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AV Awarded US Army RCCTO Contract for Kinesis, Named Lead Software & Systems Integrator for HMIF

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va.,–AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a contract award from the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for its tactical mission planning and command and control (C2) software for the Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) Increment 1 program.

HMIF accelerates the fielding of robotic formations to leverage machines to offload risk and provides Soldiers with additional information for decision-making for armored and infantry formations. Each formation will include ground and air systems and enablers to aid in the human decision-making process to find, fix, and engage enemy targets. HMIF prototype development supports existing and future robotic programs of record by mitigating risk associated with enabling capabilities such as the common architecture, communications and networking.

AV’s software solution, Kinesis, will provide a unified interface to meet the needs of HMIF for mission planning, tactical awareness, autonomy management, and payload control to simplify complex operations and accelerate mission capabilities with unmatched scale and speed.

“AV’s Kinesis software is a true force multiplier that allows a single tactical operator to control a mixed fleet of autonomous systems developed by multiple OEMs, transforming military operations and accelerating our combat readiness,” said Jason Hendrix, AV Vice President and General Manager. “By leveraging the simplicity and scalability of our open and modular software ecosystem, RCCTO is developing HMIF for ultimate mission flexibility–helping warfighters quickly, easily, and safely carry out autonomous missions across domains.”

Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV, added: “We are delivering superior autonomous solutions to warfighters, not just through our trusted and proven platforms but with our advanced controllers and software capabilities that simplify sophisticated operations, augment force capacity, and drive mission outcomes. Together with U.S. Army RCCTO and an incredible team of industry partners, we are pushing the boundaries of the possible in multi-domain operations.”

Kinesis provides interoperability across tactical C2 platforms, including TAK/ATAK. Its built-in Software Developers Kit creates a collaborative development environment for expanded modularity and integrations of third-party software. To support the HMIF program’s software needs, AV is leveraging strategic partnerships with industry leading expertise from Applied Research Associates’ Neya Systems, Parry Labs, and QinetiQ. The team’s collective capabilities will provide robust solutions that offer unmatched operational efficiency and deliver a comprehensive solution for the U.S. Army’s HMIF requirements.

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PROOF Research Names Cameron Wride as Western US Sales Manager

Monday, October 20th, 2025

Seven-year industry veteran and former SWAT firearms instructor to lead sales in 12-state region.

Columbia Falls, Mont. (October 2025) – PROOF Research®, a leader in advanced firearms technology and carbon fiber barrel manufacturing, is proud to announce it has appointed Cameron Wride as its new Western U.S. Sales Manager. Wride will oversee sales and dealer relationships across Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Alaska. He brings seven years of outdoor industry experience with Cabela’s, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, and Kimber, along with law enforcement and firearms instruction background from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office in Montana.

“Cameron’s mix of industry knowledge, sales success, and hands-on tactical firearms experience makes him an exceptional addition to the team,” commented Brandon Hulzebosch, Director of Sales at PROOF Research. “His credibility with dealers and end-users across the West will help us continue driving growth across this critical region.”

Wride most recently served as a Patrol Deputy with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, where he was also a member of the Northwest Montana Regional SWAT Team, a certified firearms instructor, and deputy coroner. Before transitioning to law enforcement, he worked in sales roles for Cabela’s, Murdoch’s, and Kimber. While at Kimber, he managed major accounts, supported live-fire demonstrations, and attended trade shows.

“I’m excited to return to the industry and represent a company as respected and innovative as PROOF Research,” Wride said. “I look forward to translating my experiences into success for our dealers and customers across the West.”

Wride will be based in Montana and will manage sales strategy, dealer development, and regional outreach initiatives throughout his 12-state territory.

Find out more about PROOF Research barrels and rifles at proofresearch.com.

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EOTECH Launches DCBL Line of Suppressors

Monday, October 20th, 2025

Plymouth, MI (November 2025) – EOTECH is diversifying its portfolio with the introduction of the DCBL line of firearm suppressors. The DCBL suppressor series embodies the pinnacle of modern suppressor design, integrating advanced materials, user-centric features, and a perfect balance of weight and suppression. The 3D-printed, Grade 5 Titanium, flow-through design, makes it a cleaner shot process with reduced recoil.

DCBL suppressors are precision-engineered and designed for exceptional sound suppression, recoil mitigation, and operational reliability. Featuring a proprietary Breathable Technology, DCBL suppressors actively stabilize internal pressure while reducing blowback and minimizing back pressure to the weapon system. This translates to smoother cycling, reduced carbon buildup, and enhanced shooter control.

Its monolithic, corrosion-resistant construction is built to withstand harsh operational environments, including salt air, extreme temperatures, and prolonged courses of fire. A Cerakote finish in either Matte Black or Tan provides added durability.

“We literally have millions of customers from military and LE to hunters and recreational shooters” said Aaron Hampton, President of Product Management. “Our goal with the DCBL line of suppressors is to provide these customers, as well as others, with a premium product that will enhance their rifle platform while providing a comfortable, hearing-safe shooting experience”. DCBL suppressors are available in three calibers- 5.56, 7.62, and 9mm PCC. The 5.56/7.62 cans come equipped with a hub and KFM flash hider, while the 9mm PCC will directly thread onto pistol caliber carbines. The patterned, exterior design provides increased surface area for heat dissipation as well as traction for attachment and removal.

“EOTECH is excited to enter into the suppressor market” said Tom Hadt, President of Sales and Marketing.

“Suppressors are becoming a standard piece of equipment on today’s modern firearms, and we feel our expertise in producing products designed around professional users will carry over into the development of high-performance sound suppressors”.

Built for the professional user, DCBL suppressors deliver suppression without compromise. MSRP for the DCBL 556 and 762 is $1,099 and $999 for the DCBL 9PCC.

For more information, please visit www.eotechinc.com

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GA-ASI Selected to Support US Navy CCA Design Effort

Monday, October 20th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 17 October 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been contracted by the U.S. Navy to develop conceptual designs for a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to support the carrier air wing of tomorrow.
GA-ASI was selected to work on Navy CCA designs emphasizing a modular approach to platform selection, capable of being rapidly reconfigured and upgraded to meet changing mission requirements, including operations on and from aircraft carriers. GA-ASI’s approach supports the Navy’s revolutionary acquisition strategy of smaller, frequent purchases that enable rapid technology insertion rather than traditional long-lifecycle programs.

GA-ASI’s Navy CCA contract follows its selection to design and fly the U.S. Air Force’s first CCA, the YFQ-42A. A production-representative unmanned fighter, YFQ-42A was the first Air Force CCA to begin flight testing in August, another historic achievement for the company.

“We’re honored by the vote of confidence from the U.S. Navy and we’re eager to put what we’ve built to work for the future fleet,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “No one has more experience than we do with unmanned combat aircraft and we’re leveraging that to help the Navy get this capability onto the flight deck fast.”

CCAs are highly capable, semi-autonomous jet fighters that complement and enhance traditional, human-piloted combat aircraft. Produced in high quantities at comparatively low cost, they let commanders shift risk away from human flight crews, enhance the sensing and other capabilities of legacy aircraft formations, increase lethality of the air wing, and maximize operational flexibility across the board.

GA-ASI has configured all its unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV) to be AMS-GRA compliant, including XQ-67A, YFQ-42A and MQ-20 Avenger®. GA-ASI rapidly reconfigured and upgraded its modular XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, an autonomous-capable unmanned jet built under contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory that achieved first flight in 2024. GA-ASI has pioneered unmanned jet operations for more than 17 years, beginning with the MQ-20 Avenger in 2008, and has extensive experience working with the U.S. Navy and other nations on carrier-based unmanned aircraft operations.

The Navy’s CCA design will emphasize seamless coordination among manned fighters, uncrewed vehicles and support platforms; accommodate elevated risk profiles and reduce risk to crewed platforms; support and enhance 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft and complement 6th-generation aircraft; and maximize operational flexibility, cost efficiency and mission effectiveness.

At the UK’s Farnborough Air Show in 2024, GA-ASI announced its company-developed concept for ship-based CCA operations, codenamed Gambit 5. GA-ASI’s Gambit Series envisions multiple CCA variants rapidly reconfigured from a common Gambit Core, enabling substantial commonality for rapid and affordable production at scale.

GA-ASI has recorded numerous recent aviation milestones with its aircraft at sea. In 2023, the short takeoff and landing demonstrator known as Mojave launched from and landed aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. In 2024, Mojave took off from the South Korean amphibious assault ship Dokdo and flew to a naval base ashore.

GA-ASI has developed more than two dozen different types of unmanned aircraft and delivered more than 1,200 units to customers, building more than 100 aircraft per year at its 5 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Poway, Calif. GA-ASI aircraft have amassed 9 million total flight hours and more than 50 GA-ASI aircraft are aloft around the world every minute of every day.

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Major Order Worth Over €300 Million: Rheinmetall to Supply Armoured Medical Facilities for Deployment Near the Front Line

Sunday, October 19th, 2025

Rheinmetall has received an order from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to supply highly mobile medical facilities to the German Armed Forces. The framework agreement concluded in September 2025 has an initial call-off value of over €300 million. The first of these protected, highly mobile medical facilities, which meet NATO Role 2B standards, is scheduled to be delivered to the Bundeswehr as a series model in 2029. The systems are intended for use by the German brigade in Lithuania, among others. The contract will be implemented by Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH.

Each of the medical facilities consists of a total of eleven vehicles with associated multifunctional containers. The contract is valid until 2040 and allows for the ordering of additional systems.

The containers remain on the vehicles during operation. These are military HX trucks from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. This makes the medical facilities highly mobile and allows them to be deployed in national and alliance defence operations in line with the threat situation. Seriously injured personnel can thus be treated close to the front line. In terms of mobility and protection, there is currently no comparable system available in NATO.

With the Role 2B medical facilities now on order, the Bundeswehr will have a highly mobile, protected system for life-saving emergency surgery and intensive care in the immediate vicinity of mechanised land forces. ‘This will enable us to provide our soldiers on the ground with the best possible medical care,’ said Dr Deniz Akitürk, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH.

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Kopin and THEON International Advance Alliance Following Regulatory Approval of $15M Agreement & Additional $8M Joint Development

Sunday, October 19th, 2025

Kopin gains significant access to the European and NATO defense market
Accelerates development of critical technologies
Further strengthens Kopin’s balance sheet
Fixed conversion price of $3.00 per share on $7 million convertible preferred stock issuance

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN) a leading provider of application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays for defense, training, enterprise, industrial, consumer and medical products, announces a $15.0 million strategic investment agreement by Theon International Plc (Euronext Amsterdam: THEON), a globally recognized developer and manufacturer of advanced thermal imaging and night vision systems for global defense and thermal imaging markets.

Upon closing the parties will enter into a licensing and development agreement and funding agreements. Theon will invest $8.0 million into Kopin’s subsidiary in Dalgety Bay, Scotland, supporting co-developed products for Europe, Southeast Asia, and NATO countries, enabling collaborative initiatives across key global regions. In exchange for the $8.0 million Theon will receive a 49% equity interest in Kopin Europe. The parties anticipate performing joint development and production activities at Kopin’s wholly owned subsidiary in Reston, Virginia USA.

In addition, Theon will purchase $7.0 million of preferred shares from Kopin convertible into common stock at a fixed conversion price of $3.00 per share. Kopin will have the ability to force the conversion to common stock, once Kopin’s stock trades at $4.50 or higher for a period of 10 trading days within a 30 consecutive trading day period as defined in the agreements. The preferred shares carry an annual dividend of 4% payable in cash and stock. The $15.0 million investment is subject to standard closing conditions including obtaining necessary regulatory approval and is expected to close in Kopin’s fiscal third quarter.

“We are glad to be partnering up with KOPIN to realize their strategy of supplying complete systems directly to end users using novel micro-displays,” said Christian Hadjiminas, THEON’s CEO. “THEON’s extended A.R.M.E.D. product line of Augmented Reality solutions for the dismounted solder will be a vehicle for co-developments between the two companies enabling and expanding resources on KOPIN’s facilities in Reston (VA) that becomes Theon USA ‘s new industrial location. KOPIN’s engineering, components, and market reach will increase THEON’s US market penetration, while THEON’s global footprint in the rest of the world, along with the European jointly owned company KOPIN Europe (Scotland, UK) will ensure KOPIN’s products as well as the new co-developed products by KOPIN and THEON will be globally promoted. A true U.S. and European alliance for the present and future in the digital man portable space.”

Michael Murray, Chairman and CEO of Kopin stated, “Theon’s investment reflects our confidence in the relationship and the value we see in working together. The investment is expected to accelerate revenue growth in new markets, scale existing operations and better leverage our manufacturing infrastructure. Partnering with a world class international organization like Theon – one that believes in our future and shares in our vision – comes at a pivotal time as global defense spending continues to rise and a transformative milestone in Kopin’s evolution.”

This strategic relationship is expected to elevate Kopin’s position as a global player in microdisplays and application specific optical solutions for defense applications, and drive innovation, expand market reach, and reinforce Kopin’s role in delivering mission-critical optical technologies to allied defense forces worldwide.

Advisors

Stifel is acting as exclusive financial advisor and placement agent to Kopin.

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SIG SAUER Responds to New Jersey Attorney General’s Latest Attack on Firearms Industry

Friday, October 17th, 2025

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 17, 2025) – New Jersey Attorney General Platkin (D) filed a complaint against SIG SAUER, making numerous false and unsubstantiated claims about the P320. This false information requires immediate clarification and remedy.

AG Platkin’s assertion that the Modular Handgun System (MHS) program would not accept SIG SAUER’s submission because testing by the U.S. Army deemed it “unsafe” without a manual safety is outright false. The MHS program solicitation required all firearm manufacturers’ bids include pistols with manual safeties. The Government assured all bidders it would discontinue testing and eliminate a competitor from further consideration if the testing process uncovered any safety issue. SIG SAUER was not eliminated from the competition, but in fact was awarded the contract for the military’s official sidearm.

The Attorney General’s office further stated that an FBI Ballistics Research Facility report claimed one of the safety mechanisms of the P320 can be disabled without any pressure on the trigger. This is also false. SIG SAUER engineers worked directly with the FBI and the Michigan State Police, who commissioned the report, to conduct a comprehensive battery of follow-on tests. The tests resulted in zero failures and today the Michigan State Police confidently issue their officers P320 pistols.

Contrary to the baseless allegations, SIG SAUER has always and will continue to put the safety and security of the US Military, the law enforcement community, consumers, and the public first. AG Platkin’s statement that the P320 can fire uncommanded is also incorrect. To date, nearly twenty (20) P320 lawsuits have been dismissed. Despite years of litigation, plaintiffs’ “experts” have been repeatedly excluded from testifying after being unable to re-create a P320 discharge without a trigger pull. SIG SAUER intends to seek dismissal of AG Platkin’s baseless complaint.

The P320 pistol is one of the safest, most advanced pistols in the world. It meets and exceeds all industry safety standards. Its design has been thoroughly tested and validated by the U.S. Military and law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels, along with several major global militaries. Since its development in 2014, the P320 has undergone more testing and technical review than virtually any other pistol in history.

Please visit P320Truth.com, a dedicated website for promoting accurate information about the P320.

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GA-ASI and Dutch Ministry of Defense Sign Agreement To Develop New Defense Capabilities

Friday, October 17th, 2025

WASHINGTON – 16 October 2025 – On October 16, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed an agreement to develop innovative defense capabilities starting with a small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) designed to provide multi-role intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The new platform will be low cost and able to host a variety of operationally relevant payloads and capabilities.

The partnership envisions implementing a business model that will enable the platform to scale up to high-volume production to meet demand.

“This contract is the first step in a strategic partnership with the Dutch MoD that will ultimately contribute to the defense of Ukraine and NATO by creating a versatile European defense system,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.

GA-ASI is the world leader in UAS products and capabilities. The company is building on its established relationship with the Netherlands to create an urgently needed partnership to help defend Europe.

As part of the first phase of the contract, the Dutch MOD will collaborate with GA-ASI to establish UAS manufacturing capability.

Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel Gijs Tuinman mentioned that this partnership is important: “Together with GA we will be increasing innovative SUAS capabilities and advancing technical knowhow in the Netherlands. This project is an example of strategic trans-Atlantic collaboration that supports our defense and technological base as we contribute to the defense of Ukraine and NATO by creating a versatile European defense system and working with a strong U.S. partner.”

VDL Defentec has been selected by GA-ASI to provide contract manufacturing of the new SUAS. VDL Defentec is based in the Netherlands and specializes in the development, engineering, subcontracting and production of military and special-purpose vehicles and other platforms. GA-ASI will work closely with VDL and provide detailed knowledge about the design, manufacture, logistics, and support of the new SUAS.

“We are excited having been selected by General Atomics and we are proud to support Dutch MOD to create, together with GA-ASI, this unique capability for the Netherlands making our country and our allies more resilient,” said Paul Malcontent, managing director of VDL Defentec.

The new aircraft is expected to fly before the end of this year with low-rate initial production expected to commence in 2026 in both the U.S. and the Netherlands.

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