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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Red Cat’s Teal Drones Advances to Gauntlet II of Drone Dominance Program

Monday, July 6th, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, July 02, 2026 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc.?(Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced that Teal Drones Inc. has advanced to Gauntlet II of the Drone Dominance Program. According to the program’s Phase 2 participant list, Teal is among 19 companies invited to participate in Gauntlet II at Fort Carson, Colorado, in August 2026, following the Phase 2 Qualifier.

The Phase 2 Qualifier was held at Camp Grayling, Michigan, where 49 companies were invited to compete and approximately 79 unique drones were tested across Long Range Strike and Tactical Assault in Close Quarters mission areas. Teal’s advancement reflects Red Cat’s continued focus on delivering trusted, mission-ready drone and robotic solutions that support the warfighter with critical situational awareness and operational advantage.

“Advancing to Gauntlet II is an honor and a meaningful validation of the work our Teal team is doing to deliver trusted, mission-ready systems for the warfighter,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “The Drone Dominance Program is focused on rapidly identifying proven drone technologies that can provide a decisive advantage on the modern battlefield, and we are proud to continue competing in support of that mission.”

BAE Systems Delivers first Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles to Army National Guard and Other US Military Units

Monday, July 6th, 2026

BAE Systems has completed the delivery of 19 Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles (CATV) to the U.S. military, including the Vermont National Guard (VTNG) Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS).

This marks the first time the VTNG AMWS has received CATVs, representing a significant milestone in the service’s and state’s military modernization efforts.

The CATV is a rugged, ready-made platform designed to tackle the toughest winter conditions with exceptional mobility and versatility. These vehicles will enhance the VTNG’s ability to operate in extreme cold, while also supporting training missions. In addition, military personnel will also receive hands-on training for vehicle operation and maintenance to ensure seamless integration.

This latest delivery also includes vehicles for the Arctic Region Test Center (ARTC) in Alaska and the 11th Airborne Division. The CATV program has seen significant growth since its inception, with BAE Systems continuing to build and deliver toward the Army’s goal of producing 487 vehicles.

“As we continue to deliver on our commitment to the U.S. military, we’re looking forward to seeing the impact of our CATVs in the field,” said Dean Medland, Combat Mission Systems’ vice president of sustainment and international. “The CATV’s unique capabilities will be a game-changer for the Vermont National Guard, Arctic Region Test Center and the 11th Airborne Division, enabling them to operate more effectively in challenging cold-weather environments.”

This delivery of 19 vehicles brings the total number of CATVs delivered to date to 58, and Hagglunds continues working to deliver the additional 97 vehicles currently on order.

Work on the CATVs takes place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Fort Wainwright, the ARTC and the VTNG.

Mehler Systems Establishes “Mehler Systems Asia” to Drive Strategic Growth and Operational Excellence in the APAC Region

Sunday, July 5th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY, 3 July 2026

Mehler Systems, a global leader in ballistic protection and tactical gear solutions, is pleased to announce the establishment of Mehler Systems Asia (MSA). This strategic expansion further strengthens the group’s global market position and reinforces its structural footprint in the highly dynamic and strategically important Asia-Pacific (APAC) growth region.

Accelerating Development Through Regional Integration

By operating in close proximity to leading suppliers and advanced manufacturing networks, Mehler Systems is creating a robust operational foundation designed to significantly accelerate development cycles. The new entity will leverage the deep expertise of highly qualified local professionals to streamline operations, foster regional innovation, and respond to global market demands with unprecedented agility.

“The establishment of Mehler Systems Asia marks a pivotal milestone in our global growth strategy,” said Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems. “To maintain our position as an industry leader, we must be exactly where our supply chains and future markets intersect. MSA allows us to deepen our relationships with key regional partners, optimize our sourcing structures, and uphold the uncompromising quality standards our customers rely on worldwide.”

A Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing and Uncompromising Compliance

In addition to further expanding its strategic sourcing structures, Mehler Systems Asia will maintain a dedicated focus on the sustainable development and qualification of regional suppliers. The establishment of MSA ensures rigorous compliance and meticulous specification management at a local level. Ultimately, this initiative will further strengthen the company’s established leadership in quality, reliability, and operational excellence across its entire product portfolio.

About Mehler Systems:

Mehler Systems Group is an international and global leader dedicated to exceptional ballistic protection and tactical-gear solutions for law enforcement, the military, and special forces.*

The Mehler Systems Group is home to the brands of Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof, and UF PRO. Mehler Protection is known for its body and platform armour solutions, UF PRO is an expert in top-tier tactical garment systems, while Lindnerhof stands out for its innovative carrying solutions and tactical equipment.

With a presence in over 40 countries, Mehler Systems has established itself as a leader, known for its innovation and dedication to raising the bar in the industry over the past four decades. For more information about Mehler Systems, please visit mehler-systems.com  

Former Soldier-Turned-Contractor Found Guilty of Stealing Over $1 Million of MREs in El Paso

Sunday, July 5th, 2026

EL PASO, Texas – A federal jury convicted a former U.S. Army civilian contractor in El Paso for stealing more than 200 pallets of Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) valued at approximately $1,120,000, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. The case is being prosecuted in support of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Joseph Lavar Davis, 47, was named along with three other co-defendants in a two-count indictment on Feb. 12, 2025, for conspiracy to commit theft of government property and a substantive count of theft of government property between Feb. 24, 2020, and Aug. 12, 2020.

On Aug. 12, 2020, FBI and Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division agents executed a search warrant at a civilian warehouse in El Paso, where they found about 100 pallets of MREs. The investigation revealed that the owner of the company using the warehouse was purchasing the MREs from individuals who had stolen them from Ft. Bliss. 

Each of the indicted individuals played a role in the scheme, which involved a civilian contractor who knew how to request and pick up the MREs, a soldier to assist in picking up and transporting the MREs, an intermediary between the buyer of the MREs and these two individuals, and the civilian who sold the MREs online.

The investigation showed a scheme involving false paperwork to obtain MREs from Ft. Bliss, truck rentals to transport the MREs, coordination among the co-conspirators to pick up and deliver the MREs, communications and financial transactions between the co-conspirators.

While in the Army, Davis held a position in food service supply where he gained knowledge of the process to obtain MREs. Upon retirement, he was hired into a similar position as a civilian contractor and used that position to exploit the process and steal MREs from Ft. Bliss.

Davis created false requests, rented trucks to transport the MRE pallets, and picked up or arranged for others to pick up the MREs from Ft. Bliss. Davis also coordinated various individuals involved to obtain, deliver, and receive payment for the MREs. Davis both negotiated the sales price and received payment for the MREs.

“Joseph Davis betrayed the very country he once swore to protect in an effort to satisfy his own selfish ambition and a jury of his peers held him accountable for it,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. “Rooting out fraud that undermines our government and our military readiness is a priority of this administration. I want to thank our Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Lori Hughes and Mallory Rasmussen, as well as our support staff and law enforcement partners, for their excellent work in bringing this fraudster to justice. Their dedication resulted in a win for the Western District of Texas, a win for Justice, and a win for the American people.”

“This conviction should send a clear message the FBI and our law enforcement partners at the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division make it a priority to bring to justice those who resort to theft of government property for ill-gotten gain”, said Jarod Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “We are stronger when we work together to seek justice and will continue to combat these issues through strong partnerships.” 

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Hughes and Mallory Rasmussen are prosecuting the case.

From U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (‘Fraud Division’). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

TURBOVETS Names Medal of Honor Recipient and Navy SEAL MASTER Chief Britt Slabinski as President

Sunday, July 5th, 2026

Special Operations Leader to Champion AI-Powered Platform Transforming Veterans’ Benefits Access and Confronting the Veteran Suicide Crisis

DALLAS, July 1, 2026 — TurboVets, Inc., the AI-powered platform dedicated to automating and accelerating veterans’ full lifecycle benefits management, today announced the appointment of retired Command Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Britt Slabinski, Medal of Honor recipient, as President. Slabinski will lead the company’s operational strategy, veteran community partnerships, and engagement with the VA. This mission execution and leadership are critical as TurboVets scales its technology-driven approach and focus to surpass VA.gov in securing the benefits America’s veterans have earned.

Britt Slabinski stands among the most decorated figures in the history of U.S. Special Operations. On May 24, 2018, President Donald J. Trump presented him the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Takur Ghar on March 4, 2002 – one of the most intense engagements in modern special operations history. Under withering enemy fire on a snow-covered Afghan mountain at 10,000 feet, Slabinski led SEAL Team Six through a fourteen-hour firefight, made life-or-death decisions under impossible conditions, and demonstrated the kind of courage and leadership that defines the Special Operations community at its best.

Slabinski retired in June 2014 as Command Master Chief Petty Officer of U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command after more than 25 years of service – including nine overseas deployments and 15 combat deployments in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism. Few have served longer, harder, or at greater personal cost and sacrifice.

“The VA has failed veterans for generations. Not because veterans aren’t worthy – they are – but because the system was built to be complex, expensive, antiquated, and adversarial. People have died waiting. That is unacceptable, and it ends now. TurboVets was built to cut through every bureaucratic bottleneck standing between a veteran and the benefits they earned. Britt spent his career doing the hardest things imaginable alongside the best teams in the world – and earning their absolute trust in the process. That’s not a credential. That’s a calling. Paired with TurboVets’ technology and team, it becomes something this country has never seen: a real solution to veteran suicide and benefits management, led by people who will not quit until it’s solved.”

– Joseph Loomis, Founder & CEO, TurboVets

As President, Slabinski will direct TurboVets’ enterprise growth strategy, build and deepen relationships with veteran service organizations, and lead the company’s engagement with Congress, the VA, and U.S. Government stakeholders. Alongside the TurboVets’ leadership team, he will champion the company’s mission and drive accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has proven to be a difficult relationship to formulate.

“For too long, veterans have had to fight a second war just to access the benefits they earned and were earned by the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Slabinski. “After more than a year starting with TurboVets as an advisor, I saw firsthand that this team changes that equation. The technology this team has built cuts through the bureaucratic noise and puts veterans in a position to manage their benefits – faster, with better evidence and structure, and without the predatory middlemen or claim sharks who have exploited our community for years. That’s a mission I’m proud to lead.”

– Britt Slabinski, President, TurboVets

TurboVets was built to change history. By automating the benefits process end-to-end and eliminating the costly intermediaries who have long profited from veteran confusion – at the expense of both veterans and taxpayers – TurboVets puts veterans in control of their claims: faster, with stronger evidence, and, more importantly, free of charge.

Veterans kept their promise to America. It’s time for America to keep its promise to them.

The team behind TurboVets spent a decade deploying advanced cybersecurity automation through their former company, CyberSponse, across Fortune 500 enterprises and the highest levels of the U.S. Government – the NSA’s US CyberCommand, the Pentagon, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Senate, to name a few. They know what it means to build mission-critical technology where failure is not an option. Now they’ve reassembled the team again with a new mission: fixing one of the most broken systems in America.

About TurboVets, Inc.
TurboVets automates the full veteran benefits journey – disability, education, vocational rehabilitation, healthcare, suicide prevention, and VA loans – serving veterans directly and through every state and accredited VSO partner in America. Currently in beta, TurboVets launches nationwide in Q3 2026 and is free of charge to unify the US on a single enterprise solution, with an enterprise team to make enterprise-level impacts. For more information, visit www.TurboVets.com.

NSA, DEVCOM Army Research Office Launch QuantumEAGLe Initiative

Sunday, July 5th, 2026

FORT MEADE, Md. (June 30, 2026) – The Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) at the National Security Agency (NSA), in close collaboration with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Office (ARO), announces the launch of the Quantum Ecosystem Advancement, Growth & Leadership (QuantumEAGLe) initiative in support of the President’s Quantum Executive Order. This new program aims to accelerate the U.S. quantum computing ecosystem and strengthen the nation’s leadership in quantum technology.

QuantumEAGLe focuses on five key areas to drive innovation and growth in the U.S. quantum industry:

1. Industry Engagement: Foster strong collaboration with the quantum industry to align research efforts with commercial needs and opportunities.

2. Commercial Roadmaps: Enable the development of commercial roadmaps by working directly with industry partners to identify and address key challenges.

3. Supply Chain Advancement: Enhance the performance, manufacturing, and commercial availability of specialized components essential for building quantum computers, ensuring a robust U.S. supply chain.

4. Algorithmic Applications: Discover novel algorithms that provide a quantum advantage and develop error correction techniques to make fault-tolerant computation a reality.

5. Foundational Research: Support research to solve fundamental challenges in qubit performance, simulation tools, and system characterization, laying the groundwork for future advancements.

“Building on LPS’s rich history in Quantum Information Science, which includes decades of foundational research and collaboration with the Department of War, QuantumEAGLe represents a significant expansion of NSA’s quantum computing efforts,” said Liji Samuel, NSA chief of the Laboratory for Physical Sciences. “This initiative is designed to cultivate a resilient U.S. industrial base capable of delivering on the promise of quantum computing for national and economic security.”

According to ARO Acting Director Dr. Purush Iyer, by combining the strengths of LPS and ARO in fundamental research and technical innovation, QuantumEAGLe will accelerate progress toward fault-tolerant quantum computing and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of this critical technology.

“Together, we are building the foundation for future breakthroughs that will benefit both national and economic security and the broader scientific community,” he said.

Dr. Michael Metcalfe, NSA chief of Quantum Information Science, emphasized that the QuantumEAGLe initiative represents a significant step in strengthening America’s quantum computing capabilities.

“By working closely with the quantum industry, we aim to enhance our supply chain, develop cutting-edge algorithms, and overcome fundamental research challenges,” he said. “This collaborative effort will help us maintain U.S. leadership in quantum technology and ensure the security and prosperity of our nation.”

The initiative will leverage flexible contracting authorities and work directly with the U.S. quantum industry to help align research with commercial needs and support stronger domestic capability.

The QuantumEAGLe Special Notice has been posted by the Army Contracting Command on SAM.gov.

To learn more about how you can support this mission or to join the effort, visit www.nsa.gov/careers.

Staccato 2011 Introduces the All-New Staccato HD P4X

Saturday, July 4th, 2026

Optimized for professional use, the latest Staccato 2011 HD pistol features a steel frame, full-size grip and compensated barrel for enhanced control and shootability.

FLORENCE, Texas – (July 4, 2026) – Staccato 2011®, creator of the 2011® pistol platform and a leading developer of precision firearms, ammunition and shooting facilities, today announced the introduction of the Staccato HD P4X, the brand’s most advanced mission-ready pistol.

Built on the same 4-inch compensated platform as the widely popular Staccato HD C4X, which is optimized for concealed carry with a compact aluminum frame, the HD P4X features a precision-machined steel frame and full-size grip, making it ideal for professional deployment, duty belts and overt carry.

Key features of the Staccato HD P4X include a 4-inch DLC flush-fit compensated barrel that reduces muzzle rise and improves shootability, a 4140 DLC steel frame that absorbs recoil and improves shot-to-shot consistency, and a full-size Staccato HD grip that enhances stability and capacity with 18-round magazines. The result is a duty-ready pistol built for control and hard use, delivering the performance and confidence the Staccato HD line is known for.

“Every Staccato product is built to elevate human performance, and the HD P4X is the clearest expression of that yet,” said Paul Smith, Senior Vice President of Product at Staccato. “We engineered a hybrid full-size grip, 4” compensated pistol that delivers more control, more rounds and the kind of shootability the world’s most elite professionals demand. This configuration was one of our most requested, and the result is the most shootable, reliable, mission-ready handgun we’ve ever built.”

The Staccato HD P4X, like all models in the Staccato HD line, represents the most advanced evolution of the 2011 pistol platform. It’s crafted in Texas with American steel and offers exceptional versatility to match its performance. Strategic design features include ambidextrous controls with a dual-sided safety and slide stop, a reversible magazine catch, Glock®-pattern magazine compatibility, an active firing pin block, and Staccato’s HD HOST™ optic-mounting system.

Additionally, every Staccato HD pistol delivers proven performance by passing the federal Ballistic Research Facility standards, a rigorous set of protocols developed to simulate real- world defensive encounters that are the benchmark for evaluating handgun ballistic performance.“Everything we make is aimed at elevating the standard,” Smith added. “From the materials and technology to our development and testing teams, every piece works to give Staccato customers the reliability and shootability they count on.”

The Staccato HD P4X is chambered in 9x19mm and will be available in three configurations, with a starting MSRP of $3,599. It will be offered through Staccato authorized dealers beginning July 13, 2026.

To learn more about the Staccato HD P4X or to locate an authorized Staccato dealer, visit www.staccato2011.com or follow @staccato2011 on social media.

BDS Tactical Gear Partners with Qore Performance to Bring ICEFLASK Cooling Canteens to Exchange and Selected MCX Stores Overseas

Friday, July 3rd, 2026

Oceanside, CA and Knoxville, TN — July 2, 2026 — BDS Tactical Gear has partnered with Qore Performance, Inc. to launch a complete, mission-ready hydration and thermoregulation setup directly onto the shelves of military Exchange (AAFES) and selected Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) locations overseas.

By pairing the Qore Performance ICEFLASK® canteen with the BDS Tactical Gear Inner Cummerbund Winglet system, this partnership puts wearable cooling, heating, and hydration right where service members shop on post, making it immediately accessible for standard plate carrier setups.

“We at BDS Tactical Gear are excited to build on the long-term relationship with Qore Performance, bringing quality American-made products to the brave patriots that defend our nation every day,” said Mike Bornfriend, President / CEO of BDS Tactical Gear.

System Capabilities & Performance Specs

The combined system integrates directly into service members’ existing plate carrier setups, providing high-retention utility without adding bulky, shifting pouches to the exterior of the kit.

Qore Performance ICEFLASK®: A rugged, 0.5L (16.9 oz) rigid hydration canteen designed to be frozen or filled with hot water to provide active temperature management alongside hydration. It is built specifically to match the slim form factor of a standard PRC-152 tactical radio, allowing it to slide into space-saving radio pockets rather than heavy, traditional round bottle pouches.

BDS Tactical Gear Inner Cummerbund Winglet Pouch: Built using heavy-duty hook-and-loop fields to mount securely underneath a plate carrier’s cummerbund in a ‘radio wing’ configuration. The premium elastic construction offers tight, zero-slop retention. This multi-role pouch is highly versatile, engineered to securely carry the ICEFLASK®, standard NATO radios, or standard 30-round M4-style 5.56 magazines.

Immediate Global Availability

The ICEFLASK® and BDS Tactical Gear Winglet setups are available now. Service members can find them stocked at the following Exchange and selected MCX locations overseas and stateside:

Stateside Locations:

  • JBSA-Lackland (South Troop)
  • Fort Cavazos (Hood AMCSS)
  • JAC Coleman Troop
  • Fort Sill (Cons Quarry Hil)
  • JBLM-Lewis (New AMCSS)
  • BLSC AMCSS
  • Fort Riley (Riley AMCSS)
  • Fort Liberty (Bragg Army MCS)
  • Fort Carson (Carson AMCSS)
  • Fort Leonard Wood (Leonardw AMCSS / Trp St 744)
  • Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA-Sam AMCSS)
  • Camp Atterbury (Atterbury AMCSS)
  • Nellis AFB (Nellis AFMCSS)
  • NASJRB AFMCSS

OCONUS & Forward Deployed Locations:

  • Camp Humphreys, South Korea (Hump MCSS)
  • Camp Buehring, Kuwait (KW Buehring Z2 Store)
  • Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (KW Arifjan Z6 Store)
  • Vilseck, Germany (Vilseck AMCSS)
  • Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria (BG Novo Selo)
  • Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (QA Al Udeid MCSS)
  • Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo (Kosovo MCSS)
  • Andersen Air Force Base, Guam (JRM-Andersen Main St)

Selected Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) Overseas Locations:

  • Camp Hansen (MCX Hansen MMCSS / Branch St)
  • Camp Schwab (MCX Schwab MMCSS)
  • Camp Foster (MCX Foster MMCSS)
  • Camp Kinser (MCX Kinser MMCSS)

Beyond these exchange locations, Qore Performance thermoregulation equipment is available at BDS Tactical Gear’s brick-and-mortar stores in Oceanside and Twentynine Palms, California, and online at BDStacticalgear.com. The complete ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM can be found at qoreperformance.com.