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Barretta Defense Technologies Releases White Paper Calling for Focus on Dismounted Soldier in Europe

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., founding member of the Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) strategic alliance of Beretta Holding group companies, is launching a White Paper calling for greater consideration of the dismounted soldier in Europe’s defence policy and programming.

The paper, titled “the Enduring Importance of the Dismounted Soldier in Modern Conflict” was presented to Members of the European Parliament, national and EU defence representatives on 5 March. Taking stock of lessons from the war in Ukraine, the paper underlines that the human element remains central to operational effectiveness. To defend Europe, training and equipping soldiers effectively must be a priority.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Beretta Holding Vice-President and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., Dr Franco Gussalli Beretta, said “As warfare continues to evolve through advancing technologies, the soldier remains a vital and irreplaceable element of modern defence. In this context, innovation and the continuous enhancement of individual equipment are essential to strengthening the capabilities and effectiveness of today’s soldiers”.

Although investment in defence at European and national level is ramping up, several challenges remain.

Programmes like the European Defence Fund (EDF), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) have strengthened Europe’s ability to invest together in defence. However, too little of this funding is allocated to soldier-focused capabilities.

A new industrial mindset

The White Paper highlights that Europe’s small arms, ammunition and equipment markets remain fragmented, characterised by different national approaches to equipping soldiers. Many countries are still equipping their soldiers with outdated service weapons or relying on non-European products.

The rapidly changing defence and geopolitical landscape calls for a new industrial mindset to address the challenges to equipping soldiers effectively. This mindset should focus on common requirements, pragmatic solutions and European collaboration.The paper calls on European policymakers to make the dismounted soldier a strategic priority by:

• Investing in modern infantry equipment;

• Harmonising European standards for that equipment;

• Streamlining design and performance criteria;

• Reforming procurement;

• Encouraging industrial cooperation between member states.

Beretta urges faster innovation, better planning, and learning from current conflicts to ensure soldiers are ready to face current and future threats.

Next steps

The White Paper draws on expertise from across Beretta Defense Technologies, a predominantly European alliance of Beretta Holding companies. Each BDT company has a rich history and reputation for excellence in their field: from firearms and ammunition production to precision optics, clothing and accessories.

Through this alliance, Beretta is uniquely placed to offer scalable solutions, designed and manufactured in Europe.

The latest innovations from BDT include specialised anti-drone firearms and ammunition.

This launch is intended as a first step towards the wider goal of a credible and autonomous European defence posture. Beretta stands ready to support decision makers to learn the lessons of today’s conflicts, address market fragmentation, establish key standards and criteria, and facilitate industrial alliances.

About Beretta

Beretta (Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta SpA) is the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world. With roots in Northern Italy going back to 1526, the company remains under the leadership of the Beretta family, making it one of the world’s oldest family-owned and family-run businesses. Beretta is also a founding member of BDT (Beretta Defense Technologies), an alliance of Beretta Holding Group companies that supply leading armed forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide with firearms, ammunition, optics, electro-optics, clothing and accessories.

To access the white paper, visit here.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

Milrem Robotics and PGZ Sign MoU to Strengthen Estonian–Polish Defence Industry Cooperation

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Poland’s largest defence industry group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential areas of collaboration and bolster strategic defence relations between Estonia, Poland, and Central & Eastern Europe.

Under the agreement, Milrem Robotics and PGZ will work together to accelerate the development of advanced defence technologies by leveraging each other’s expertise, industrial capabilities, and technological resources. One focus area includes payload integration on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), supporting the rapid adaptation of innovative systems to meet evolving operational requirements. The cooperation will also explore integrating Milrem Robotics’ autonomous technologies into PGZ’s vehicles, further enhancing the capabilities of next-generation defence platforms.

The MoU also serves as a foundation for future detailed agreements covering research and development, production, deliveries, services, and overhauls.

“By combining Milrem Robotics’ leadership in autonomous ground systems with PGZ’s extensive manufacturing base and defence portfolio, we aim to foster innovation, enhance interoperability, and strengthen regional security capabilities,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

Milrem Robotics Poland Managing Director Marcin Sobieraj added: “By joining forces with PGZ, we can accelerate the development and integration of advanced unmanned systems to better serve allied armed forces.”

Marcin Idzik, Vice President of PGZ added: “Collaboration with Milrem Robotics opens new opportunities for advancing innovative unmanned solutions within Poland’s defence ecosystem. Together, we aim to strengthen our industrial base and deliver cutting-edge capabilities to meet current and future defence challenges.”

The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to contribute to European defence innovation, industrial resilience, and closer cross-border cooperation.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

UK Ministry of Defense Selects TrellisWare Technologies – Leading Waveform Developer To Deliver More Than 5,000 Radios

Friday, March 20th, 2026

The project will see the British Army deploying TrellisWare’s tactical radios utilizing the company’s industry-best TSM® and optional Katana™ NB waveforms, providing the Army with the latest and most advanced, resilient, and interoperable MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Networking) systems available.San Diego, CA, March 10, 2026 – TrellisWare Technologies, Inc., the global leader in resilient waveforms and interoperable tactical radios, today announced that the company, through its UK partner Blacktree Technologies, has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) to provide TrellisWare tactical radios.

The extensive evaluation and specific selection of TrellisWare’s radios and waveforms aligns perfectly with the emerging MoD waveform strategy and further demonstrates its concerted approach to affordably, yet best, modernize UK defense networks at the pace and level of scrutiny demanded by current global threats.

The technological advantages of the TrellisWare product suite, coupled with the fact that the solutions are mission-proven and fully interoperable with other NATO nations’ communications systems, played a significant role in the decision for the MoD to work with TrellisWare.

“We are honored to work with the Ministry of Defense and British Army to fortify their communications infrastructure and help ensure mission success going forward,” says Metin Bayram, CEO of TrellisWare Technologies. “The strategic utilization of TrellisWare waveforms will provide the resiliency and extended coverage needed to maintain clear and consistent communications across the contested and congested spectrum environments they will surely encounter on the battlefields of today andtomorrow.”

The TrellisWare systems deliver voice, data and position location information via unique Barrage™ Relay Networking, providing the ability to scale to many hundreds of nodes in a single Radio Frequency channel, allowing extremely efficient use of very limited spectrum. This has the potential to give many more individual users the benefit of access to battlefield situational services versus other solutions offered in the tactical communications market today.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

DroneShield Expands Radar Interoperability with Robin Radar Systems

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

Sydney, Australia – 18 March 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced a partnership with Robin Radar Systems, strengthening advanced radar technologies to DroneShield’s growing sensor ecosystem. The interoperability expands radar options available to customers, strengthening layered airspace awareness across defense, critical infrastructure, and public safety environments.

Robin Radar Systems is recognized for its 360°, 3D radar technology designed to detect and track small airborne objects, including drones. Its radars are engineered to deliver reliable detection and classification performance across complex environments.

Image: Sample configuration of DroneShield’s DroneSentry layered defense with Robin Radar Systems

Expanding the Sensor Marketplace for Operators
DroneShield’s approach to counter-UAS is intentionally ecosystem-led. Rather than offering a closed or static solution, the company has invested in building a scalable marketplace of interoperable third-party sensors. This model gives operators the flexibility to select the right sensing technologies for their specific environment, threat profile, and operational constraints, both today and as requirements evolve.

By adding Robin Radar Systems to its ecosystem, DroneShield continues to expand the options available to customers seeking radar-based detection as part of a layered CUAS deployment. Radar can play a critical role in detecting and tracking airborne objects across wide areas and in challenging conditions, supporting persistent awareness and resilience.

At the center of this ecosystem is DroneShield’s DroneSentry-C2 powered by SensorFusionAI, which combines inputs from multiple sensor types to create a consolidated operational picture that reduces ambiguity and enhances decision confidence.

“Operators need systems that adapt to their mission, not the other way around,” said Angus Bean, DroneShield’s Chief Product Officer. “By partnering with Robin Radar Systems and expanding our sensor marketplace, we give customers more freedom to design their airspace security architecture, while SensorFusionAI ensures that all sensor inputs are fused into insights that support decisive action.”

Image: DroneShield’s DroneSentry-C2 brings together multiple sensors for a clear, single operating picture

Designed for Real-World Operations
“At Robin, we see ourselves as a new generation radar company – fast, adaptive, and built for integration. Our technology is designed to deliver seamless performance within broader security architectures. We’re pleased to be partnering with DroneShield to combine our market-leading IRIS 3D radar with their CUAS platform, enabling smarter, layered airspace protection worldwide,” said Marcel Verdonk, Robin Radar’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Robin Radar Systems brings decades of radar science and innovation to this partnership, delivering systems that are engineered for accuracy and optimized for modern CUAS challenges. This partnership ensures that operators no longer need to trade coverage for clarity. By combining complementary sensing technologies into a single, AI-enhanced platform, organizations can achieve both scale and understanding without increasing complexity.

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

Defence Investment Agency Awards Contract to Replace Current Canadian Armed Forces Assault Rifles

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

March 19, 2026 – Kitchener, Ontario

The Government of Canada is committed to rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to ensure they receive the equipment they need to achieve mission success and protect Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), and the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, announced that the Defence Investment Agency has awarded a contract to Colt Canada of Kitchener, Ontario, to acquire up to 65,402 assault rifle systems under the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) initiative. By awarding this contract to Colt Canada, the Government of Canada is reinforcing the recently announced Defence Industrial Strategy and its commitment to invest in Canadian innovation.

The CMAR project will be delivered through 2 phases:

Phase 1 includes procuring 30,000 General Service (GS) rifles over a three-year period. The estimated value of this initial phase is approximately $307 million, including applicable taxes.

Phase 2, which is expected to begin in year four under an optional provision, will include procuring the remaining 19,207 GS rifles, 16,195 Full Spectrum (FS) rifles, as well as associated ancillaries.

This contract will provide a modern replacement for the current C7/C8 assault rifle fleet, which has been in service for more than 35 years. The new rifles will enhance the awareness, protection, and reliability of deployed CAF members. The project also includes system integration and engineering support.

The investment will bolster Canada’s defence industrial base for years to come, creating good?paying jobs and contributing roughly $10 million annually to Canada’s GDP over the next five years. Colt Canada’s commitment to include at least 80% Canadian content will also generate opportunities for suppliers across the country. Further economic benefits are expected under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, which ensures that defence procurements generate long?term, high?value investments in Canada.

This contract is part of the first wave of high-priority defence procurements to be implemented by the Defence Investment Agency. The Agency play a central role in implementing Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy by engaging industry earlier in the procurement process, supporting innovation and aligning procurement strategies with long-term military and industrial priorities.

Together, the Defence Investment Agency and the Defence Industrial Strategy are making generational investments in Canada’s defence ecosystem—transforming how Canada equips its military, strengthening domestic supply chains, and ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to keep Canada safe and sovereign.

To replace the current service rifle, the DIA made a deliberate decision to advance CMAR through a direct acquisition for asset replacement, and advanced the procurement using a Risk?Based Approach (RBA). These actions reflect Canada’s commitment to streamlining processes and accelerating the delivery of equipment to the CAF. This investment supports Canada’s efforts to meet its NATO defence spending targets, while ensuring the CAF has the modern equipment needed to respond to evolving operational demands.

“Providing modern, reliable capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces is central to the Defence Investment Agency’s mission, and our streamlined approach will deliver this capability to our troops faster. This contract with Colt Canada advances Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy by strengthening domestic production, creating good?paying jobs, and growing our economy. By investing in advanced systems and Canadian expertise, we are ensuring our Forces remain ready for the challenges ahead while building a stronger, more resilient defence industry at home.”

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

“Today’s announcement reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to protect Canadians and contribute to global security. The Canadian Modular Assault Rifle project is an important step in modernizing the equipment our service members rely on every day. By investing in modern, reliable tools and working with a trusted Canadian partner, we are supporting the operational readiness of our Armed Forces while strengthening Canada’s defence industry and the skilled workforce behind it.“

The Honourable David J. McGuinty
Minister of National Defence

“Today’s announcement is a win for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Rifles remain foundational to soldier effectiveness in the field, and this development brings over 40 years of technology evolution to Canada’s fighting forces. This represents tangible progress, and a clear example of how we can move with greater agility to bring modern, reliable equipment to soldiers. It is about delivering the Army Canada needs, today, and into the future.”

Lieutenant-General M.C. Wright
Commander Canadian Army

On February 17, 2026, the Prime Minister launched Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy to transform our defence industries by prioritising Canadian suppliers and materials, investing in Canadian innovation and commercialisation, and streamlining procurement to give businesses consistent and predictable demand.

On October 2, 2025, the Prime Minister announced the creation of the Defence Investment Agency. This new special operating agency was established to strengthen Canada’s defence procurement system. It marks a major advancement in modernizing the process, aimed at rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces to address evolving global threats and meet operational requirements.

The newly established Defence Investment Agency is modernizing defence procurement for the Government of Canada. The Agency is accelerating mission-critical equipment delivery to the CAF by centralizing expertise and streamlining decisions.

Under this contract, up to 65,402 modern assault rifles will be delivered: 16,195 will be the FS variant, while the remaining 49,207 will be the GS variant.

The FS variant is designed for front-line combat roles. It is optimized for offensive operations in urban and open terrain, and it has advanced features for soldiers in Regular Infantry units. The GS variant is intended for broader use across the CAF. It provides reliable personal protection and deterrence for personnel who are not in primary combat roles.

The ammunition to be produced as part of the CMAR initiative will also be made in Canada.

The CMAR contract was advanced under a Risk?Based Approach (RBA), through which a procurement is managed according to its level of complexity and risk . This approach ensures that procurements receive Treasury Board (TB) approvals and oversight appropriate to their complexity, enabling timely delivery for the CAF by streamlining processes.

The Munitions Supply Program, established in 1974, ensures that the CAF have reliable sources of supply in Canada for ammunition, small arms and related equipment. Equipment is purchased from designated domestic facilities that serve as strategic sources of supply and centres of excellence. The MSP supports the development of a competitive Canadian defence industry, creating long-term economic benefits and thousands of jobs across the country.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | 16 Comments »

America’s Most Advanced Mobile Tactical Cannon, SIGMA, on Display at AUSA Global Force in Huntsville, Alabama

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

The ONLY fielded, wheeled howitzer, made in the U.S.A. that delivers revolutionary 360-degree firing, mobility, lethality, and survivability

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – March 18, 2026?– SIGMA, Elbit Systems of America’s (Elbit America) fielded offering for the United States Army’s Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization program will be on rare display at the AUSA Global Force Symposium and Exhibition in Huntsville, Alabama, March 24-26, 2026.

Built in Charleston, South Carolina, SIGMA stands alone as the only self-propelled wheeled howitzer manufactured in the U.S. With advanced maneuverability, SIGMA’s 10×10 platform successfully moves with brigade combat teams across complex terrain and can shoot and scoot in less than 60 seconds.

Delivering exclusive 360-degree firing, SIGMA is equipped with an automated 155mm turret and is the only self-propelled wheeled cannon that can fire all variations of 155mm munitions in the U.S. Army’s arsenal. In the field, SIGMA serves with a 40-round onboard magazine and can shoot an astounding eight rounds per minute – all while keeping its three-person crew well protected in the armored cab.

“SIGMA was designed to deliver real overmatch, so Soldiers can fight, survive, and win in the most contested environments,” said Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Elbit America. “This platform provides the might and modernization our U.S. Army artillery formations demand. SIGMA is built for Warriors, made with American grit, and it’s ready now.”

In partnership with Oshkosh Defense, providers of the artillery system’s vehicle base, Elbit America’s SIGMA will be on display in Oshkosh’s booth, 411, just across the aisle from Elbit America in booth 532. Both are inside the South Hall of the Von Braun Center. The exhibit hall is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24-25, and 9 a.m. to noon on March 26.

Experience firsthand what American-made artillery dominance looks like with Elbit America’s SIGMA Mobile Tactical Cannon.

www.elbitamerica.com/sigma

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

Icon Defense Unveils Monolithic Upper Receiver Systems After a Year of Anticipation

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

The Monolithic platform sets a new industry benchmark with its advanced one-piece construction, delivering unmatched rigidity and precision alignment for modern rifle builders.

(Tumwater, WA] — [March 20, 2026) – Icon Defense today announced the official release of its highly anticipated Monolithic Upper Receiver Systems, first unveiled at SHOT Show 2025. Engineered for performance-driven shooters and builders, the new lineup introduces a fully integrated, one-piece design that enhances strength, precision, and reliability across AR-15 platforms.

Precision-machined from billet aluminum, each monolithic upper combines the receiver and handguard into a continuous structure. This design eliminates traditional flex points, resulting in exceptional rigidity, improved rail alignment, and consistent shot-to-shot performance.

“Monolithic construction represents a significant step forward in platform stability and performance,” said Dave Roberts of Icon Defense. “These uppers were designed for shooters who demand the highest level of consistency and durability from their equipment.”

Key Benefits

• Enhanced Rigidity: One-piece construction eliminates movement between receiver and handguard.
• Improved Alignment: Continuous top rail ensures precise mounting for optics and accessories.
• Precision Machining: Billet aluminum construction for long-term durability.
• Integrated Design: Streamlined profile optimized for modern rifle configurations.

Specifications

• Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum.
• Finish: Type III Hard Coat Anodizing.
• Compatibility: Compatible with all standard AR-15 barrels.

Available Configurations:

• 5.56 M-LOK – 10.75.”
• A2 – 7.25”
• Quad Rail – 10.75” (More Lengths coming soon)

Included Components

• Titanium Monolithic Barrel Nut.
• Icon Defense Gas Block.
• Monolithic Barrel Nut Tube Wrench.
• Dust Cover Door Pin.
• Drive Lock Wrench.
• Hard Plastic Case.

The Icon Defense Monolithic Upper Receiver Systems are proudly manufactured in the United States and are available now.

For more information or to purchase, visit:
killer-innovations.com/shop/icon-defense-billet-monolithic-collection

Posted in Black Rifle, Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

Orbit Unveils MPT40: A New Standard for Compact, High-Performance, Combat Ready SATCOM

Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

Multi-platform terminal designed for vehicles, small vessels and manoeuvring forces, combining minimal footprint, high performance and cost efficiency

SATELLITE 2026, March 23-26, Walter E. Washington Convention Center // Washington, DC, booth #1925

March 17, 2026 Orbit Communication Systems Ltd., a leading provider of airborne communications management systems, broadband land, maritime and airborne SATCOM terminals, and ground station solutions, is launching the MPT40 Multi-Platform SATCOM Terminal, a compact, lightweight and cost-effective satellite communication system designed to deliver high performance across diverse military operational environments. The new terminal provides forces with a flexible communication capability that can be deployed across multiple platforms while maintaining reliable, resilient connectivity.

Designed for true operational versatility in a GNSS denied environment, the MPT40 can be installed on military vehicles, small naval vessels or deployed by maneuvering ground forces operating in the field. The same system can be easily transferred between platforms, enabling operational flexibility and simplifying logistics while ensuring mission continuity.

With a particularly low footprint of 50×50 cm (20″x20″)- the terminal is ideally suited for armored vehicles and space-constrained tactical platforms where profile, weight and available space are critical operational considerations. The system is lightweight, easily disassembled and rapidly deployable, supporting quick field setup when mobility and responsiveness are essential.

The MPT40 supports multi-orbit satellite constellations including GEO, MEO, HEO and LEO, delivering reliable broadband connectivity anytime, anywhere. Its advanced design ensures strong performance across all elevation angles, maintaining stable communication links for command-and-control, ISR and other mission-critical applications even in challenging operational environments.

The system complies with stringent Military Standards (810H & 461G), supports operation with virtually any modem, features electronically controlled polarization switching and incorporates a single-LRU Combat Proven architecture — an important advantage particularly for rapid installation, maintenance and operational support.

By combining compact size, high performance and cost efficiency in a single terminal, the MPT40 provides armed forces with a practical, flexible SATCOM solution suited for modern multi-domain operations.

Daniel Eshchar, CEO of Orbit, commented: “We identified a clear operational need among maneuvering forces for one versatile SATCOM system capable of supporting multiple missions and platforms. The MPT40 was designed to answer that need — delivering flexibility, strong performance and reliable connectivity in a compact solution that can move with the force and adapt to evolving operational requirements.”

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