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Thirteen Canadian Companies. One Sovereign Platform.

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

Convergence Design Services to Launch the MIL-V at CANSEC 2026

OTTAWA, ON — On May 27, at Canada’s largest annual defence and security trade show, a new chapter in Canadian sovereign defence capability begins.

The MIL-V is a fully sovereign electrically powered military vehicle platform, built entirely in Canada, owned entirely by Canada, with every line of IP staying right here. But what makes the MIL-V more than a product launch is the story behind it: thirteen Canadian technology and engineering companies who chose to build something together, brought together and integrated by Convergence Design Services as the platform prime.

“Canadian defence companies are the backbone of future technology innovation,” said Ben Seaman, President at Convergence Design Services. “This collaboration of thirteen Canadian companies on one sovereign electric platform showcases what our industry is capable of across a multitude of missions. One hundred percent Canadian-built. Canadian IP. Canadian owned. This is what sovereign defence capability looks like in practice.”

A PLATFORM BUILT BY CANADA, FOR CANADA

The MIL-V is a mission-ready, electrically powered autonomous vehicle platform. It can operate with or without a driver, adapt to any mission in the field, and deploy across any terrain or climate. Its electric powertrain delivers a near-silent acoustic signature and reduced thermal profile, making it well suited for operations where stealth and low observability are critical. Its open modular architecture allows rapid reconfiguration for breaching, CASEVAC, resupply, ISR, and protection missions without returning to base, supported by an internal power distribution system capable of powering multiple mission systems simultaneously. Sensors are fused across multiple domains to give operators and autonomous systems a unified, real-time picture of their environment.

The platform’s IP, integration, and supply chain are entirely Canadian-owned. What sets the MIL-V apart is not only what it is, but how it was built: thirteen independent Canadian companies, each contributing sovereign technology, brought together under one Canadian prime.

As Canada invests in building its domestic defence vehicle capability, the MIL-V represents a new model for how that capability can be developed, with Canadian IP, Canadian partners, and Canadian integration from the ground up. In an era of global supply chain disruption andgeopolitical uncertainty, that matters. A domestic supply chain is not subject to export controls, foreign policy shifts, or global conflict disruption. Every component, every partner, and every line of IP on this platform remains accessible and entirely within Canadian control.

THE THIRTEEN

Convergence brought together twelve Canadian partner companies, each integrating their own sovereign technology directly onto the platform, with Convergence serving as the thirteenth as platform prime and systems integrator:

• Agile Electromagnetics: Counter Drone Systems

• Bubble Technology Industries: Advanced Radiation and Explosives Detection

Technologies

• Calian: Resilient and Anti-Jamming GNSS

• Canimex Group: Electric Powertrain System

• Guardian Mobility: Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications

• Kontron: Powering Autonomous Edge AI with Rugged Servers

• North Vector Dynamics: Counter-UAS Precision-Guided Missile System

• Ottawa Infotainment: Rugged Vehicle Domain Controller and Display Interface

• Pleora Technologies: Rugged Vision Switcher

• STL Engineering: AVRO Mission Critical Distributed Computing

• Tessellate Robotics: GNSS-Denied Autonomous Navigation with LiDAR

• Volthium: Canadian Lithium Battery Systems and Energy Storage

• Convergence Design Services: Sensor Fusion and Vehicle Platform

Each of these companies is Canadian. Each made a deliberate choice to invest their technology in a sovereign Canadian platform. Together they have built something Canada’s defence community has been calling for.

WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS

Canada is at an inflection point. The federal government has committed to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces through the Defence Investment Strategy, raising the share of defence acquisitions awarded to Canadian firms to 70%, prioritizing domestic supply chain resilience, and streamlining procurement. The MIL-V is purpose-built for this moment, and with a fully domestic supply chain, production can scale rapidly when Canada needs it most.From the Prime Minister’s office to the Department of National Defence to Invest Ottawa, the message has been clear: Canada needs to build and own its own advanced defence technology.

For the last six years, Convergence has been investing in developing the sovereign technology that directly aligns with this strategy. The MIL-V is not a reaction to the current moment. It is evidence that Canadian industry was already there.

“The MIL-V demonstrates the strength of Canadian collaboration in advancing sovereign defence capability. Bringing together Canadian organizations and technologies designed and developed here at home reflects the kind of innovation and partnership needed to strengthen Canada’s industrial capability. We are proud to support this effort with our precision and resilient GNSS technology alongside Convergence and other Canadian companies.”

— Darrell Wellington, VP and GNSS GM, Calian

“Being demoed inside an autonomous vehicle at CANSEC with Convergence is a real glimpse of how integrated, mission-ready autonomy is moving from concept to reality. Pleora plays a critical role in enabling this shift by delivering secure, high-performance video connectivity and sensor data transport that defence platforms depend on for real-time situational awareness, autonomy, and mission-critical decision-making.”

— Ed Goffin, Vice President, Product Marketing, Pleora Technologies

ALSO AT CANSEC 2026

Convergence will also showcase the Arctic OWL, a distributed edge-AI sensing network that delivers persistent spatial awareness in remote and austere environments without relying on existing infrastructure. Designed for Arctic conditions and proven in harsh environments, the Arctic OWL addresses Canada’s growing need for sovereign sensing capability across the north.

ABOUT CONVERGENCE DESIGN SERVICES

Ottawa-based Convergence Design Services has over 30 years of experience delivering critical engineering across defence, aerospace, space, and advanced mobility. Formerly known as Blue Systems, the company is 100% Canadian owned, CGP-certified, and has been recognized multiple times as one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing companies by the Ottawa Business Journal.

Backed by a 100% Canadian venture capital firm, Convergence is making a multimillion-dollar investment in defence product innovation and engineering growth.Convergence Design Services will be exhibiting at CANSEC 2026 at booth 4015, EY Centre, Ottawa, May 27-28.

Posted in CANSEC, Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Teledyne FLIR Defense Unveils New FirstLook 125 Throwable Recon Robot

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

Advancements include common controller with Black Hornet® 4 nano-drone, enabling combined unmanned ground-air operations

Rugged UGV serves as operators’ first line of remote engagement, built for the toughest real-world environments

TAMPA, Fla., May 19, 2026 ? Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced today at SOF Week the official launch of its new FirstLook® 125 throwable personal reconnaissance robot.

The FirstLook 125 unmanned ground system delivers real-time visual, thermal, and audio situational awareness across complex terrain, lowering force risk and enabling faster decision-making.

Purpose?built for coordinated ground?air missions, FirstLook 125 shares a common controller and operational architecture with Teledyne FLIR Defense’s Black Hornet® 4 nano?drone. This enables a single user to deploy and manage both systems without changing tools or workflows. The commonality extends FirstLook beyond ground?only reconnaissance, allowing users to combine interior and exterior ISR, quickly transition between platforms, and maintain continuous situational awareness across domains. The result is an integrated ‘first?in’ capability that delivers greater flexibility and mission utility at the squad and fire?team level.

“As the need for interoperability with unmanned operations grows, FirstLook 125 can support missions demanding both ground and airborne intelligence, thanks to its common controller,” said Tung Ng, Vice President of Unmanned Systems North America at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “And ruggedness isn’t even a question. Through repeated throws, hard drops – plus its agility in confined spaces – FirstLook 125 is engineered for reliability when conditions are toughest.

“Along with our FirstLook 110 robot, the FirstLook family continues to give operators eyes, ears – and confidence – before putting personnel in harm’s way,” Ng added.

FirstLook 125’s advanced tracked mobility is optimized for stairwells, rubble, and uneven ground, producing stable, reliable movement in the most challenging environments. Its lightweight 5.7lb (2.6kg) design can sustain 16ft (5m) drops and self-rights instantly, remaining mission-ready after any throw or tumble. Using rugged, articulated flippers, FirstLook 125 pushes through debris, climbs obstacles, and maneuvers inside confined spaces while bringing an enhanced EO/IR camera suite, integrated illumination, and two-way audio to low-light, GPS-denied, and cluttered operational conditions.

Other FirstLook 125 features include:

Lightweight, Man-Portable Design: Purpose-built for single operator carry, enabling rapid deployment and sustained dismounted operations without degrading memory or endurance.

Throwable and Droppable with Rapid Mission Readiness: Engineered for hand deployment through windows, doorways, and confined spaces, allowing immediate emplacement without compromising sensing, mobility, or system survivability.

Integrated Day/Night ISR with Secure, Real Time Link: Visible and infrared imaging provide continuous situational awareness that is paired with encrypted, low-latency video and control links for immediate operator decision-making.

Posted in Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

BlackSea Technologies Demonstrates GARC Autonomous Surface Vessel Capabilities During Arctic Sentry 2026 in Norway

Friday, May 15th, 2026

BALTIMORE, May 15, 2026, BlackSea Technologies recently participated in Arctic Sentry 2026, a NATO enhanced vigilance activity in the High North, demonstrating its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft in Ramsund, Norway, alongside partners from U.S. 6th Fleet, U.S. Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON-3) and the Royal Norwegian Navy. 

The exercise gave BlackSea’s GARC unmanned surface vessels an opportunity to operate in the far north, demonstrate autonomous surface vessel capabilities in cold weather maritime conditions, integrate with NATO partners and serve as training tools for the next generation of naval warfighters. 

“Arctic Sentry proves that GARC can operate effectively in dynamic, contested maritime environments north of the Arctic Circle,” said Lunsford Schock, mission director for BlackSea Technologies. “The exercise further cements our nation’s military partnerships with key European allies and reflects BlackSea’s commitment to preserving freedom of action at sea by delivering scalable, intelligent tools to naval forces around the world.” 

NATO launched Arctic Sentry in February as a multi-domain activity to strengthen the alliance’s posture in the Arctic and High North. NATO has said the activity brings NATO and allied exercises, forces and capabilities together under one overarching operational approach to the region. The activity is led by Joint Force Command Norfolk, with overall strategic direction from Allied Command Operations. 

U.S. Navy photos

U.S. Navy imagery released May 15 showed a Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft attached to Commander, Task Force 66 operating in Breivika Bay during Arctic Sentry 2026. The Navy identified the activity as taking place in Ramsund, Norway, and noted Arctic Sentry’s role in strengthening allied security in the Arctic and High North.

BlackSea’s participation underscored the role of small, scalable autonomous surface vessels in distributed maritime operations, allied interoperability and training in strategically important waters. The demonstration also highlighted GARC’s ability to support naval forces in demanding operating environments where endurance, adaptability and autonomous capability are increasingly essential. 

Posted in Maritime, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

HDT Robotics Delivers Hunter WOLF Unmanned Ground Vehicles to US Army GOAT Training at Fort Polk

Monday, May 11th, 2026

FREDERICKSBURG, Va., May 11, 2026 — HDT Robotics has delivered Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to the U.S. Army 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana, as part of the Army’s Ground Optionally Autonomous Transport (GOAT) program. The delivery supports a week-long Operator New Equipment Training (OPNET) event. HDT will train soldiers to operate, employ, and sustain the platform, and will demonstrate multiple modular mission payload configurations and operational roles.

The Hunter WOLF, a vehicle developed out of HDT’s Advanced Battle Lab, is a multi-mission ground vehicle robotic platform designed to reduce soldier workload, extend operational duration, and keep soldiers in the field longer with less fatigue and at safer distances. It can serve as a communications platform, a logistics mover, a casualty evacuation system, or an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. The vehicle uses commercially available components that simplify field maintenance. 

Reducing the physical burden on soldiers while increasing operational flexibility remains central to HDT’s mission. “We’re focused on giving soldiers a capability that helps them do their job while reducing their exposure to risk. The Hunter WOLF has gone through rigorous testing, is battlefield tested, and ready now,” said Tom Van Doren, President, Robotics Sector at HDT.

The training gives soldiers hands-on experience operating and maintaining the platform and will demonstrate the use of autonomy kits and casualty evacuation. HDT will also support the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) activities and plans to demonstrate the WOLF’s autonomy capabilities.

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

Sigma Defense Announces Sponsorship and Technical Partnership for GEAR Lab Grand Opening at Museum of Aviation

Monday, May 11th, 2026

WARNER ROBINS, Ga., May 7, 2026 — Sigma Defense is proud to announce its sponsorship and technical partnership supporting the grand opening of the Georgia Engineering, AI & Robotics (GEAR) Lab at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia. The GEAR Lab is a cutting-edge, hands-on innovation space designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, programmers, and problem-solvers by connecting classroom learning with real-world applications.

The GEAR Lab integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced engineering concepts into interactive experiences that provide students and visitors with direct exposure to emerging technologies shaping the future. Through partnerships with leading universities across Georgia, the lab will serve as a hub for collaboration, workforce development, and STEM engagement across the region.

“Sigma Defense is proud to be a sponsor and technical partner for the GEAR Lab at the Museum of Aviation,” said Scott Ritchie, Co-Founder of Sigma Defense and Executive Vice President of the Sigma Integrated Solutions Division. “Since 2006, we have been part of the Warner Robins community, developing and deploying leading-edge C5ISR and CJADC2 solutions for the Department of War. We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in the next generation of the STEM workforce and to continue supporting innovation in Middle Georgia.”

Over the past six months, Sigma Defense has collaborated closely with the Museum of Aviation Foundation’s IT team to support development of an AI-enabled technology platform for students, educators, and local businesses. Through hardware donations and systems integration expertise, Sigma Defense has helped establish a modern, on-premise capability that serves as a foundation for ethical AI education and hands-on technical learning.

In addition to its technical contributions, Sigma Defense serves on the GEAR Lab advisory committee, helping guide the facility’s mission as an engineering launchpad for high school students and future innovators.

“The GEAR Lab represents the kind of forward-looking investment required to prepare students for the demands of tomorrow’s workforce,” said Ritchie. “By bringing together education, technology, and community, this initiative reflects a shared commitment to innovation and long-term impact.”

Sigma Defense’s involvement underscores its broader commitment to advancing innovation – not only in support of national defense, but also through meaningful investment in the communities where its employees live and work.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

FlyTrap 5.0 Puts Emerging Tech in Warfighters’ Hands

Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

PABRAD? TRAINING AREA, Lithuania – U.S. infantry Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment prepare for the force-on-force phase of Project FlyTrap 5.0 at Pabrad? Training Area, Lithuania, May 2. FlyTrap 5.0 integrates autonomous and unmanned ground vehicles, first-person view drones and counter-unmanned aerial systems on the simulated battlefield.

The day marked the third consecutive day of preparation and system integration for the exercise, which included an exercise briefing attended by U.S. Soldiers and U.K. paratroopers participating in the force-on-force portion of FlyTrap 5.0. Soldiers spent the remainder of the day conducting drone familiarization, operating unmanned ground vehicles and rehearsing C-UAS procedures in preparation for the upcoming engagement.

Among those preparing was Spc. Arthur Tugman, an infantryman assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, who has taken on the role of unmanned ground vehicle operator for the exercise, a mission set outside his traditional infantry duties.

“My role in FlyTrap 5.0 is to serve as an unmanned ground vehicle operator, where I operate various unmanned ground vehicle platforms to transport equipment, Soldiers, unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems to wherever they are needed,” Tugman said.

The integration of infantry Soldiers into UGV operations reflects a broader theme running through FlyTrap 5.0; placing emerging technology directly in the hands of warfighters regardless of their primary specialty, and using their feedback to drive rapid improvements across the force. FlyTrap 5.0 hopes to organically assimilate these new duties to Soldiers already assigned to units.

Tugman said the speed at which his unit has been able to absorb and operate the new systems has been one of the more surprising aspects of the exercise.

“Something I learned that I didn’t expect was how fast the United States Army is able to integrate new systems into warfighting tactics,” he said. “I’d say this equipment is very easy to use. I’m able to pick it up, turn it on, and send it wherever it needs to go, as far as it needs to go, as fast as it needs to go.”

That ease of use, Tugman said, has direct implications for how the soldiers could employ these systems at scale across the force.

“If all our technology works the way it’s supposed to, we will preserve manpower as well as accomplish the mission faster and more effectively,” he said.

For Tugman, the measure of success extends beyond the exercise itself. He described his goal as helping establish repeatable, standardized procedures for integrating C-UAS and UGV capabilities into 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s formations; procedures he hopes will eventually be adopted Army-wide.

U.S. and Allied forces conduct Project Fly Trap 5.0 as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains.

Story by SGT Max Elliott

196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post, Robotics, Unmanned Systems, UxS | No Comments »

Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH Launches Series Production of Maritime Unmanned Systems in Hamburg

Friday, April 24th, 2026

Series production of the Kraken K3 Scout has begun at Rheinmetall’s Blohm+Voss site in Hamburg. With the market-ready unmanned surface vessel (USV), Rheinmetall’s new Naval Systems division—together with its British joint venture partner Kraken Technology Group—offers a surface platform for both military and civilian applications. Depending on the configuration, the vessels can be used for maritime surveillance, protection of critical infrastructure, or as weapons carriers in military operations. 

The joint venture established last year between Rheinmetall Naval Systems and the British tech company Kraken Technology Group will now operate under the name “Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH.” The partnership addresses the growing global demand for market-available unmanned platforms of various sizes.

Production of the systems—which are capable of speeds of up to 55 knots, measure 8.4 metres in length, and are individually configurable—takes place at Rheinmetall’s shipyard Blohm+Voss in Hamburg, a site that the Düsseldorf-based company is developing into Germany’s leading test and technology centre for unmanned and autonomous marine systems.

“Production of the Kraken K3 Scout is initially designed for around 200 units per year. Depending on the order volume, we can scale up production to as many as 1,000 units annually,” says Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division. With five locations in Germany, the Naval Systems division specialises in the construction of complex naval and coast guard vessels and is a pioneer in the development of unmanned and autonomous surface systems.

Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken Technology Group said: “The formation of Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH combines the scale, expertise and reach of a longstanding defence leader with an agile, innovative maritime technology company.  This will ensure that production of Kraken’s K3 Scout can scale to meet exponentially growing operational requirements.”

Kraken Technology Group develops high-performance and cost-efficient unmanned maritime systems. Through the joint venture, they benefit from the extensive production and integration capabilities of the Rheinmetall Naval Systems division.

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

US Army Seeks Unmanned Ground Vehicle for “Last Tactical Mile”

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Researching for a presentation I gave last summer at the National Defense Industrial Association Future Forces Conferences on robotics and drones I realized that while the US Army is working diligently to field drones in large numbers, it’s just a drop in the bucket once they figure out how many ground robotic systems they’ll need. To illustrate my point I explained that at the time, the US Army had an inventory of around 3,900 aircraft and 700 enduring capability drones. Meanwhile, there were ~420,000 ground vehicles making it about 11:1 ground to air systems. I expect we’ll see a similar ratio of ground to air robotics once the capability fully settles into the enterprise and those ground robots will take many forms and perform many duties. This capability is just the beginning.

According to a Special Notice released last week, Capability Program Executive (CPE) Mission Autonomy is actively pursuing a UGV designed to autonomously support maneuver formations in the critical “last tactical mile”. This advanced UGV, owned by maneuver formations, will both sustain Platoon and Company formations by delivering essential supplies/energy and will evacuate wounded personnel from the point of injury to a casualty collection point. This dual use UGV shall feature a configurable payload to meet the dynamic needs of maneuver formations.

The UGV must be capable of teleoperation, autonomous navigation, and beyond-line-of-sight communications, and execute resupply and CASEVAC missions with minimal reconfiguration.

The modern battlefield is characterized by persistent enemy surveillance and rapid application of lethal effects at and behind the forward line of troops (FLOT), making any movement to and from the FLOT highly vulnerable. This environment challenges commanders’ ability to resupply units and evacuate casualties. The Army refers to the critical distance between the FLOT and supported units as the “Last Tactical Mile” – the final segment of ground over which supplies, equipment, or personnel must be moved under the greatest threat from enemy observation and fires. This phase is often the most dangerous and logistically complex, requiring innovative solutions to ensure mission success and force protection.

The UGV should be capable of supporting the sustainment needs of a dismounted Rifle Platoon or Company Headquarters for extended operations (reference ATP 5-0.2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1, Unclassified, for Battalion weight needs). It should be able to transport various classes of supply and operate autonomously across diverse terrains and environments, maintaining reliable communications with supported units. The UGV should be able to navigate both on- and off-road routes, including areas without GPS, and support situational awareness. It should minimize detectable signatures and emissions during operations, including in the final approach to supported units.

The UGV should be capable of being reconfigured by the maneuver unit for multiple roles, including casualty evacuation. It should be able to autonomously transport at least two (2) casualties from the point of injury to a designated collection point, without causing additional harm to the patient. The cargo area should be modular and provide accessible power and data connections.

The UGV must support integration and collaboration within networked operational environments and be interoperable with current and future command and control systems. The solution must provide open and exposed APIs for integration with common control and mission autonomy applications.

Interested parties have until 28 April to respond. Learn more at www.sam.gov

Photo above: A Hunter Wolf unmanned ground vehicle assigned to Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), holds a steady overwatch position with a mounted remote operated .50-caliber machine gun during a combat simulation exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana, April 13, 2026. (US Army photo by MSG Anthony Hewitt)

Posted in Army, Mobility, Robotics | 1 Comment »

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