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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Wescom Defence Introduces Its ATMIS Mobile Signature Management System to Market at DVD 2026

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Wescom Defence, a trusted global manufacturer and solutions provider to the defence industry, specialising in advanced pyrotechnics, multispectral camouflage, soldier survivability, operational infrastructure and prime contracting support, reveals its ATMIS Mobile Signature Management system for the first time at DVD 2026. The advanced concealment technology, designed and supplied by BCB International, is being showcased alongside Wescom Defence’s other concealment products and capabilities at Stand C3-L02.

BCB International is a Wescom Defence brand, with both BCB International and Wescom Defence developing and delivering innovative survivability solutions. Together they combine specialist engineering and field-proven tactical equipment with Wescom’s broad global manufacturing and distribution footprint. Backed by over a century of engineering heritage, Wescom Defence creates specialised technologies to address the most demanding tactical environments across the globe.

The ATMIS Mobile Signature Management is a deployable camouflage panel system for multispectral concealment of vehicles, containers, and mobile platforms. The lightweight, rugged panels reduce detectability across visible, IR, and thermal spectrums. On the modern battlefield, thermal imaging, advanced radar and multi-spectral sensors mean that static and mobile assets are constantly exposed to threat detection. Failing to defeat these detection vectors leaves vehicles, equipment and personnel highly vulnerable to precision targeting. To maintain operational persistence, modern armed forces require signature management that can adapt dynamically to complex environments without hindering tactical mobility. Wescom has positioned itself firmly in this domain through its acquisition of BCB International and ATMIS.

As Wescom Defence’s premier signature management capability, ATMIS products are engineered with survivability as a first principle. It provides advanced static and mobile concealment systems that disrupt optical, thermal and radar detection.

Frances Hunt, Head of Defence Marketing at Wescom Defence said, “As a trusted provider of integrated survivability solutions, Wescom Defence is proud to showcase ATMIS at DVD 2026. ATMIS represents our signature management capability, expertly designed and supplied in-house by our highly innovative survivability brand, BCB International. By combining enhanced concealment with our broader portfolio of tactical pyrotechnics and mobility enablers, Wescom ensures NATO forces can conceal and protect themselves, whilst maintaining the initiative by out manoeuvring modern threat detection systems.”

Galvion Demonstrates Cortex EVO HALO Upgrade Pathway for UK VIRTUS Helmet at DVD 2026

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Galvion, a world 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 UK’s in-service VIRTUS helmet at Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2026 (Booth C3-D22).

The integration concept illustrates how Cortex EVO HALO could provide a pathway to extend and evolve the UK’s existing VIRTUS helmet fleet, introducing advanced power, data and headborne capabilities while building on the proven protective platform already in service.

The VIRTUS helmet is Galvion’s Batlskin® Cobra Plus head system, with more than 270,000 delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence since 2015. The Cortex EVO HALO concept on display at DVD is integrated onto the high-cut VIRTUS variant currently in service, but the same upgrade approach can be applied to the full-cut helmets that make up the wider fielded fleet.

Cortex EVO is Galvion’s integrated headborne architecture, bringing protection, power, data and compute together within a unified system. Its HALO configuration, introduced at Eurosatory 2026, is externally mounted and designed to extend EVO capabilities to both new and fielded helmet platforms.

Alongside the deeply integrated Embedded configuration, HALO provides an alternative implementation of the same core Cortex EVO architecture, allowing users to select an approach aligned with their operational requirements, procurement strategies and lifecycle objectives.

The EVO architecture provides a common power and data backbone capable of supporting visual augmentation, sensing and awareness technologies, digital communications and other headborne capabilities. 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. Its open architecture also enables Galvion-developed and third-party technologies to operate within a common system environment.

“Cortex EVO represents an important part of where we believe soldier systems are heading – moving beyond passive protection toward intelligent, integrated systems that enhance capability at the headborne level,” said Peter Rafferty, President of Galvion UK. “VIRTUS has provided the UK with a proven protective head system for more than a decade, and what we’re showing at DVD is how that existing platform can continue to evolve. Cortex EVO HALO creates a potential pathway to introduce advanced headborne capabilities while building on the equipment, experience and investment already in place. For us, delivering whole-life value means continuing to support and evolve fielded equipment as operational requirements change.”

The VIRTUS Cortex EVO HALO integration concept will be on display at Galvion’s booth C3-D22 throughout DVD 2026.

US Navy Awards Aware $10M Sole-Source Program of Record

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Aware Awarded Sole-Source U.S. Navy Program of Record for Advanced Custom Hearing Protection Solutions Precision-Engineered from Its Proprietary 3D Ear Scanning Technology

Atlanta, GA – September 14, 2026 – Aware Defense, a leader in custom in-ear devices powered by its proprietary eFit 3D ear scanning technology and a division of Aware CBW, has been awarded a sole-source Program of Record contract by the Naval Air Systems Command’s Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202) to advance hearing protection. This prestigious selection underscores Aware’s innovative technology and commitment to protecting the warfighter.

“We are honored to be chosen as the sole-source supplier for this critical program to deploy custom hearing protection built from each warfighter’s unique ear anatomy using Aware’s patented 3D ear scanning technology,” said Sam Kellett, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Aware.

“Hearing loss is one of the most common service-connected disabilities, and it is preventable. Because every ear is different, our eFit scanner and advanced additive manufacturing deliver precision-built protection and communications for mission-critical environments, custom fit at scale. This award reflects the U.S. Navy’s commitment to preventing hearing loss and sets a new standard for protecting the warfighter.”

The five-year contract establishes Aware Defense as the U.S. Navy’s exclusive end-to-end source for 3D digital ear scanning to capture ear canal geometry, manufacture custom hearing protection and Communications Earplugs (CEP), and deliver devices precision-engineered to the individual ear anatomy of Naval Aviation aircrew and flight-line maintainers. The PMA-202 program is anchored by Aware’s eFit scanner, the only non-contact optical 3D scanning system that uses radial illumination to capture the true geometry of the ear and ear canal past the second bend with dimensional accuracy of less than 90 microns.

The sole-source contract builds on proven execution and field validation. Under initial program funding, Aware Defense conducted on-site 3D ear scanning events nationwide and delivered 6,373 custom-fit devices from September 2025 to July 2026, while working alongside NAVAIR Aeromedical Safety Officers and Navy audiologists to fit service members. Under PMA-202, Aware will scale to 42,000 custom-fit units starting August 1, 2026, at Naval Air Stations across the United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS).

“Aware Defense is ready to execute at fleet scale,” said Stu Booker, President of Aware Defense.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Navy to accelerate the fielding of advanced hearing protection. We know that gear that fits gets worn, and every ear scan and custom-fit device advances our mission to protect warfighters and preserve long-term hearing health. Our team has proven its ability to seamlessly scan 700 personnel in five days and have precision-fit devices in the warfighters’ ears within 60 days, enabling rapid program expansion across Naval Aviation.”

Hearing loss remains one of the most common and costly injuries across the Department of Defense. With Aware Defense’s Program of Record, custom hearing protection will become integral to how the U.S. Navy protects the hearing of its aviation personnel while supporting clear communications and operational readiness.

www.awaredefense.us

The New XC3-B! X300 Power. Half the Size.

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Fountain Valley, CA—SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of the world’s finest—and most innovative—illumination tools and tactical products, is proud to announce a new XC3 with significantly increased performance!

Building on a proven formula, the latest XC3 is fueled by a new rechargeable SFRCR123 battery that increases output to 1,000 lumens and 13,000 candela, nearly double the output of the original. The next-generation XC3 now delivers performance that rivals our gold-standard X300U duty light at roughly half the size and weight but with the same rugged reliability. Compatible with a wide range of commercially available holsters, the XC3 is robust enough for professional use and compact enough for everyday concealed carry.

Our hybrid beam projects an intense white light with a focused hot spot for positive target identification to 228 meters, while also providing a healthy amount of spill for situational awareness. Intuitive, ambidextrous switching provides both momentary and constant-on activation with ease. A quick press gives you constant on, and a press and hold will activate the momentary function.

The battery is front loaded into the XC3, and you do not have to remove the light from your firearm to replace it. The included SFRCR123 can be recharged via the USB-C port on the battery or with any commercially available charging dock. A 123A lithium battery can also be used to deliver 550 lumens, 7,200 candela, and longer runtime!

We’ve machined the XC3’s robust, compact body from lightweight, strong aerospace aluminum, then Mil Spec hard-anodized and sealed it to repel the elements. The result is a compact weaponlight that excels in the line of duty or any concealed carry applications.

Specs:

XC3-B COLORS: Black 
OUTPUT: 1,000 lumens (SFRCR123) / 550 lumens (123A)
PEAK BEAM INTENSITY: 13,000 candela / 7,200 candela
DISTANCE: 228 meters / 170 meters
CONSTRUCTION: Aluminum
FINISH: Hard Anodized (MIL-A-8625 Type III, Class 2)
WEIGHT: (w/batteries) 2.65 oz (75 g)
LENGTH: 2.6 in (6.6 cm)
BEZEL DIAMETER: .945 in (2.4 cm)
BATTERIES: (1) SFRCR123 rechargeable lithium-ion (incl.)
SWITCHING: Ambidextrous toggle switches
LIQUID INGRESS PROTECTION: IPX7

For more information on the XC3-B please visit surefire.com.

Army Awards the First Two Production Contracts Using the Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare & Signals Intelligence (REWSI) Call for Solutions

Monday, September 14th, 2026

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The U.S. Army awarded nearly $196 million in production contracts to two defense technology companies to deliver advanced electromagnetic spectrum situational awareness, direction finding, geolocation, signal identification, and other advanced capabilities directly to Soldiers.

The awards mark the Army’s first production contracts executed under the Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare and Signals Intelligence (REWSI) Call for Solutions, an initiative under the Army Open Solicitation (AOS) and Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) framework. Both contracts include a five-year ordering period and were awarded by Army Contracting Command–Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG).

The contracts include:

Heaviside Industries Inc.: A $99 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded Aug. 27, 2026, for the procurement, fielding, upgrades, and sustainment of the Heaviside MOTH spectrum analyzer. The device provides a small form factor distributed electromagnetic sensor that detects and reports sources within the electromagnetic spectrum at the tactical edge.

Research Innovations Inc. (RII): A $96.9 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded Sept. 3, 2026, to procure capabilities supporting the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) Characteristics of Need (CoN) to the AI-driven RII Dragonfly sensors integrated aboard the Menet Aero Intrepid 1200 unmanned aircraft system.

“The first two awards represent an innovation in defense acquisition – transitioning the enterprise from a reactive posture of developing proprietary systems to match emerging threats, to a proactive strategy of leveraging market velocity to consistently outpace them,” said Col. Scott Shaffer, Project Manager for Electromagnetic Warfare and Collection (PM EW&C).

Led by PM EW&C, this rapid acquisition effort supports the Army’s EMSO CoN. The initiative streamlines the acquisition process, delivering capability faster across a diverse range of technologies to meet formation and echelon needs.

The Call for Solutions (Army Open Solicitation – W9128Z-26-S-A002), released on the VULCAN portal, supports a broader effort to establish a collection of commercial capabilities. Evaluations are currently being conducted on a rolling basis throughout the open period of the CSO.

American Rheinmetall Selected to Support US Marine Corps with Advanced Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Sunday, September 13th, 2026

Auburn Hills, MI — American Rheinmetall has been awarded a $7.28M contract to support the U.S. Marine Corps through the manufacture and delivery of Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs), associated Marine Kits, and supporting equipment. The procurement is being executed through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) with ADS Inc. serving as the prime contractor in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL). 

The effort includes the delivery of 12 Mission Master SP A-UGVs and five amphibious kits, marking the most advanced Mission Master configuration developed by Rheinmetall to date. The vehicles will support continued operational evaluation, experimentation, and capability development as the Marine Corps expands its autonomous logistics and expeditionary mobility initiatives.

“This award represents a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with the United States Marine Corps,” said Matt Warnick, CEO, American Rheinmetall. “For more than four years, we have worked side-by-side with Marines to mature, refine, and advance autonomous ground capabilities. The Mission Master SP captures the full breadth of those lessons learned and showcases Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, reliable, and mission-ready autonomous systems.” 

President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada Pietro Mazzei said, “This collaboration between Rheinmetall colleagues enables the U.S. Marine Corps to deploy the Mission Master SP in multi-domain environments and continue to push boundaries of Canadian innovation”.

A New Phase in Marine Corps Autonomous Capability Development

The new Mission Master SPvehicles incorporate Rheinmetall’s PATH autonomy architecture, expanded vehicle characterization, and modular payload integration. The systems also feature the Marine Kit—an upgrade enabling reliable, extended amphibious operations in littoral environments. The combined enhancements represent the latest evolution of the Mission Master family, driven by extensive user feedback, developmental testing, live-fire events, and operational experimentation.

The procurement includes a comprehensive suite of program management, engineering support, logistics coordination, technical documentation, operator training, and acceptance testing. Work will be led by American Rheinmetall in the United States with engineering and production support from Rheinmetall Canada, the original equipment manufacturer and technical partner.

Supporting Strategic U.S. Autonomy Initiatives

This effort aligns closely with American Rheinmetall’s strategy to expand U.S.-based autonomous ground vehicle capabilities and advance long-term technology transfer. It also supports the ongoing development of American Rheinmetall’s Maine facility as a future U.S. Advanced Land Autonomy Center of Excellence (ALACOE) focused on PATH integration, production, sustainment, and lifecycle support.

While this procurement does not immediately require facility expansion, it represents an important step toward future U.S. manufacturing, workforce growth, and long-term sustainment activities.

Strengthening Marine Corps Readiness and Modernization

The Mission Master SP systems will contribute to the Marine Corps’ efforts to enhance autonomous logistics, enable distributed operations, and extend operational reach while reducing personnel exposure to risk. The vehicles are designed to support emerging concepts related to expeditionary advanced base operations and multi-domain operations.

This effort builds on several major milestones, including:

•    More than four years of collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps

•    Successful fielding of twelve Mission Master systems supporting Fleet Marine Force operations

•    Development and integration of the Marine Kit for amphibious tasks

•    Integration and fielding of the Fieldranger Remote Weapon Station

•    Ongoing expansion of PATH autonomous capability development

•    Future establishment of American Rheinmetall’s ALACOE initiative

This award reflects the deep collaboration between American Rheinmetall, Rheinmetall Canada, and the U.S. Marine Corps, and underscores the collective commitment to advancing autonomous ground technologies that empower Marines in the field. With the Mission Master SP, American Rheinmetall is poised to continue supporting the Corps’ modernization objectives with proven, mission?ready systems.

www.rheinmetall.com/americanrheinmetall

Strike Industries – Strike SMC Bravo for RXM 4″ with Compact Grip

Saturday, September 12th, 2026

By popular demand Strike Industries has expanded the Strike Modular Chassis to accept the Ruger RXM. This allows you to add a brace or stock to your sidearm in seconds, transforming a pistol into a PDW.

Product Features:

  • 1913 Picatinny Interface: Integrated rear rail for stock or arm brace compatibility.
  • Modular Chassis System: Engineered for seamless integration with the RXM platform.
  • Enhanced Control: Double undercut trigger guard for improved bore-axis purchase.
  • Performance Ergonomics: Streamlined frame geometry for superior weapon handling.
  • Integrated Accessory Mount: Dedicated mounting point for future modular enhancements.

Specs:

L (in) – 9.58″

W (in) – 3.99″

H (in) – 1.44″

Weight (oz) – 6.00 oz

Get yours at www.strikeindustries.com/si-smc-rxm-19-bk.

Italy Orders Two More MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Additional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Grows Italian Air Force Fleet of MQ-9A

SAN DIEGO – 08 September 2026 – The Italian Air Force (ItAF) has ordered two new MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). When the new aircraft are delivered at the end of 2027, they will increase the size of the ItAF fleet. The purchase is part of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the U.S. Air Force that also includes Ground Control Stations.

 “Italy has been a very important partner for GA-ASI for more than 20 years,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The Italian Air Force has continued to be a leader in the utilization of MQ-9A to support a wide range of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in support of NATO operations.”

MQ-9A Block 5 has endurance of up to 26 hours and can operate up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters). It has a 4,600 pounds (2,087 kilogram) of payload capacity that includes 3,750 pounds (1,701 kilograms) of external stores. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capability with Full-Motion Video, Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Radar, and auto takeoff and landing. An extremely reliable RPA, MQ-9A Block 5 is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.