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BLADE Selected for Phase II of GroundBreaker 1 Demonstration

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BLADE announced today that HDT Robotics, LLC, doing business as BLADE, has been selected to advance to Phase II of the GroundBreaker 1 unmanned ground vehicle demonstration with its Hunter WOLF multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle.

The selection follows the Government’s technical evaluation of BLADE’s Phase I solution brief and advances Hunter WOLF to a live hardware demonstration scheduled for October 19-23, 2026, at Camp Grafton, North Dakota.

GroundBreaker 1 is designed to evaluate unmanned ground vehicle technologies for potential employment across tactical and non-tactical missions. During Phase II, Government evaluators will assess technology maturity, operational readiness and cross-domain interoperability.

“Hunter WOLF was built for exactly this kind of challenge,” said Tom Van Doren, President, Robotics Sector at BLADE. “This is a mature, mission-ready platform that has been tested alongside warfighters in demanding environments. GroundBreaker 1 gives us the opportunity to demonstrate why the Hunter WOLF is ready to support the warfighter now.”

The Hunter WOLF is a multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle engineered to reduce soldier workload, extend operational reach and keep personnel farther from dangerous tasks. Its adaptable architecture supports missions including tactical logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, communications support and other mission-critical applications.

Designed for complex and austere environments, Hunter WOLF combines high payload capacity, off-road mobility, onboard power and autonomous and remote-control capabilities. The system has been evaluated through military exercises and training events and has supported operational use in Ukraine, providing BLADE with real-world insight into evolving unmanned ground requirements.

The GroundBreaker 1 selection comes as the Department of War places increasing emphasis on rapidly fielding autonomous and robotic systems capable of operating alongside warfighters. Following Phase II, companies whose demonstrations are successfully evaluated may be invited to Phase III to submit a full proposal for a Prototype Other Transaction Authority award.

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

Galvion Showcases Cortex EVO HALO Upgrade Pathway for US Army NG-IHPS at AUSA 2026

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

Galvion, a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, will showcase a new Cortex™ EVO HALO integration concept for the U.S. Army’s in-service Next-Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS) at AUSA 2026 in Washington, D.C., October 12–14, Hall E, booth 7917.

The NG-IHPS concept marks the latest evolution of Galvion’s Cortex EVO architecture and the first time EVO HALO has been integrated onto a non-Galvion helmet. Designed as an externally mounted implementation of Cortex EVO, HALO provides a potential pathway to introduce advanced power, data and headborne capabilities onto both new and fielded helmet platforms, without requiring replacement of the underlying protective system.

First introduced in its deeply integrated Embedded configuration at SOF Week 2026, Cortex EVO brings protection, power, data and compute together within a unified headborne architecture. The HALO configuration, introduced on Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman® helmet at Eurosatory 2026, extends that same architecture through an externally mounted approach, providing greater flexibility for integration across existing helmet platforms.

Applying EVO HALO to NG-IHPS takes that approach a step further. By adapting the architecture to a non-Galvion helmet, the concept illustrates how advanced headborne capabilities could be introduced to the U.S. Army’s fielded NG-IHPS fleet while continuing to leverage the existing protective platform.

The approach provides a potential upgrade path as soldier-worn technologies and operational requirements continue to evolve.

The NG-IHPS configuration is being developed to support integration with current and emerging soldier-worn technologies, including the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B) and Binod platforms. Through its common power and data backbone, Cortex EVO can support visual augmentation, sensing and awareness technologies, digital communications and other headborne capabilities within a unified system environment.

Galvion’s AlertCentr™ software enables mission-relevant information to be managed at the headborne level, including configurable visual and audio cueing designed to allow operators to access and act on critical information without diverting attention to secondary devices. The open architecture also enables Galvion-developed and third-party technologies to operate within a common system environment.

Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman of Galvion, said: “Modernization doesn’t always have to mean replacing proven equipment. Embedded EVO shows what is possible when integration begins at the helmet design stage, while HALO provides another pathway for helmet systems already in service. By integrating EVO HALO onto NG-IHPS, we’re showing how an existing protective platform could evolve to support new capabilities as requirements and technologies advance, while preserving the investment already in place.”

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

Qualcomm Government Technologies and OKSI Announce Collaboration to Deploy OMNISCIENCE Autonomy Software Portfolio

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

Partnership brings AI/ML-enabled autonomous capabilities to defense platforms, optimized for the Qualcomm® QCS8550 and scalable across Qualcomm’s IoT processor portfolio

LOS ANGELES — OKSI and Qualcomm Government Technologies, Inc. (QGOV), a division of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., today announced a collaboration to deploy OKSI’s OMNISCIENCETM autonomy software portfolio on Qualcomm technologies. OMNISCIENCE delivers AI/ML-enabled capabilities through computer vision — including visual navigation, object detection and recognition, mission execution and more — purpose-built to bring autonomy to unmanned platforms operating in complex, communications-constrained environments. The software portfolio has been optimized for the Qualcomm® QCS8550 processor and is designed to scale across Qualcomm Technologies’ broader IoT processor portfolio, providing platform developers and defense system integrators with a flexible, production-ready path to deploying edge AI capabilities at scale. The collaboration will be showcased at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place Oct. 12-14 in Washington, D.C.?

OKSI’s OMNISCIENCE is offered as either individual containerized capabilities or tightly coupled, interoperable modules providing next-level autonomy and adaptability to virtually any air platform. Users can operate truly autonomous missions. Qualcomm technologies deliver the on-device AI inference, computer vision processing and advanced image signal processor (ISP) capabilities that OMNISCIENCE relies on for real-time autonomous decision-making at the edge.

“With OMNISCIENCE on the Qualcomm QCS8550 processor, autonomy stops being a multiyear development program and becomes a design-in decision,” said Chris HolmesParker, CEO, OKSI. “Platform developers can source at volume against manufacturing infrastructure that already exists. They will be equipped to upgrade autonomy across a fielded fleet or stand up an entirely new product line from the same proven portfolio, moving at the speed of a software release and the scale of a production supply chain.”

The Qualcomm QCS8550 processor’s heterogeneous compute architecture supports dynamic performance and power scaling, enabling optimized size, weight and power (SWaP) profiles suited to space- and energy-constrained deployments. Platform providers leveraging Qualcomm processors with OMNISCIENCE benefit from an open Ubuntu Linux-based software environment with access to Qualcomm acceleration technologies and compatibility with widely used open-source AI and computer vision frameworks — reducing integration complexity and accelerating time to deployment. Together, OKSI and Qualcomm Technologies are enabling a new class of edge-intelligent autonomous platforms designed for reliable performance in the most demanding environments.

“The industry is entering a new era in which intelligent systems do more than respond — they understand context, make decisions and take action,” said Kim Koro, Senior Vice President, Qualcomm Government Technologies, Inc. “Making that vision real requires an ecosystem, efficient edge compute and platforms that can scale across devices and missions. Together with OKSI, Qualcomm Technologies is helping move autonomy beyond demonstrations and toward deployable, mission-ready capabilities that can operate across connected fleets and demanding environments.”

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

Plasan and Asfir 4X4 to Unveil Stormer: A Light Tactical Special Operations Vehicle (SOV)

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

Designed to rapidly deploy up to 12 personnel with mission-configurable capability

AUSA | Washington, D.C. | September 12-14, 2026 | Booth #2407

Oct 7th, 2026, Plasan and ASFIR 4X4 will unveil the new STORMER, a highly modular light tactical vehicle designed to meet the evolving requirements of special operations forces, reconnaissance units, rapid-response teams, and other missions where mobility, payload capacity, rapid deployment, and operational flexibility are critical.

Modern military and special operations forces increasingly require a vehicle capable of rapidly transporting larger teams, mission equipment, and casualties across challenging terrain while remaining easy to deploy, maintain, and sustain.

To address this need, Plasan and ASFIR 4X4 developed STORMER, a versatile tactical platform that combines the logistical simplicity of a commercial vehicle with the capability and flexibility required for demanding military operations.

Designed to carry up to 12 personnel and more than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb.) of payload, STORMER combines a proven commercial vehicle platform with a reinforced chassis and driveline, high off-road mobility, and a highly configurable mission architecture. Designed for airborne transport and rapid deployment, the vehicle enables forces to move personnel and mission equipment across demanding terrain.

At the heart of STORMER is a rugged Jeep® Gladiator-based commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) platform, enhanced through Plasan’s automotive engineering expertise. The vehicle is powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing the power and drivability required for demanding operational environments.

The vehicle’s reinforced chassis and driveline, including upgraded Dana axles, are designed to support increased payload and durability while maintaining the mobility expected of a tactical vehicle. A modular roll-over protection system (ROPS) provides enhanced occupant protection while supporting 360-degree visibility and situational awareness.

STORMER is designed to adapt rapidly to changing mission requirements. Its configurable rear platform can support troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), weapons, and specialized mission equipment, including radar, counter-UAS solutions, communications systems, and an electric winch. A three-position folding rear door enables rapid troop ingress and egress, secure transport of mission equipment, and a stretcher configuration for casualty evacuation.

The vehicle also incorporates a 24-volt electrical system, blackout driving capability, a communications console, and multiple antenna mounting points, supporting the integration of customer-specific mission systems. The extensive use of commercially available components is intended to simplify maintenance, logistics, and long-term sustainment.

STORMER builds on Plasan’s more than 40 years of experience in survivability, vehicle protection, and automotive engineering, as well as its proven track record with the SandCat family, which is in service across five continents. Developed in collaboration with ASFIR 4X4, STORMER combines Plasan’s defense engineering and survivability expertise with ASFIR 4X4’s extensive experience in off-road vehicle systems and components.

“STORMER was developed to address a growing operational requirement for a rapidly deployable platform capable of carrying larger teams and mission equipment without compromising mobility. By combining a proven commercial platform with Plasan’s engineering expertise, we created a highly adaptable vehicle that can be configured for multiple missions while remaining simple to operate, maintain, and sustain.”

Moshe Elazar, CEO, Plasan

“Our collaboration with Plasan enabled us to transform a proven commercial 4×4 platform into a practical and highly capable tactical solution. STORMER delivers the mobility, flexibility, and robustness required by demanding users while maintaining the reliability and supportability of a commercial vehicle platform.”

Tzachi Oz, CEO, ASFIR 4X4

Posted in AUSA, International, Mobility, Press Release, SOF | 3 Comments »

NIOA Welcomes Sovereign Defence Ambition

Wednesday, October 7th, 2026

7 OCTOBER 2026

NIOA Group Managing Director and CEO Rob Nioa has welcomed NIOA’s selection as a prospective anchor tenant for Western Australia’s proposed defence and advanced-manufacturing hub.

Western Australia Premier and Defence Industries Minister Roger Cook and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Industries Amber-Jade Sanderson today announced that five businesses are progressing Memorandums of Understanding with the WA State Government to become prospective anchor tenants of the Western Defence Forge (WDF). First proponents identified for Western Defence Forge | Western Australian Government

The announcement was made during the Land Forces International Defence Exposition at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre where Australian-owned NIOA is among around 1000 exhibitors from 31 countries.

Mr Nioa said NIOA was proud to support the WA Government in its ambition to strengthen sovereign capability.

“Australia has the foundations, capability and expertise needed to support a world-class sovereign defence industry,” he said.

“The opportunity now is to build on that strength through continued government investment and support, growing capacity, creating skilled jobs and securing critical defence capabilities for the future.

“As an Australian-owned company, NIOA has invested in sovereign munitions capability for decades and we see the WDF as an opportunity to build on that experience in partnership with the WA Government, Defence and industry.

“We look forward to working with government, industry and partners as we continue to develop important sovereign capability initiatives, supporting Australian industry and Australian jobs.”

Posted in Industry, International, Land Forces, Press Release | No Comments »

Rheinmetall and Praetorian Aeronautics Deliver Containerised AERIE Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft System

Wednesday, October 7th, 2026

Rheinmetall, as a global integrated technology group with specialist air defence capabilities, has partnered with Australian company Praetorian Aeronautics to deliver AERIE; Autonomous-Engagement-Rapid-Interceptor-Effector – a containerised Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft System (C-UAS).

The Australian collaborative research and development partnership has delivered a prototype from concept within 12 months and signals Rheinmetall’s and Praetorian Aeronautics’ shared commitment to rapid advanced development to meet today’s evolving challenges.

The AERIE containerised air defence solution is an interceptor agnostic self-sustained, containerised deployable C-UAS launcher. It has the ability to house 20+ interceptors and is highly mobile, packing in to a 20ft ISO shipping container.

The demonstrator features Praetorian Aeronatics’ Arrow Interceptor and Hadrian Command and Control (C2); designed and developed in Australia.

Arrow Interceptor is an autonomous, high speed, low cost interceptor for kinetic neutralisation of multiple UxS threat-types beyond visual range. Hadrian C2 is an advanced AI-enhanced system for management of autonomous effectors across air, land and maritime domains.

Able to be rapidly deployed and reloaded, AERIE offers a containerised, low-cost and effective solution to counter the threat posed by the increasing availability of low-cost uncrewed drones and aerial systems.

Speaking of the partnership, Nathan Poyner, Managing Director Rheinmetall Defence Australia highlighted the company’s global support of Australian sovereign capability.

“Rheinmetall has a long and proud history of transferring technology and forging alliances with partners around the world. Our work with Praetorian Aeronatics continues this focus and has delivered a working concept of advanced C-UAS using Australian ingenuity with global air defence engineering and manufacturing know-how” said Mr Poyner.

Praetorian Aeronautics’ CEO, Mr Brett Hill spoke of the pioneering Australian organisation’s growth and global partnerships.

“Praetorian Aeronatics has been developing cutting edge systems for more than three years. Our partnership with Rheinmetall brings together our unique AI-enhanced C2 system and Arrow Interceptor with Rheinmetall’s engineering systems and production capability.

“Together, we have delivered an Australian air defence solution for emerging global threats” said Mr Hill.

The AERIE system is scheduled to move to full operator demonstrations in Q4 2026.

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

Galvion Introduces SoloPack Arctic at AUSA 2026, Extending Soldier Power Capability to Extreme Cold Environments

Wednesday, October 7th, 2026

Galvion, a global leader in the design and manufacture of intelligent power and data management solutions, innovative head systems and integrated soldier systems, today announced the launch of its new Nerv Centr® SoloPack™ Arctic, an extreme-cold rechargeable battery designed to deliver reliable soldier power in Arctic operating environments. SoloPack Arctic will make its debut at AUSA 2026 in Washington, D.C., October 12–14, alongside Galvion’s full suite of Nerv Centr power and data solutions at Hall E, booth 7917.

Developed in collaboration with South 8 Technologies, SoloPack Arctic is the first product to emerge from the companies’ partnership announced in November 2025, which focused on applying South 8’s LiGas cell technology to Galvion’s field-proven SoloPack battery family for extreme-cold environments. The battery integrates South 8’s ARCTIC™ AE35 18650 cell, powered by the company’s proprietary LiGas® liquefied gas electrolyte technology. The AE35 cell is engineered to deliver power across a temperature range of -60°C to +60°C (-76°F to +140°F), extending lithium-ion performance into extreme-cold environments where conventional battery technologies can be significantly constrained, while maintaining capability across the full high-temperature operating range.

As modern military operations become increasingly dependent on powered equipment — including communications, navigation, sensing and situational-awareness systems — reliable energy has become mission-critical. Extreme cold adds another layer of complexity, making power performance and resilience an important component of Arctic operational readiness.

SoloPack Arctic builds on Galvion’s proven original SoloPack battery, retaining the familiar 98Wh, lightweight form factor while extending its capability for operations in extreme cold. At just 1.2 lbs (544 g), with an energy density of 178 Wh/kg, SoloPack Arctic provides a compact, soldier-worn power solution designed to integrate easily with existing equipment and power-management systems.

The AE35 cell also offers advantages beyond its extended temperature range. In cell-level ballistic penetration testing, South 8’s ARCTIC cells have demonstrated the ability to evacuate electrolyte following penetration, reducing burn duration to seconds at the individual cell level and reducing the risk of propagation to adjacent cells. This characteristic offers a potential benefit for soldier-worn power applications across operating environments, not only in extreme cold.

Initial quantities of SoloPack Arctic will be deployed in a number of upcoming U.S. Army field evaluations, including U.S. Army DEVCOM and International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research (ICE-PPR)’s Operation Mjölnir, providing opportunities to evaluate performance in operationally relevant extreme-cold conditions.

Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman of Galvion, said: “Arctic readiness is becoming an increasingly important requirement for the U.S. and allied forces, and reliable power is fundamental to operating effectively in those environments. Extreme cold exposes the limitations of equipment that performs well under normal conditions, so we need to ensure that the technologies soldiers depend on are ready to perform wherever the mission takes them.

SoloPack Arctic reflects our approach to capability development: identify a real operational challenge, bring together the right technologies and partners, and deliver a practical solution for the warfighter.”

Posted in Arctic, Power, Press Release | No Comments »

Colt Delivers M4A1 Rifles to Guatemala Through Foreign Military Sales Program

Wednesday, October 7th, 2026

West Hartford, CT — October 6, 2026 — Colt is proud to support the Government of Guatemala’s Foreign Military Sales(FMS) program with the historic acquisition of more than 2,000 M4A1 rifles.

In announcing the initial delivery, the Guatemalan Army stated:

“In a ceremonial act, the High Command of the Guatemalan Army participated in the official delivery of the first batch of M4A1 rifles, acquired from the United States of America, a partner and strategic ally of Guatemala, as part of the modernization and transformation process of the three forces of the Guatemalan Army. This acquisition reflects the continuity of bilateral cooperation in defense matters and contributes to the updating of institutional capabilities for the fulfillment of the constitutional mission.”

The delivery represents an important milestone in Guatemala’s ongoing modernization efforts and reinforces the longstanding defense cooperation between Guatemala and the United States.

Colt has supported the U.S. military and allied nations for generations, providing proven small arms designed to meet the demands of military service. The M4A1 continues that legacy, delivering a trusted and field-proven platform to U.S. and allied forces around the world.

Colt is honored to support Guatemala through the FMS program and remains committed to providing dependable weapon systems that strengthen the capabilities of U.S. partners and allies.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »