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XTEND Supports British Army During Major Autonomous Strike Exercise, Advancing UK Operational Drone Warfare Capabilities

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026

Successful Completion of Ex RHINO BIZZ Builds on Historic UK Live-Fire Milestone with 2 PARA, Validates the British Army’s First Long-Range Autonomous Strike Missions with Live Kinetic Payloads

TAMPA, Fla. and SWINDON, U.K., July 16, 2026 — JFB Construction Holdings (Nasdaq: JFB) announced today that XTEND, a leader in software systems and artificial intelligence-powered robotics, successfully supported the British Army during Ex RHINO BIZZ, a major drone and electronic warfare exercise conducted at the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Alberta, Canada.

The exercise represents the latest milestone in XTEND’s expanding collaboration with the British Army following the historic live-fire demonstration conducted with the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) earlier this year, which marked the first live firing of an uncrewed aerial system by British forces in UK airspace.

Conducted across the 2,700-square-kilometer (1,042-square-mile) BATUS training area, Ex RHINO BIZZ brought together approximately 350 soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade to train in next-generation combat operations reflecting lessons emerging from modern conflicts. The exercise combined autonomous systems, electronic warfare, contested communications and human-machine teaming to replicate increasingly realistic battlefield conditions and reflects the British Army’s continued evolution toward software-defined autonomous operations.

“Modern warfare is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in generations,” said Aviv Shapira, Co-Founder and CEO of XTEND. “Military advantage will increasingly belong to forces capable of integrating software-defined autonomy into everyday operations. The successful operational employment of our systems during Ex RHINO BIZZ demonstrates how AI-powered autonomy is evolving from technology demonstrations into operational capability, enabling armed forces to execute increasingly complex missions while keeping soldiers further from harm.”

During Ex RHINO BIZZ, soldiers from 2 PARA employed XTEND’s SCORPIO 1000 autonomous strike systems in seek-and-strike missions across one of the world’s largest military training areas, operating under realistic battlefield conditions that included electronic warfare and GNSS-denied scenarios. XTEND deployed five SCORPIO 1000 systems, operated independently by 2 PARA’s UAS Platoon without XTEND operational support, demonstrating the unit’s ability to independently employ the capability in realistic operational conditions.

XTEND’s systems were the only autonomous platforms authorized to operate with live kinetic payloads during the exercise, enabling British forces to successfully validate autonomous strike missions designed to engage targets at distances of 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles), 6.5 kilometers (4.0 miles) and 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles). This represents the British Army’s first validation of long-range autonomous strike missions with live kinetic payloads.

This achievement further strengthens XTEND’s presence in the United Kingdom following the establishment of its sovereign UK XFAB manufacturing and support facility in Swindon. The facility provides localized manufacturing, engineering and lifecycle support for the United Kingdom and allied defense customers as demand for sovereign autonomous capabilities continues to grow.

“Our collaboration with the British Army has progressed from an initial proof-of-concept demonstration to independent operational employment by frontline soldiers,” said Ofer Shahaf, General Manager of XTEND UK. “Progressing to Ex RHINO BIZZ reflects the confidence built through close collaboration with British defense stakeholders and our commitment to supporting the long-term modernization of allied forces through sovereign autonomous capabilities.”

XTEND’s SCORPIO 1000 is powered by the company’s proprietary XTEND Operating System (XOS), an AI-driven autonomy platform that enables operators to execute complex missions with significantly reduced training requirements. The platform combines autonomous navigation, human-guided autonomy, resilient communications and mission-adaptable payload integration to support operations in complex and contested environments, allowing operators to maintain mission effectiveness in rapidly evolving battlefield conditions.

The successful completion of Ex RHINO BIZZ marks another milestone in XTEND’s long-term collaboration with the British Army and reinforces the Company’s position as a provider of operationally validated AI-powered autonomous systems supporting the modernization of allied defense forces.

Posted in AI / ML, Press Release | No Comments »

Submissions Open for AFSOC’s Thunder Dome 2027 Innovation Competition

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Calling all AFSOC innovators for the fourth annual Thunder Dome. The submissions window for ideas is now open for AFSOC’s innovation competition known as Thunder Dome. All submissions received by Sept. 13, 2026, will be considered.

This competition is open to any member within the command, and ideas can be submitted at gain.il4.afwerx.dso.mil/usaf/afsoc-thunderdome-2027, ?which is a CAC only enabled site.

Finalists will be selected based on multiple factors including impact on readiness/advantage, alignment with AFSOC strategy, and feasibility of execution. Finalists will present their ideas on Nov. 19, 2026, for the chance to receive funding to further develop their innovative solutions and put them into action across the command.

To ensure we maintain our decisive advantage against evolving global threats, events like Thunder Dome empower Air Commandos to lean into our ethos of grassroots innovation by tackling issues impacting readiness and AFSOC’s ability to operate across the spectrum of competition, ensuring we remain relevant through adaptation.

We must invest today in the capabilities we will need tomorrow. We look forward to seeing the great ideas Air Commandos share in this year’s competition.

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, SOF | No Comments »

AV Awarded $117.3 Million US Army Production Contract for P550

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

Initial Order Enhances LRR and Advances Army Drone Dominance Initiative with AV’s Autonomous Group 2 eVTOL UAS

ARLINGTON, Va., — July 20, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain autonomous systems, today announced it has been awarded a $117.3 million contract by the U.S. Army for its P550™ electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) unmanned aerial system in support of the Army’s Long Range Reconnaissance program, advancing the Army’s push to field scalable, adaptable capabilities for modern warfare.

The award was issued under a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) through a competitive Call for Solutions (C4S) under the U.S. Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Marketplace initiative, a centralized digital platform designed to accelerate the procurement of vetted drone technologies.

Through this award, AV will provide 82 P550 uncrewed aircraft systems in support of the Army’s Battalion Reconnaissance (UAS) effort, a move that represents the initial full-rate procurement of the P550 system and reflects the Army’s commitment to rapidly fielding proven commercial capabilities that enhance long-range reconnaissance, autonomy, and distributed operations.

The award further reinforces AV’s role in delivering scalable, mission-ready solutions aligned with the Army’s modernization priorities.

“In today’s battlespace, adaptability is no longer an advantage, it’s a requirement,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “The P550 gives maneuver forces the ability to rapidly reconfigure, extend their reach, and deliver effects across domains, all while operating in contested environments where speed and autonomy are decisive.”

An autonomous Group 2 eVTOL UAS, AV’s P550 has become a staple of reliability for America’s armed forces and allies by enabling smarter and safer operations through its modular open systems approach (MOSA), which supports seamless integration of third-party payloads, datalinks, and mission planning software to adapt to evolving mission requirements.

With a multi-sensor payload capacity of up to 15 pounds, including enhanced lethality options, and up to five hours of all-battery endurance, the P550 delivers sustained, mission-tailored performance across intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), precision strike, electronic warfare, and communications relay missions in air, ground, and maritime operations. The system can be reconfigured in the field in less than five minutes, allowing operators to hot-swap payloads and batteries without tools.

“What operators consistently tell us is that they need systems that can adapt at the speed of the mission, not hours or days later,” said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV. “AV’s P550 delivers that advantage, enabling units to reconfigure in minutes. It reduces the burden on operators while expanding what a single platform can achieve.”

Purpose-built for dynamic, contested environments, AV’s P550 enhances situational awareness and force protection with integrated targeting and precision strike capabilities. Its AI-driven autonomy enables smarter, safer operations while reducing operator workload in complex mission sets. Designed for maneuver forces, it delivers a multi-role capability that can be reconfigured in minutes to meet evolving mission demands.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Team SIG’s Daniel Horner Notches 15th National Championship

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

Horner leads the field at U.S. Practical Shooting Association’s Multigun Nationals

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 21, 2026) – SIG SAUER, an industry-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, and advanced concepts, congratulates Team SIG professional shooter Daniel Horner for winning his 15th national championship.

Horner earned the top spot in the Modified division at the 2026 United States Practical Shooting Association’s (USPSA) Multigun Nationals, all using his SIG SAUER pistol, rifle, optics, and ammunition.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Daniel’s impressive win at this year’s USPSA Multigun National Championship,” said Phil Strader, VP of Consumer Affairs at SIG SAUER. “He and his SIG SAUER equipment endured brutal conditions and extremely tough competition to come out on top of the Modified division. Since his first USPSA National Championship win in 2007, Daniel has continued to cement his legacy as one of the best multigun competitors ever.”

This year’s national championship was a three-day competition that wrapped up on July 19 at the Forest Lake Sportsmen’s Club in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Horner, who began his professional career as a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, is known as the top multigun and 3-gun shooter in the world. He has earned more than 125 championship titles across global, national, regional, and state levels.

This win adds to Horner’s historic achievements, including his 8 Sniper Championships, 2 All Army Championships, 2 IDPA National Championships, IPSC Shotgun National Championship, NRA World Shooting Championship, and Team USA gold at the IPSC World Shoot.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Shooting Sports | No Comments »

PROOF Research Expands PXT Barrel Line with New Competition Barrels, Pre-Fit Options and Caliber Offerings

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. – July 21, 2026 – PROOF Research is proud to announce it is building on the successful launch of its PROOF Exponential Twist (PXT) with an expanded lineup. The new offerings introduce a new category of steel competition blanks, additional pre-fit barrel offerings and expanded caliber offerings, including new .243- and .257-barrel options. The latest additions broaden access to PXT technology across more rifle platforms and applications, giving precision shooters, competitors and hunters more access to the PXT’s performance advantages.

Developed to overcome the limitations of conventional rifling, PXT utilizes an exponential twist profile that gradually engages the bullet, reducing engraving force while improving consistency, accuracy and barrel longevity. Designed to meet the demands of today’s high-performance ammunition, PXT continues to set a new benchmark in rifle barrel technology.

“Since launching PXT, we’ve received tremendous interest from customers looking for additional platforms and calibers,” said Brandon Hulzebosch, director of sales and marketing. “This expansion reflects our commitment to growing the PXT lineup, responding to the demand that we’re seeing and making this technology available to more shooters and their specific needs.”

Among the newest additions to the PXT lineup are steel competition blanks, engineered to deliver the consistency and performance required by today’s precision rifle competitors. Available in .224, .243, .257, .264 and .308 calibers, the new steel competition blanks offer premium steel barrel options featuring PROOF Research’s innovative PXT technology.

PROOF Research has also expanded its PXT pre-fit barrel lineup with new offerings for Impact Precision and Terminus actions. Available in both carbon fiber and steel configurations, the new pre-fit barrels include a range of today’s most popular chamberings, including .223 Rem., .22 Creedmoor, 6 ARC, 6 Creedmoor, 6 GT, 6 Dasher, 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 Backcountry, 7 PRC, .308 Winchester and .300 PRC, depending on platform and barrel configuration. These additions provide shooters with more options to pair PROOF’s PXT technology with leading custom rifle actions.

Further expanding the lineup, PROOF Research has introduced new .243- and .257-caliber carbon fiber bolt barrel blanks, extending PXT compatibility to additional cartridge options. PROOF Research also expanded its AR-type carbon fiber barrel offerings with new configurations in .300 Blackout and .308 Winchester, as well as new AR-type steel barrel offerings in .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout, and 6.5 Creedmoor.

Beyond these additions, PROOF Research continues to broaden the PXT ecosystem with expanded pre-fit compatibility for Zermatt Arms, Tikka, Defiance Ruckus, Lone Peak and Falkor actions, increasing the number of rifle platforms available with PXT technology.

The expansion of the PXT lineup reinforces PROOF Research’s commitment to advancing barrel technology through continuous innovation. With broader platform compatibility and expanded offerings, PROOF Research continues to push the boundaries of rifle barrel performance.

For more information about Proof Research, visit ProofResearch.com. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

Wing Group CEO Appointed to US Department of Commerce Trade Advisory Committee

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

Lafayette, CA – The Wing Group is honored and pleased to announce that President and CEO Andrew Branagh has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small Business (ITAC 9). His four-year term became effective on July 16, 2026.

As a member of ITAC 9, Branagh will represent the perspectives of the U.S. small business community. The committee provides industry insights and advice to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative on trade negotiations, the implementations of trade agreements and policies that impact U.S. businesses.

“Manufacturing is a global industry, and thoughtful trade policy plays an important role in supporting innovation, strengthening supply chains, and creating opportunities for businesses to grow, said Andrew Branagh. Far too often, I see situations where there are unfortunate trade policies that create systemic trade barriers. I look forward to contributing the perspective of our industry and working alongside fellow committee members to help shape policies that support U.S. competitiveness.”

Branagh brings more than three decades of executive leadership in manufacturing, operations, and international business. Throughout his career, he has led organizations through global supply chain challenges, strategic growth initiatives, and international market expansion all the while maintaining a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing, workforce development, and product innovation. His experience working with customers, suppliers, and partners around the world provides a valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. manufacturers and small businesses.

Wing Group is the parent company of Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries, Kokatat and Mustang Survival. Together, these companies design and manufacture specialized products that serve military, public safety, commercial marine, and outdoor recreation markets worldwide. Through decades of engineering expertise and technical manufacturing, the group has earned a reputation for delivering trusted life-saving and mission-critical equipment.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

As Europe Faces Rising Heat Waves, Gear Town Named Exclusive EU Distributor for Qore Performance Cooling & Hydration Equipment

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

The Netherlands — July 16, 2026 — Gear Town, a premier European supplier of professional-grade equipment, has been awarded Exclusive Distribution rights for the complete Qore Performance ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM of thermoregulation technology across the European Union. Operating from their centralized fulfillment hub in The Netherlands, Gear Town manages all retail sales and government procurement pipelines across the EU, with the exception of the Czech Republic, which is served by Rigad.

This exclusive distribution footprint ensures immediate, local inventory within the EU, eliminating transatlantic freight costs, unpredictable delivery timelines, and import customs barriers. As Europe navigates demanding summer heat waves, Gear Town is positioned to provide rapid, localized access to critical cooling and hydration gear when environmental demands are at their highest.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Qore Performance as their exclusive EU distributor. At Gear Town, our mission has always been to make the world’s best tactical and professional-grade equipment more accessible to European military, law enforcement, government, and industrial end users,” said Marc Mentasti, owner of Gear Town EU. “With Qore Performance’s ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM, we can now provide European customers with direct access to proven cooling, heating, hydration, and thermoregulation solutions from local EU inventory. This partnership allows us to reduce lead times, simplify procurement, remove import barriers, and deliver the level of service and support our customers expect from Gear Town, especially as heat stress and extreme working conditions become an increasing challenge across Europe.”

Dual-Line Solutions for Tactical and Workforce Safety

Through this exclusive channel, Gear Town will support both the defense sector and commercial safety industries with two dedicated product configurations:

Military & Tactical Line: Gear Town currently stocks and distributes Qore Performance’s full tactical suite, including ICEPLATE® Gen 3 hard cell 1.55L cooling, heating, hydration bladders, ICEFLASK® 0.5L low-profile hydration canteens, ICEPLATE EXO® plate carrier systems, and ICEVENTS® ventilation pads. These systems integrate directly with standard body armor and combat gear to offload weight and weaponize temperature management during training and deployments in extreme temperatures.

HiVis Safety & Industrial Line: To protect industrial laborers, emergency first responders, and aviation ground crews working in extreme conditions, Gear Town also carries the dedicated Qore Performance Safety line. This includes high-visibility, reflective-striped ICEPLATE EXO® HiVis safety vests, the ICEPLATE® Driver Harness, and their ICEPLATE® Gen 3 hardcell thermoregulation and hydration bladders to reduce heat stress injuries and on-the-job fatigue while meeting rigorous safety standards.

Local EU Sourcing and Procurement

Gear Town streamlines the procurement process for large-scale agency contracts, unit orders, and commercial safety acquisitions in Europe. European organizations can bypass the complex international logistics hurdles for sourcing Qore Performance’s American-made thermoregulation technology.

To browse local inventory and explore the product lines for tactical or industrial teams, visit the official Gear Town website..

Posted in Advertiser, Hydration, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Arcani’s Acoustic Sensor Featured on General Dynamics New LAV SPH

Monday, July 20th, 2026

ARCANI’s HARK Acoustic Sensor Featured on General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada’s Grizzly LAV Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) Platform to Enhance Counter-Drone Situational Awareness

[CANSEC, Ottawa] — [14 July 2026] — Arcani Systems today announced that its HARK acoustic sensing system was featured on the recently unveiled Grizzly LAV Self-Propelled Howitzer vehicle, showcasing a passive 360-degree situational awareness layer designed to detect and alert crews to incoming drone threats.

The Grizzly LAV Self-Propelled Howitzer, unveiled by General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada at CANSEC 2026 for the Canadian Army’s Indirect Fires Modernization project, combines a Canadian designed LAV armoured combat vehicle platform with KNDS automated 155mm Artillery Gun Module. The platform has been presented as a highly mobile, survivable artillery system designed for fire-on-the-move operations across contested battlefield environments.

Arcani’s HARK sensor is designed to address one of the most urgent battlefield challenges facing armoured and artillery units: the proliferation of small unmanned aerial systems, including FPV drones, reconnaissance drones, and other low-signature aerial threats. Using acoustic sensing, HARK listens passively for the distinctive sound signatures of drones and provides early warning without emitting radio frequency energy.

Unlike active sensors, HARK does not rely on radar emissions or RF detection. This allows it to contribute to vehicle protection even when hostile drones are operating autonomously, flying pre- programmed routes, or using low-emission tactics. The system is designed to provide 360-degree awareness around the vehicle, supporting crew survivability, tactical decision-making, and integration with wider battlefield command-and-control systems.

“Modern artillery platforms are no longer threatened only by counter fire,” said Harry Howe, Founder and CEO of ARCANI. “They must also survive in an environment saturated with small drones that can locate, track, and strike high-value assets. HARK gives crews an additional passive layer of awareness, helping them detect drone threats earlier and maintain mobility in contested environments.”

This capability demonstrates how compact acoustic sensing can complement existing vehicle protection, electronic warfare, and battlefield management systems. For self-propelled artillery platforms such as the Grizzly LAV, which are designed to fire, move, and reposition rapidly, passive counter-drone awareness can help reduce exposure time and support survivability during manoeuvre.

HARK has been developed as a lightweight, modular sensor package for defence applications across land, maritime, and fixed-site environments. The system is designed to detect, classify, and report drone activity, helping operators understand the exact position and nature of nearby aerial threats before visual contact is made.

ARCANI believes that passive acoustic sensing will become an essential part of layered counter-UAS defence. As drones become smaller, cheaper, and more autonomous, platforms operating close to the front line will require sensor systems that can detect threats without revealing their own position.

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors | No Comments »