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Pacific Defense Awarded US Marine Corps Contract for Next Generation Electronic Warfare Prototype

Friday, May 1st, 2026

Award advances SOSA/CMOSS mission system ecosystem and informs future EW fielding decisions.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Pacific Defense has been awarded a 12-month rapid prototyping contract by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Program Manager for Tactical Communications and Electronic Warfare (PM TCE) to support next-generation electronic warfare (EW) capability evaluation. The effort will assess Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Electronic Warfare (EW) mission systems and their potential in modernizing USMC capabilities.

Under the contract, Pacific Defense will deliver SOSA/CMOSS-aligned mission systems to enable vehicle-based experimentation by U.S. Marines. The Next Generation EW prototype is centered on the C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) and the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standards. This approach enables rapid integration of new hardware and software into a common chassis, accelerating capability insertion while reducing vendor lock and lifecycle costs.

“This effort reflects a pivotal shift toward software-defined, open architecture C5ISR/EW capabilities that can keep pace with the modern threat environment,” said Frank Pietryka, VP of EW, SIGINT & Autonomy at Pacific Defense. “By leveraging SOSA and CMOSS, we’re enabling a scalable, interoperable ecosystem that allows the USMC to rapidly integrate and deploy new capabilities at the tactical edge. We’re proud to support this initiative and help inform the next generation of EME systems.”

This award builds on Pacific Defense’s role as the incumbent on the U.S. Army’s CMOSS Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) program and the Australia Land 555 program. Insights gained through this effort will provide MARCORSYSCOM leadership with critical data to inform future force modernization and follow-on program decisions.

Posted in CEMA, Contracts, EW, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

GA-ASI Congratulates VMU-3 for Being Named USMC UAV Squadron of the Year

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 27 April 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), supplier of the MQ-9A Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the U.S. Marines Corps (USMC), congratulates VMU-3 for being named the USMC’s UAV Squadron of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA). The 2026 “John I. Hudson Award” recognizes VMU-3’s operational effectiveness in using the MQ-9A platform within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and the MAGTF Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) program.

USMC’s UAV Squadron VMU-3, located at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, operates MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) UAVs with unique sensors and network capabilities that support training for the Marine Littoral Regiment.

MCAA also named VMU-3’s Capt. Garett B. Goar as the Marines’ UAV Officer of the Year.

“GA-ASI congratulates VMU-3 and Capt. Goar for their MCAA awards and for the important work they’re doing in operating MQ-9A,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.

To date, GA-ASI has delivered 20 MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) aircraft to the USMC that are operated by three USMC squadrons.

The MQ-9A ER is designed with field-retrofittable capabilities such as wing-borne fuel pods and a reinforced landing gear that extends the aircraft’s endurance while further increasing its operational flexibility. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capabilities with Full-Motion Video and a Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A ER 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.

Posted in Press Release, UAS, USMC | No Comments »

Marine Corps Completes the Early Capability Release of OPF-Light

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

In a pivotal step for infantry modernization, the Marine Corps has successfully completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and the early capability release of the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) system.

Managed by the Program Manager for Ground Weapons Systems (PM GWS) at Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), the OPF-L gives infantry battalions a significant advantage through organic precision strike power. With features like waypoint navigation and target-locking, Marines can guide the munition to its target while maintaining full situational awareness. This allows battalions to strike beyond the enemy’s threat range and dynamically shape the battle before closing with the enemy.

This milestone illustrates how far the program has come in just two years since contract award. “Speed and acceptance of risk have always been the drivers behind this effort, and we have identified any and all opportunities to remove roadblocks and push the limits of acquisition to move quickly,” explained LtCol Jesse Hume, from the Organic Precision Fires program office.

The comprehensive IOT&E tested the full operational sequence of the OPF-L systems. From mission planning and system deployment to target acquisitions, positive identification, and simulated engagement, the event confirmed that the hardware, software, and most importantly, the warfighter, are ready for deployment. This success demonstrates a maturing capability and proves the system’s effectiveness and seamless integration with established infantry tactics.

“This weapon system is important to the Marine Corps because it allows our maneuver element to close on the target without putting any support by fire in the line of sight of the enemy,” said 1st Lt Jaime Alarcon an infantry officer within 1stBattalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. “The system allows us to get effects on the target without exposing any of our warfighters to that target.”

The feedback gathered from Marine’s will be vital for refining the training pipeline and informing the final procurement strategy to field the capability at scale. “This early capability release allows us to learn incrementally. If it’s safe, we put it out there, and Marines help refine the solution,” explained Tyler Hall, a project officer for OPF-L at PM GWS.

The capability release signifies a major step forward in the Marine Corps’ Force Design efforts. It moves the concept of a more lethal, distributed, and agile force from a strategic goal to a tactical reality and ensures the infantry squad remains the most decisive element on the modern battlefield.

By Addi Vander Velde, Office of Public Affairs & Communication

Posted in Drone, Guest Post, USMC | No Comments »

Echodyne Named as Radar System for Trust Automation’s $490M Air Force Counter-UAS Engineering Contract

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

EchoShield® radar integrated into Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) to deliver on $490M Air Force IDIQ

Kirkland, WA, April 20, 2026 – Echodyne, the radar platform company, today announces its inclusion as a primary radar system within Trust Automation’s Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) Counter-UAS platform, to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force under a $490M IDIQ contract announced in August 2025.

Rapidly Deployable Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (RD-SUADS), Fixed Site Small?Unmanned Air Defense System (FS-SUADS), and Expeditionary Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (EX-SUADS) platforms adhere to the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard with EchoShield radars being the first fully integrated SOSA solution in the platform. The RD-SUADS platform is a self-contained, self-powered C-UAS system fitted to standard pallet sizes for easy transport via military aircraft, while the FS-SUADS is for deployment at permanent military installations and can be integrated as a group or standalone for diverse redundant base protection and 360-degree security. The EX-SUADS detection only system is designed for checked baggage transportation and sized to fit with cases in larger SUV vehicles.

EchoShield is the market-leading medium range radar that reliably and consistently generates precise location data for all drone types and configurations. A commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) radar system, EchoShield’s industry standard interfaces and rich data options create a baseline data set that more accurately slews optical sensors, cues effector options, and accelerates reaction time. Boasting advanced classification capabilities built on recursive neural network (RvNN) machine learning models, EchoShield tracks all movement and pinpoints system and operator attention where and when it matters.

“It is becoming more and more evident that the fidelity of radar data, its accuracy in all data dimensions, is a critical attribute of any radar system,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO at Echodyne. “The new table stakes for every defensive system is actionable data at the range of reaction and with the precision to consistently direct kinetic effectors onto fast, nimble, UAS threats.”

“Integrating Echodyne’s advanced radar into our RD-SUADS, FS-SUADS, and EX-SUADS systems enhances both detection range and accuracy, enabling operators to identify threats sooner and respond with greater confidence,” said Ty Safreno, CEO at Trust Automation, Inc. “These systems provide agile, comprehensive C-sUAS capability that helps protect warfighters and critical facilities through elevated situational awareness.”

For more information about EchoShield and Echodyne, Eben Frankenberg will present to Counter-UAS Technologies in London, UK on April 20-22, and Echodyne can be found at Modern Day Marine in Washington, DC on April 28-30.

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, MDM, Sensors, USMC | No Comments »

Marines Participate in Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course

Friday, April 17th, 2026

U.S. Marines participated in the Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course (ARFIOC) 26-1 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, Feb. 26, 2026, led by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command (MARCENT) and sponsored by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). A program focused on advancing signals intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities in support of operational forces.

ARFIOC builds on foundational Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) training by providing intermediate to advanced instruction in electromagnetic spectrum awareness, radio frequency theory, signal identification, signal characterization, and advanced geolocation techniques. The course is designed to refine technical proficiency and prepare Marines to operate in complex and contested electromagnetic environments.

Originally developed during the 2015 Marine Corps SIGINT Strategy Working Group, ARFIOC addresses training gaps identified during pre-deployment cycles and has been hosted by MARCENT since Fiscal Year 2017. In Fiscal Year 2026, CENTCOM adopted ARFIOC as a training platform to support deploying SIGINT units.

The course progresses through foundational instruction, individual skills development, advanced operator training, and culminates in a complex, live radio frequency scenario known as the Culminating Exercise (CULEX). Throughout the evolution, Marines operate in a layered electromagnetic environment replicating pacing threat conditions and are challenged with tactical and operational problem sets.

Training events include multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance, signal reconnaissance target development, static and mobile SIGINT operations, and contingency response scenarios such as Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) missions in contested environments. These exercises require distributed teams to detect, analyze, and geolocate signals while maneuvering and adapting to changing conditions.

“ARFIOC is about sharpening the skills that directly impact operational readiness,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Rafael Alcala, ARFIOC course director. “Our Marines are learning to operate confidently in contested electromagnetic environments and provide commanders with timely, relevant intelligence. That level of technical competence and adaptability is critical to success in today’s operational landscape.”

ARFIOC incorporates both digital and analog signal sets, frequency-agile communications, high-frequency targeting, and advanced direction-finding techniques to mirror modern operational challenges. Written and practical evaluations measure student progression and provide feedback to continuously refine the program of instruction. In addition to strengthening tactical proficiency, ARFIOC serves as a venue to test emerging technologies and inform future SIGINT training requirements. By advancing individual expertise and reinforcing unit readiness, the course prepares Marines to support commanders in competition and conflict across the electromagnetic spectrum.

“This course has honestly been one of the best training opportunities I’ve had,” said Cpl. Coby Prociw, a student in ARFIOC 26-1. “It forces you to think and adapt in real time instead of just going through the motions. The scenarios feel real, and it’s definitely making me more confident and better prepared for when we have to do this outside of training.”

With ARFIOC 26-1 complete, course leadership continues refining the program of instruction based on student performance and operational feedback to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with evolving mission requirements. The next iteration of ARFIOC is tentatively planned for fall 2026, continuing the effort to advance Marine Corps signals intelligence readiness and prepare the joint force for future operational demands.

Story by Ruben Cordero

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Photos by Sgt. Angela Wilcox

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command

Posted in CEMA, Guest Post, Training, USMC | Comments Off on Marines Participate in Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course

USMC Awards Gentex Contract for Integrated Helmet Systems

Monday, April 13th, 2026

The Department of War made the following announcement on Friday, 10 April, 2026 at COB;

Gentex Corp., Simpson, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $128,484,849 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Integrated Helmet Systems. This contract provides for the procurement of Integrated Helmet Systems with associated components and accessories. The ordering period will be a maximum of five years and is expected to be completed in April 2031. Work will be performed in Simpson, Pennsylvania. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task/delivery orders as they are issued. The requirement was procured under the authority of 10 U.S. Code 4022(f) as a follow-on production agreement to the prototype agreement (M67854-20-9-1000). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-26-D-5401).

I’d like to remind readers that Galvion was also issued a contract by the Marine Corps for this program last August for $131,396,296. Both contracts are Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ).

This program has been underway for quite some time. To give you an idea, the photo was taken of the Gentex helmet in May of 2022.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, USMC | 4 Comments »

Textron Systems Awarded $450M Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Pre-Production Development (PPD) Award by US Marine Corps

Wednesday, April 8th, 2026

SLIDELL, La., April 2, 2026 – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today that it was awarded a $450M Pre-Production Development (PPD) agreement for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program by the U.S. Marine Corps. Under this agreement, Textron Systems will deliver 16 Cottonmouth® pre-production vehicles (PPVs), three systems integration labs (SILs) and four blast hulls.

The Cottonmouth ARV PPV will be delivered in three variants: C4UAS, 30mm, and Logistics (LOG). Designed to enhance the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) framework, these vehicles prioritize mobility, survivability, and adaptability. Rigorous government-led testing will follow delivery to validate performance and verify program requirements. The Cottonmouth C4UAS was designed to act as the battlefield quarterback and naval sensor node within the force structure, enabling transformation to how the Marine Corps communicate and fight, providing superior maneuverability while offering a synergized sensor system. A purpose-built vehicle system, the C4UAS will serve as the crewed platform base for robotic and autonomous systems integration, enabling advanced situational awareness. The 30mm variant offers direct fire support and anti-armor capability, while the LOG variant will be optimized for field supply and support. Over the last several years, Textron Systems has delivered C4UAS and 30mm prototype vehicles, as well as SILs, for Marine Corps testing and evaluation, providing valuable insights into design and performance for risk reduction. During this time, Textron Systems worked closely with the USMC to propose a Cottonmouth ARV offering that is aligned with Force Design 2030.

“Starting as a clean-sheet design in 2019 and shaped by the voice of the customer, the Cottonmouth vehicle is poised to transform the Marine Corps’ reconnaissance missions with adaptability, mobility and as a battlefield quarterback for the USMC,” said David Phillips, Senior Vice President Air, Land and Sea Systems. “Textron Systems invested early on in prototype vehicles to reduce risk and increase maturity for the warfighter. The system design considers today’s mission requirements while also employing a Modular Open System Architecture that enables ease of future integration for the future needs of the USMC, embodying the very essence of innovation and partnership that define us as an organization.

“This achievement solidifies Textron Systems’ role as a key partner in advancing the Marine Corps’ mission capabilities,” added Zach Bupp, Vice President Land Systems. “We’re proud of the innovative, purpose-built capabilities we’ll be delivering and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Marines over the next several years.”

Built at Textron Systems’ manufacturing facility in Slidell, LA, the Cottonmouth ARV represents decades of heritage and expertise in ground vehicle design and manufacturing. Engineering and design work will also occur in Hunt Valley, MD.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Contracts, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Marines Can Use Red Dot Optic Equipped M18 Pistols for Qualification

Thursday, March 19th, 2026

According to a released recently MARDMIN (104/26) message, Marines are authorized to use unit funded, Using Unit Responsibility Item, M17 Romeo (sic) red dot optic, National Stock Number 1240-01-713-9795 for Combat Pistol Program (CPP) qualifications with the M18 Modular Handgun System (MHS).

Manufactured by SIG Electro-Optics, the ROMEO-M17 was assigned its NSN and added to the MHS Additional Authorized List (AAL) in October, 2023.

ROMEO-M17 Specs:

Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: Circle dot with 2 MOA Red Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Brightness Adjustment Settings: 15 (12 Day / 3 Night Vision)
Water Resistance: Submersible to 20 meters
Overall Length: 2.4 inches
Overall Width: 0.9 inches
Overall Height: 1.1 inches
Mounting Footprint: SIG-LOC™ MHS
Battery Type: CR2032
Battery Location: Side
Weight (w/o battery): 1.5 ounces

MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
MAGNETAC (Magnetic Activation)
D.A.R.C. (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings)
Designed, developed, tested and fully assembled in the USA
Integrated loaded chamber indicator (LCI) gas deflector and machined anti-reflection grooves on all rear facing surfaces for reduced glare

In other pistol marksmanship news, an earlier MARADMIN (095/26) authorizes Marines in units that are issued Glock pistols from the USMC (e.g., MARSOC) or Department of State (e.g., MCESG) for unique duty requirements to use these pistols for CPP qualifications.

Posted in Advertiser, USMC, weapons | 1 Comment »