being explored as a complementary effector within modern layered counter-UAS architectures, such as DroneShield’s DroneSentry.

Angus Bean, Chief Product Officer at DroneShield said the collaboration positions both companies to move forward on global counter-UAS initiatives. “Counter-UAS has entered a phase where accuracy, speed and scalability are non-negotiable. Our sensor fusion capability delivers world-leading quality track data and allows operators to continuously strengthen drone detection. By partnering with Origin, we are creating a pathway that directly addresses the need to defeat Shahed-type threats, providing operators with a mature, affordable and operationally credible approach as part of a truly layered sensor and effector solution.”

Agris Kipurs, CEO of Origin Robotics said the alignment between the companies creates strong potential for future capability development. “Our autonomous interceptor platforms are built for the realities of modern conflict, where traditional systems can struggle to respond quickly or cost-effectively. Partnering with DroneShield allows us to combine best-in-class detection with real-time interception, creating a more responsive and scalable approach to counter-UAS operations.”

As Europe, the Middle East and the United States continue to invest in more resilient counter?UAS capabilities, this MOU positions DroneShield and Origin Robotics to jointly pursue emerging opportunities and offer pathways to operators seeking adaptable, scalable solutions.

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Cubic Digital Intelligence Assessed “Awardable” for Department of War Work in the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s (CDAO) Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace

Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 31, 2026 – Cubic Digital Intelligence (CDI), a leading provider of defense software for geospatial intelligence and full-motion video dissemination, today announced that its TAKTICS solution has achieved “Awardable” status through the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s (CDAO) Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.

“Achieving Awardable status on Tradewinds validates both the operational impact of TAKTICS and the growing need for rapid, reliable GEOINT dissemination at the tactical edge,” said Samuel Stollar, VP & General Manager of Cubic Digital Intelligence. “This pathway allows Government customers to quickly identify, evaluate and acquire a solution already proven across special operations and conventional forces.”

The Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace is the Department of War’s digital repository of post-competition, readily awardable pitch videos designed to accelerate procurement of AI, data and analytics capabilities across the enterprise.

TAKTICS is CDI’s enterprise GEOINT dissemination platform built specifically for the TAK ecosystem. It automates delivery of mission-critical imagery, terrain and vector data from secure repositories directly to TAK devices, enabling operators to access current geospatial intelligence even in disconnected, denied, degraded, intermittent and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments.

TAKTICS eliminates manual data preparation, reduces dependency on reach-back networks and synchronizes GEOINT from enterprise to tactical edge in seconds.

TAKTICS is relied upon operationally by Warfighters across the DoW, Special Operations Forces, Marine Raiders, Army Special Forces Groups, Ranger units, AFSOC Special Tactics Squadrons and Naval Special Warfare teams for mission planning, imagery exploitation and ATAK data preparation in austere and denied environments worldwide.

Cubic Digital Intelligence’s video, TAKTICS | Enterprise GEOINT Dissemination for the Tactical Edge, is accessible to Government users within the Tradewinds Marketplace and demonstrates how the solution bridges enterprise GEOINT systems to tactical users through automated workflows and AutoSync Maps technology.

To learn more about Cubic products and services, visit www.cubic.com.

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D3O Appoints Matthieu Bazil as New CEO to Continue International Growth in Defence Markets

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

London, UK – 31st March– Global protection brand, D3O/Delta Three Oscar, today announces the appointment of Matthieu Bazil as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026, following the retirement of incumbent CEO Stuart Sawyer.

Bazil joins D3O as an experienced global CEO with a strong track record of building and scaling brands across a variety of industries including sportswear, 2 wheel and defence. His previous roles include President and CEO of 2 Ride Group,home to leading protection brands including Shark, Nolan, Troy Lee Designs and Bering; and President and CEO of Aqualung Group, a global leader in recreational, military and professional diving equipment. He also held senior executive leadership roles at Fox Racing, a D3O partner and leading brand in motocross and mountain bike equipment.

His background in military and professional-grade equipment gives him a strong understanding of the operational requirements, certification standards and procurement procedures that define modern defence markets.

The transition of the CEO role comes at a time when D3O’s innovation pipeline is full, with exciting new applications ready to launch and the business and brand foundations are primed for significant expansion.

Over the coming months, Bazil will work closely with outgoing CEO, Stuart Sawyer, to ensure a seamless leadership transition. After 15 years of establishing and building D3O into the world’s leading protection company, Sawyer is retiring as CEO and will join the Board of D3O with Investors Elysian Capital as a Non-Executive Director.

Bazil brings with him extensive expertise in brand development and international expansion and is ideally positioned to lead D3O through its next phase of strategic growth and global scaling, bringing with him a wealth of relevant experience across defence and law enforcement and a vast industry network.

“D3O is a market-leading brand with significant global growth potential, particularly within defence, law enforcement and military applications.” Said Bazil. “The company’s ballistic arm, Delta Three Oscar has a well-established customer base, and is trusted by many of the world’s most elite defence organisations including the US Army, UK Special Forces and tactical teams across NATO countries. There is huge potential to grow the brand exponentially and I am looking forward to driving this expansion.”

Under Sawyer’s leadership, D3O has grown from a small UK based start-up to global SME head-quartered in London with operating offices in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia. During this time Sawyer has successfully seen the business through three private equity investments and the supply of the D3O technology to leading global brands that include the likes of the US Army, Formula One race teams, Adidas and Harley Davidson.

Stuart Sawyer commented: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to build D3O over the past 15 years and to see our technology adopted across so many industries and applications around the world. I am incredibly proud of the team we have built and the innovation and energy they bring and how we have grown and diversified the business. With these strong foundations and an exciting development pipeline in place, I am delighted to handover the reigns to Matthieuand believe he is the right leader to take D3O into its next chapter of growth and international expansion.”

Mike Brown, Partner at Elysian Capital, D3O’s private equity investor, also acknowledged Sawyer’s contribution and welcomed Bazil’s appointment: “Stuart has done an exceptional job building D3O into the world-leading protection company it is today. His vision, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to innovation have created a resilient and high-growth business. We are excited to welcome Matthieu to D3O and look forward to supporting him as the company enters its next phase of development and international expansion.”

With this leadership transition, D3O will continue to build onits mission of developing the world’s best protection technology, giving its users the subconscious advantage of knowing they are protected by the best.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on D3O Appoints Matthieu Bazil as New CEO to Continue International Growth in Defence Markets