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Mach Industries Selected by Army for Contract to Develop Strategic Strike Aircraft

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

Huntington Beach, CA, March 4th, 2025 – Mach Industries, a defense manufacturing company that develops advanced aircraft, was selected by the Army Applications Laboratory to develop Strategic Strike, a vertical takeoff (VTO) cruise missile, enabling a precision strike for maneuver units. The contract for Strategic Strike, awarded in Q3 of 2024, will enhance the strike capabilities of Company through Brigade-level maneuver elements.

Since winning this contract, Mach has rapidly developed the Strategic Strike program, locking Strategic Strike’s design by the end of September 2024, and successfully testing vertical takeoff into full-performance wingborne flight by mid-January 2025. Work is currently underway to rapidly integrate AI visual and RF sensing techniques to allow Strategic Strike’s operation in GPS and comms-denied environments.

Strategic Strike has a range of 290 km, carrying a 10+ kg warhead. The combination of VTO, high speed and range/payload is radically novel for the current fighting force. At the culmination of the contract, Mach will provide the warfighter with a VTO asset that has HIMARS range, cruise missile speed, and Hellfire effects.

The emergence of low-cost, man-portable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets has resulted in a new challenge: maneuver elements are now able to sense farther than they can shoot. Presently, the elimination of high-payoff targets is a collaborative effort requiring the coordination of several services or levels of organizations.

Strategic Strike, by contrast, is designed to dramatically improve a maneuver force’s ability to engage high-payoff targets beyond the forward line of troops. This product refinement will produce a versatile strike vehicle to deliver a mission-relevant payload at range.

The primary objective for Strategic Strike is to launch from beyond enemy radar range, reducing the probability of detection, and increasing launch team survivability. Tactical maneuver units will be able to engage and prosecute high-payoff targets, such as radar arrays and artillery pieces, well beyond the forward line of troops.

“I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to deliver a war-changing capability to our military, and impressed by the engineering and manufacturing team’s hard work–taking Strategic Strike from design kickoff in September to flight just 14 weeks later,” said Ethan Thornton, CEO and Founder of Mach Industries. “I truly think the product team we’ve assembled here will drive generational value to the U.S. at this critical time, and I’m excited every day to see the rate of product development continue to accelerate. The entire Mach team is eagerly awaiting the day when the factory we’re prototyping Strategic Strike in turns on production and deploys them by the thousands to deter wars.”

machindustries.co

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Gilat to Invest up to $3.5 Million in Disruptive ESA Based Drone Detection Startup Crosense

Friday, February 28th, 2025

Gilat expands its HLS and Defense strategic footprint with investment in cutting-edge deep-tech company

Petah Tikva, Israel, February 25, 2025 – Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a global leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, today announced an investment of up to $3.5 million in Crosense, an early-stage startup revolutionizing drone detection and tracking. The investment is part of a funding round co-led by Frontier Capital, reinforcing strong industry confidence in Crosense’s disruptive technology. This move aligns with Gilat’s recently declared strategic focus on expanding its presence in the Homeland Security (HLS) and Defense sectors.

Crosense is developing a disruptive new class of deep-tech, electronically steered antenna (ESA) based drone detection and tracking systems, addressing an urgent, unmet need for securing airports, military bases, and critical infrastructure against unauthorized drone activity. Unlike traditional solutions, Crosense’s passive, all-weather, real-time system will provide 24/7 hermetic coverage, ensuring accurate, scalable, and cost-effective detection in all terrains, including dense urban environments.

“The rapid rise of drone threats has created an immediate demand for more effective detection solutions, and Crosense’s technology is poised to disrupt the market,” said Roni Stoleru, Chief Corporate Development Officer at Gilat. “This investment reflects Gilat’s commitment to the defense sector and our strategy to bring innovative, field-proven solutions to military and government customers worldwide. By supporting Crosense, we are reinforcing our role in safeguarding critical assets with next-generation technologies.”

“We are thrilled to have Gilat as our strategic partner and investor,” stated Crosense founder and CEO, Gil Zwirn. “Gilat’s extensive knowledge and expertise, as well as its robust global marketing and sales channels will be instrumental in our journey. This collaboration is expected to propel Crosense forward, fostering innovation and growth, and amplifying our reach and impact.”

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HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany Expand Their Cooperation: Training for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Systems in Germany

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Taufkirchen, 26.02.2025 – The sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany have strengthened their collaboration in the field of uncrewed aerial vehicles and systems, with ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH serving as the prime contractor.

This strengthened alliance supports QinetiQ’s Global Threat Representation strategy, reinforcing its reputation as a global service provider for military exercises, from operational analysis to implementing new capabilities.

The expanded partnership focuses on three key areas including:

· Capability enhancement.

· Military uncrewed aerial vehicles of category IIa.

· Training and certified testing.

This partnership builds on years of successful cooperation between, QinetiQ and HENSOLDT in Germany and Europe particularly in airborne radar systems using PC-12 test aircraft and the supply of reconnaissance technology for QinetiQ’s fleet.

With key locations in Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein, QinetiQ and HENSOLDT are well-positioned to support the German Armed Forces and other security authorities in operating uncrewed systems.

HENSOLDT has been integrated as a certified body by the German Armed Forces Aviation Office for military uncrewed aerial vehicles of category IIa. This category encompasses drones used for flight target presentation, prototypes and system demonstrators.

HENSOLDT will also act as a recognised training and certified testing centre for remote pilots of civil uncrewed aircraft in QinetiQ’s category 2c, which includes drones that do not require prior approval. As a multi-certified body, HENSOLDT can provide comprehensive system support within this strengthened partnership.

Thorsten Heil, Head of Flight Operations at HENSOLDT in Germany, added: “As a reliable technology and innovation partner and an approved aviation company for both uncrewed and crewed aircraft, we are committed to developing specific, customer-oriented, and market-driven solutions that maintain our armed forces’ defence capabilities and enhance public safety. The intensified cooperation with QinetiQ is a critical step towards improving education and training for uncrewed aircraft and systems in Germany, contributing to the sustainable strengthening of our security.”

Matthias Grögor, Head of Strategic Business Development at QinetiQ in Germany, said:

“Through our partnership with HENSOLDT, we demonstrate a proven collaboration with the German Armed Forces and other security authorities, backed by years of successful work, particularly with the German Air Force,” Matthias said. “Together, we aim to expand our services in uncrewed systems – from development and certification to education and training, around our Bavarian location in Augsburg, helping to establish Bavaria as a leading hub for drone technology.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany Expand Their Cooperation: Training for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Systems in Germany

Hoverfly Spectre Officially Added to DIU Blue List, Cementing NDAA Compliance

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

The Official VHA-H for the U.S. Army is now the first and only Tethered Drone to be added to the DIU Blue List

SANFORD, Fla., February 20, 2025 – Hoverfly Technologies proudly announces that the Hoverfly Spectre has officially been selected to be on the DIU Blue List, confirming its compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and significantly simplifying acquisition processes for all Department of Defense (DoD) end users.

This milestone is a testament to the unwavering trust the U.S. Government has placed in Hoverfly’s cutting-edge tethered UAS technology. With hundreds of systems delivered to DoD customers worldwide, Hoverfly continues to solidify its leadership in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) market.

Hoverfly Spectre’s inclusion on the Blue Listfollows its selection in the inaugural Blue UAS Refresh Competition in Fall 2024. Spectre is now the first and only tethered UAS to achieve this prestigious designation, further distinguishing Hoverfly as a pioneer in delivering reliable, secure, and mission-critical systems. This achievement also comes on the heels of Hoverfly earning Green List certification from AUVSI, a validation that mirrors the stringent Blue UAS cyber security standards for American-made drones.

With its placement on the Blue List, the Hoverfly Spectre now holds an Authority to Operate (ATO) across all DoD entities, expanding its reach within the rapidly growing unmanned systems market.

The Spectre platform is a fully closed-loop tethered system, transmitting all power and data through its tether for uninterrupted, secure operations. Its payload-agnostic design enables simultaneous use of Variable Height Antenna (VHA) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads to support diverse mission requirements. Additionally, with its MOSA compliant architecture, Spectre accommodates an array of qualified payloads, including counter-UAS sensors, electronic warfare (EW) systems, targeting gimbals, and more.

Hoverfly Spectre’s recent selection in the VHA-H competition through PEO Soldier in Fall 2024 further underscores its operational superiority and mission adaptability.

“Being added to the DIU Blue List is a monumental step for Hoverfly and the Spectre platform,” said Steve Walters, CEO of Hoverfly Technologies. “This achievement reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the DoD with innovative, secure, and compliant tethered UAS solutions that meet the highest standards of reliability and performance. We are honored to continue supporting our defense partners with systems they can trust in every mission.”

For more information about the Hoverfly Spectre and its capabilities, visit hoverflytech.com

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GA-ASI Advances Sub-Hunting With Test of New Air-Dropped Sensors

Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 25 February 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) continues to expand the role of unmanned aerial systems, demonstrating the first-ever Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability on an MQ-9B SeaGuardian®. In a groundbreaking test from January 20-30, 2025, a company-operated MQ-9B SeaGuardian successfully deployed and tested anti-submarine sensors using multiple pre-production Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) pods.

Having already proven its ability to track submerged targets, SeaGuardian took this capability further with GA-ASI’s newly designed SDS pods. These pods deployed multiple sonobuoys to conduct onboard thermal-depth and acoustic data processing. Using Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR), Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS), and Bathythermograph sonobuoys, SeaGuardian effectively detected, tracked, and analyzed underwater targets while collecting critical acoustic intelligence.

“This demonstration represents a major leap forward in unmanned capabilities and marks a major milestone in proving that an unmanned aircraft can perform end-to-end persistent ASW operations,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The success of this testing paves the way for enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities on the MQ-9B SeaGuardian. We look forward to continued collaboration with the U.S. Navy as they explore innovative solutions for distributed maritime operations in the undersea domain.”

As part of the development process, GA-ASI successfully deployed multiple DIFAR and DICASS test sonobuoys, precisely correlating ejection speed with stress/strain data. This provided a high-fidelity launch model to refine future deployment capabilities.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks played a key role in supporting and overseeing the development, ensuring the system meets emerging warfighter needs. AIRWorks has partnered with GA-ASI in multiple ASW demonstrations, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in July 2024.

With strong demand already in place from multiple customers, GA-ASI anticipates increasing interest in the MQ-9B SeaGuardian, given its high-end maritime capabilities at a significantly lower cost than traditional manned maritime platforms.

Posted in Press Release, Sensors, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Advances Sub-Hunting With Test of New Air-Dropped Sensors

Transforming UAS Operations: UAS Summit at Fort Novosel Paves the Way for Future Innovations

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025

FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. — The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence hosted its Unmanned Aircraft Systems Summit at Fort Novosel, from Feb. 10-13, 2025. The summit brought together subject matter experts and operators from around the world to discuss the future of UAS operations.

The summit, which included representatives from agencies such as Army Futures Command, DARPA, DEVCOM, the Department of Defense and the Army’s various Centers of Excellence, aimed to provide a platform for the sharing of lessons learned and the discussion of strategies to inform requirements moving forward.

Col. Joshua Ruisanchez, director of the U.S. Army Futures Command Aviation Capability Development Integration Directorate, highlighted the importance of air-ground integration as the Army continues to transform. The event provided a venue for discussing strategies and approaches moving forward, informed by current global conflicts and future military engagements. Different agencies working within the UAS space showcased their capabilities, which will inform future requirements.

“We’re learning from all the formations that brief this week on how they’re employing UAS, and we’re capturing those lessons learned,” said Col. Scott Shaw, Maneuver Capabilities, Development and Integration Directorate director from the Maneuver Center of Excellence. “We’re also learning from industry about the capabilities that are out there, and how they can help augment our operations.”

The summit included a range of units, including the 101st Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne Division and the 75th Ranger Regiment, as well as representatives from Special Forces and other agencies.

“This is a great venue to bring in the air-ground integration as we continue to transform the Army,” said Shaw. “We’re seeing what’s happening in Ukraine and what we think the future of UAS operations will look like.”

The summit also included static displays of UAS systems by over 40 industry partners, as well as flight demonstrations.

“This is super important for the Army as a whole,” said Tyler Booth, the small UAS lead at Fort Novosel. “We’re bringing units from all over the UAS enterprise, and this event is a huge information-gathering and disseminating event. It’s also a chance for industry partners to showcase their UAS systems and demonstrate their capabilities.”

The event marked the first time that commercial UAS systems had been flown in such large numbers at Fort Novosel and required significant coordination and planning to ensure its success.

“It’s a large administrative task, and a lot goes into working with all these companies to ensure that we meet the requirements to be able to do this,” said Booth. “But it’s really great that we can do this here, and it’s a testament to the Army’s commitment to innovation and the development of new technologies.”

The summit was seen as a key step in the Army’s efforts to develop and integrate UAS systems into its operations, and to provide its warfighters with the capabilities they need to succeed on the battlefield.

“Robots, in and of themselves, are moderately interesting,” said Lt. Col. Michael Brabner, the Maneuver Center of Excellence’s Robotics Requirements Division chief. “But the effects they help commanders achieve, that’s the compelling piece of all this. We’re trying to give our warfighters the most lethal, apex-predator, robotic and autonomous systems that they can have to simply and intuitively employ on the battlefield to achieve the desired effects.”

Brabner explained that the Army must innovate during peacetime to avoid being reactive in combat situations. By partnering with industry, the Aviation Center of Excellence, and focusing on the end user — the maneuver warfighter — this summit allows the Army to capitalize on opportunities to innovate, learn, and form requirements. These efforts ensure that the Army can effectively fight and win large-scale combat operations.

The summit was part of a larger effort by the Army to develop and integrate UAS systems into its operations, and to provide its warfighters with the capabilities they need to succeed on the battlefield. As the Army continues to transform and adapt to new technologies and threats, events like the UAS Summit will play a critical role in shaping its future.

By Leslie Herlick, Fort Novosel Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Transforming UAS Operations: UAS Summit at Fort Novosel Paves the Way for Future Innovations

Rheinmetall at the Xponential Europe Trade Fair: Robotics, Drones and Teleoperated Driving in Focus

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

From 18 to 20 February 2025, the Xponential Europe trade fair, which focuses on robotics and unmanned systems, will take place for the first time in Düsseldorf. Rheinmetall is the largest exhibitor, underlining its claim to leadership in this field. Under the motto ‘Leadership in unmanned digital ecosystem and robotics’, the Dax-listed technology company and its subsidiaries MIRA GmbH and Yardstick Robotics are presenting their latest developments in the fields of robotics, drones, unmanned systems and teleoperated driving.

Rheinmetall is showing a wide range of its unmanned systems for military and law enforcement applications, including:

– the LUNA NG VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), a tactical fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial System with vertical take-off and landing capability, reconnaissance equipment (ISR, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and optional effectors

– the Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-002, a fixed-wing drone primarily for close-range reconnaissance

– the Rotary Wing Vehicle RV-002, a rotary wing drone for close-range reconnaissance with a payload capacity of 750 grams

– the target drone Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-015

– the walking robot Robotics L.

MIRA GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, is paving the way for automated mobility with teleoperation. MIRA uses teleoperation to decouple the driver from the vehicle. This makes it possible to control the vehicle remotely from a control panel located anywhere.

Teleoperation of vehicles on public roads requires powerful IT systems. In the ‘POQUASIA – Post-quantum secure generic IoT application’ project, the Rheinmetall Technology Center, with the support of MIRA GmbH, is developing a scalable, real-time-capable and generic Internet of Things (IoT) platform within a cloud environment.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate the potential of cloud-based applications using the example of teleoperation and to test the use of post-quantum cryptography to protect against future cyber threats. This will provide digital innovations that meet the highest security, latency and availability requirements. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and supports the European IPCEI-CIS initiative to realise a unique multi-provider cloud-edge continuum.

During the trade fair, MIRA GmbH and the POQUASIA project are offering visitors to Xponential Europe the opportunity to take a ride in one of their teleoperated shuttle vehicles on public roads. In addition, MIRA GmbH will be providing first-hand information about its innovative technology and its diverse applications in logistics and passenger transport.

Rheinmetall subsidiary YardStick Robotics is a manufacturer of AI-enabled robotic solutions for extreme, unstructured and unpredictable environments. The specialised collaborative cobot ‘YARO Cobot’ is developed for the toughest of missions – in other words, robots for ‘dull, dirty & dangerous’ activities. YardStick Robotics is currently working on solutions for a range of applications from the deep sea to extraterrestrial missions in the future. In keeping with the motto ‘Robots for the World’s Toughest Jobs’, the focus is also on the safe automation of industries that have not previously had access to such robotic solutions.

At Xponential Europe, Yardstick Robotics will be showcasing

· the outdoor cobot: ‘YARO Cobot’ – a specially developed collaborative robot for reliable use in rough, unstructured outdoor environments

· an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) study – an autonomous underwater platform for precise inspection and monitoring tasks in marine and inland waters

· MagnetCrawler – an intelligent system for inspecting and monitoring metallic surfaces, e.g. for industrial applications

Xponential Europe is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.from 18 to 20 February 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to our booth 1C25.

For more information about Xponential Europe, visit: www.xponential-europe.de

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Quantum Systems Establishes New Leadership to Drive Global Growth and Product Excellence

Friday, February 21st, 2025

Gilching, February 19th, 2025 – Quantum Systems, Europe’s leading innovator in drone technology providing aerial intelligence for both government and commercial clients, announces a new executive leadership structure designed to elevate its growth ambition and technological excellence.

Effective January, company Co-Founder and CEO Florian Seibel transitioned to a Co-CEO role alongside Sven Kruck, who has served as Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director since joining the company in December 2022. This change underscores Quantum Systems’ strategic focus on aligning visionary product development with robust operational leadership. Florian Seibel will focus on products, technology and strategy, while Sven Kruck will focus on operations, sales and finance.

As part of this transition, Frank Thieser, Chief Financial Officer since 2020, resigns from active management and takes on the role of Senior Advisor to Florian Seibel. Jonas Jarosch, who joined the company in autumn 2024 as Director of Finance, will succeed Frank Thieser as CFO, bringing expertise in financial strategy and operational excellence.

At the same time, Quantum Systems also announces the appointment of Martin Karkour as the new Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Quantum Systems. He succeeds Sven Kruck, effective February 15th, 2025.

Since founding Quantum Systems a decade ago, Florian Seibel has led its transformation from a startup to a global enterprise with over 400 employees across five countries. Seibel commented:

“I want to dedicate more time to what I do best: Tech, Product & Strategy, and building outstanding teams. That is my real superpower and by the way the foundation of every successful tech startup. You can’t build a company without a product. It’s all about the product. I feel truly fortunate to share the helm with Sven as my Co-CEO.”

Sven Kruck has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s revenue growth and operational efficiency. Reflecting on his journey, Kruck noted:

“I was fortunate to have been at the forefront of Quantum Systems’ revenue and operational growth in my role as Managing Director and CRO. Our focus on manufacturing process improvement and fostering international collaboration has created a dynamic environment driven by innovation and excellence. I am honored to partner with Florian as Co-CEO to shape the future of UAV technology and look forward to dedicating my energy to develop Quantum Systems into a global champion.”

These changes position Quantum Systems to further solidify its position as a global innovator in UAV technology, with a strong commitment to advancing cutting-edge solutions for its clients worldwide.

quantum-systems.com

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