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PEO Soldier Takes Reigns of Purpose Built Attritable System Program

September 10th, 2025

PEO Soldier recently released this statement regarding their designation as the program office for the Army’s Purpose Built Attritable System effort which looks to field attritable FPV drones across the formation. It’s a great choice for this capability which will transform the Army from the squad up.

The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) has officially designated PEO Soldier as the lead for the Purpose Built Attritable System (PBAS) program. This designation and alignment highlight the Army’s commitment to addressing new threats posed by emerging technologies and underscore the importance of ensuring our Soldiers remain equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving battlefield.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to PM UAS and PEO Aviation for their exceptional efforts and collaboration in recent months. Their hard work and dedication, including the work leading up to the recent vendor fly-off event, have been instrumental in laying the foundation for the PBAS program. We deeply value their contributions and teamwork in advancing this initiative. We will continue to work closely with PM UAS in the future regarding all things robotics to ensure we design and deliver solutions correctly to our formations.

As we move forward, the team at PEO Soldier is eager to engage with industry partners to drive the growth of the PBAS capabilities. We are committed to addressing emerging threats and delivering capabilities that meet the needs of our Soldiers. Additional details regarding an upcoming industry day and program updates will be shared soon.

PEO Soldier looks forward to working together with all stakeholders and industry to ensure the success of the PBAS program. We remain committed to our mission of equipping America’s Soldiers with the best equipment possible to make them a more efficient and lethal force.

Posted in Army, Drone, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on PEO Soldier Takes Reigns of Purpose Built Attritable System Program

CRT Chief: The Quarterback to Mission Success

September 10th, 2025

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. —

For the National Football League, teams are required to have a handful of captains before the start of the season and these team leaders are elected by their peers to ensure their teammates’ jobs are performed at the highest level and that there is accountability during a long, tough football season.

Similarly, a Contingency Response Team (CRT) Chief is elected by their peers to lead a group of highly specialized Airmen and ensure team mission success during tough training exercises and deployments.

A CRT normally denotes the size of the team deploying, consisting normally between 15-25 Airmen, whereas a Contingency Response Element (CRE) consists of more than 100 Airmen.

To become a Contingency Response Team Chief, an Airman must successfully complete six tasks:

Complete an application called a Command Job Qualification Standard
Complete landing zone safety officer training,
Complete drop zone controller/safety officer training
Complete a contingency response mission planning course
Complete a mobile command and control communication (C3) operations course.
Lead a mission away from their duty station

“A CRE Commander and CRT Chief have similar responsibilities because both can have final mission authority and makes decisions not explicitly assigned to higher-level authority,” Tech. Sgt. Travis Urquhart, 921st Contingency Response Squadron operations expeditor and Exercise Turbo Distribution 25-2 CRT Chief in-training said.

Urquhart is one of two CRT Chiefs in-training to be certified during Exercise Turbo Distribution 25-2, which is a U.S. Transportation Command-led exercise taking place in August at multiple locations.

Turbo Distribution is a Joint Task Force-Port Opening exercise designed to train personnel to rapidly respond to humanitarian aid/disaster response missions around the world.

“Additionally, the CRE Commander, or CRT Chief, can be the primary liaison with the host nation, coalition or other U.S. forces, the supported command and/or controlling agency,” Urquhart stated. “Unless otherwise indicated, the CRE Commander or CRT Chief may delegate specific duties to other team members as necessary, but in a nutshell, you are responsible for leading a team in the planning, deploying, redeploying and reconstituting a team at any austere airfield around the world.”

For Exercise TD 25-2, 20 CR Airmen from the 821st Contingency Response Squadron and 921st CRS are participating as part of a CRT which provides aerial port capabilities, conducts airfield assessments and determines the suitability and feasibility of the airfield and landing zones in support of air operations immediately upon arrival at Fort Hunter-Liggett in Jolon, California.

If Exercise TD 25-2 were a football game, the most important position on the field is the quarterback, which would be CRT Chief on location, and the goal, similar to winning the game, is to have mission success upon returning home.

“I left my career field as a boom operator to be in CR,” Urquhart shared. “Now I get to lead highly specialized teams as a CRT Chief and that will open the door to different deployment opportunities and perspectives that I didn’t have before as a boom operator.”

How an Airman becomes selected to become a CRT Chief is actually quite simple. The position is only open for the rank of Technical Sergeant and Master Sergeant. If they are labeled as 1A1 flyers, they will need to step away from their primary mission designation, just like how Urquhart did, to join the 621st Contingency Response Wing for three years in order to become a CRT Chief. Most importantly, these applicants must have demonstrated and excelled at previous leadership positions in order to even be considered.

Finally, CRT Chiefs must complete three field exercises: an observational exercise of a fully qualified team chief, an instructor-assisted exercise to learn how to perform the duties of a CRT chief, and lastly, an evaluation exercise where they are observed by a qualified CRT Chief.

By SSgt Scott Warner, 621st Contingency Response Wing

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on CRT Chief: The Quarterback to Mission Success

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Agrees to Honorary Sponsorship Role for Enforce Tac 2026

September 9th, 2025

Germany’s leading trade fair for internal and external security has gained top-level political support: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will serve as honorary sponsor of the upcoming Enforce Tac, which will be held at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from 23 to 25 February 2026.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s acceptance of the honorary sponsorship role sends a strong signal, underscoring the vital importance of Enforce Tac as a laboratory for the future of Europe’s security and as a crucial innovation driver in the European security and defence sector.

Resilience is a challenge to be tackled by all of society

“We want to be able to defend ourselves so that we will not have to defend ourselves. Defence is whole-of-society challenge. It is also an indispensable prerequisite for the resilience and future viability of our country. Enforce Tac embodies this comprehensive approach to security. And therefore, I am honoured to sponsor this event”, the German Chancellor said.

Enforce Tac 2026 will be held against the backdrop of radical changes in the international security order. New conventional risks require highly effective military forces and security personnel. In view of the hybrid threat situation, however, resilience is a challenge to be tackled by all of society, including government, business, and the public at large. This whole-of-society approach to security policy is aptly reflected by the honorary sponsorship role of the German Chancellor.

“The Federal Chancellor’s support is a great honour for us. It also bears a weight of responsibility”, said Peter Ottmann, CEO of NürnbergMesse. “It vindicates our approach of developing Enforce Tac into a leading platform for all security-relevant sectors and players. The Federal Chancellor’s honorary sponsorship role gives heightened strategic importance to the dialogue between government officials, public authorities, security forces, and industry players.”

Thanks to Minister-President Dr. Söder and State Minister Mr. Herrmann

We wish to express our special gratitude to Dr. Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President, and Mr. Joachim Herrmann, the Bavarian State Minister of Interior, Sports, and Integration, for the crucial support they have given to the strategic evolution of Enforce Tac.

“The personal support of the Bavarian Minister-President has been indispensable to the success that Enforce Tac enjoys today. I especially also want to thank State Minister Joachim Herrmann, who has supported Enforce Tac as honorary sponsor for over a decade. The trade fair’s evolution has been permanently shaped by the strategic impetus he has provided”, Peter Ottmann said.

Collaborative security and responsibility for Europe’s values

By fostering trustful collaboration between government, business, and the public at large, Enforce Tac advances the cause of collaborative security within an integrated Europe. The concerted efforts of governments, security forces, and industry players is all the more important in these times of geopolitical tension, complex threats, and growing demands on the resilience of our society.

Enforce Tac 2026: Interconnected security across eight halls

Enforce Tac 2026 will bring together more than 1,000 exhibitors from all over Europe and from allied NATO countries, as well as high-ranking representatives of governments, military forces, law enforcement agencies, and industry players, to conduct a top-level dialogue in Nuremberg from 23 to 25 February 2026. In the spirit of the theme “Interconnected Security”, Enforce Tac will connect internal security, external security, and cyber security across eight halls comprising an area of approximately 65,000 m²– including the Enforce Tac Village in the Frankenhalle.

Only members of military forces, government agencies and organizations charged with law enforcement or military security duties, and representatives of the security and defence industry will be admitted. This exclusivity is meant to ensure a well-protected, highly focused atmosphere conducive to trustful collaboration and sustainable security.

Posted in Enforce Tac, Press Release | Comments Off on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Agrees to Honorary Sponsorship Role for Enforce Tac 2026

Nokia Expands Defense Portfolio with Two Advanced Tactical Communication Solutions

September 9th, 2025

Introduces Nokia Mission-Safe Phone, a purpose-built defense smartphone for reliable mission-critical communications in the harshest operational environments

Nokia also launches the upgraded Banshee 5G Tactical Radio, a rugged, portable, easy-to-deploy network hub, now with integrated 5G connectivity
These new solutions expand Nokia’s tactical communications portfolio, delivering a fully integrated, end-to-end system built to meet the evolving needs of modern military operations

09 September 2025

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced the launch of two advanced tactical communication solutions – Nokia Mission-Safe Phone and Nokia Banshee 5G Tactical Radio – expanding its defense portfolio and reinforcing its commitment to providing a comprehensive, secure, high-performance system for modern military operations. Delivering unmatched bandwidth, mobility, and reliability at the tactical edge, these innovations enable real-time battlefield intelligence and mission-critical communications in even the most demanding environments.

As 5G technology accelerates battlefield digitalization, defense forces require end-user devices capable of harnessing their full potential. The Nokia Mission-Safe Phone is a purpose-built defense smartphone engineered for resilience, security and performance.

Developed and manufactured in Europe, the new product features a long-lifecycle chipset from Qualcomm. The Nokia Mission-Safe Phone is an open, customizable platform designed to seamlessly integrate new features, applications, and accessories, adapting to diverse customer needs and preferences. For demanding conditions, Savox Communications’ complementary solutions can deliver superior audio performance and clear communication. Visitors to this year’s DSEI UK (9–12 September) can explore these innovations at the Nokia booth.

Validated with the Nokia Banshee portfolio of 4G and 5G tactical communications solutions, the Nokia Mission-Safe Phone offers military-grade durability and supports high-bandwidth applications, including multimedia and data-intensive operations. It is available in three versions, each adapted to support a range of missions and operational needs. All variants are MIL-Standard 810H and IP68 certified, ensuring resilience, reliability and mission readiness in any environment. Its rugged design and strong security make it a trusted choice for defense teams operating in demanding operational scenarios.

Nokia is also launching the upgraded Banshee 5G Tactical Radio, now enhanced with 5G capabilities. This rugged, portable mobile ‘network in a box’ is designed for quick setup, strong security, and easy transport. With 5G, it offers higher bandwidth, faster speeds, and lower latency, making communications more reliable in challenging conditions. This Banshee radio gives teams a powerful tactical network anywhere it is needed, enabling instant coordination, fast data sharing, and better situational awareness in the field.

“By harnessing the power of 5G and edge computing, Nokia is accelerating the digital transformation of battlespace. This launch marks a step toward unified battlefield communications. With the Nokia Mission-Safe Phone and the Nokia Banshee 5G Tactical radio, we’re enabling next-generation connectivity and resilience. And with our fully integrated tactical communications ecosystem, we are uniquely positioned to meet the complete end-to-end needs of modern defense operations,” said Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense at Nokia.

Posted in Comms, DSEi, Press Release | Comments Off on Nokia Expands Defense Portfolio with Two Advanced Tactical Communication Solutions

Landmark Upgrade to Copehill Down Village Underway

September 9th, 2025

London, 9th September, 2025 – Defence technology specialists, 4GD, have begun work on a significant upgrade to the military training environment at Copehill Down Village on Salisbury Plain. Copehill Down, a purpose-built “village”, is used to train for urban operations in built-up areas. The Urban Training facilities are being fitted with an Audio and Visual Closed Circuit Television capability and incorporated After Action Review (AAR) system.

Once complete, the modernised facility will support urban training serials. 4GD is delivering these improvements on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), together with Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc) and the Land Warfare Centre.

The village upgrades will provide a much more realistic, high-fidelity training environment which will enhance the war fighting ability of military personnel and help prepare troops for future potential operational deployments. . The utilisation of 4GD’s flagship products will elevate the quality of urban training on the site. Included in this upgrade is 4GD’s 4GAV After Action Review (AAR) system, which provides unrivalled visibility of all training exercises. These works will also deliver special effects to simulate both battlefield effects as well as pattern of life.

The expansion of 4GD products across the UK’s military training estate continues at pace. The news of the Copehill Down delivery adds further credibility to the quality of 4GD’s technology, which is now in use at Merville Barracks in Colchester, Catterick Training Area in North Yorkshire and Rollestone Camp on Salisbury Training Area. This represents a geographic reach covering the South West, East and North of England. The expansion presents an opportunity for an increasing number of soldiers across the country to be booked into 4GD facilities, to hone their urban fighting skills, close to their garrison base.

At over 94,000 acres, Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) is the UK’s largest training area. It offers live firing and other facilities for armoured vehicles, artillery, engineers, infantry and aircraft. The regular Army, Army reserves and cadets use the training area, as do NATO allies.

Rob Taylor, 4GD Founder and Director, said:

“4GD is at the forefront of delivering technology updates to the military training estate. Starting this work to Copehill Down Village is another major contract for the business and proves the suitability of 4GD’s products for modern defence training. This all serves to enhance training for the warfighter and help prepare the British Army for urban combat.”

DIO’s Colonel Richard Gibb, Deputy Head UK Defence Training Estate, said:

“We are delighted to see this project taking shape.

“DIO supports our Armed Forces by providing what they need to live, work and train. Current operational requirements identified that there was a need for further investment and development in the urban training infrastructure.

“This upgrade in technological systems is a significant milestone in evolving the British Army’s urban warfare capability. It offers a highly realistic space and the ability for immediate after-action reviews which will better prepare military personnel for operations around the world.”

Posted in International, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Landmark Upgrade to Copehill Down Village Underway

Elbit Systems Launches Frontier: Next-Generation AI-Based System to Tackle Evolving Border Defense Challenges

September 9th, 2025

Elevating Persistent Surveillance with Real-Time AI-Driven Threat Detection and Decision-Making Support, Frontier reduces the workload on operating teams, reduces operational costs, and enhances mission success rates.

London, UK, September 9, 2025 – Elbit Systems Ltd. introduces Frontier, its cutting-edge wide-area persistent surveillance system, designed to address the increasing complexity and intensity of border defense challenges. Presented for the first time at the DSEI 2025 exhibition, Frontier is built to autonomously detect, classify, and assess threats in real-time. Frontier leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize intelligence gathering and decision-making in land, air, and maritime domains.

As global threats continue to evolve, intelligence teams are burdened with monitoring and managing thousands of alerts and massive amounts of data in real time. This challenge places significant demands on operational teams, often requiring substantial resources and risking potential errors. To address these needs, Elbit Systems developed Frontier, a smart, AI-based edge system designed to enhance surveillance operations.

Key features of Frontier include:

AI Based Adaptive Routine Learning: using cutting edge computing capabilities the system continuously learns and adapts to routine operations by analyzing vast amounts of data to detect anomalies and deviations.
Autonomous Threat Classification: Leveraging AI, the system autonomously identifies and classifies threats in real-time, enabing fast and accurate responses.
Smart Decision-Making Support: Frontier prioritizes and assesses the risk of potential threats, providing operators with clear, actionable insights.
Sensor Integration: Maximizes the capabilities of multiple sensors, turning data overflow into a coherent understanding of the peremiter.
Operational Efficiency: Reduces the workload on operating teams, and lowers operational costs, while improving mission success rates.

Frontier autonomously operates various types of sensors to visually confirm and classify threats, transmitting only the most relevant and analyzed information to the appropriate forces.

Posted in AI / ML, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

CTOMS Launches The FieldMate V1, V2, and EvacMate Syringe Organizers

September 9th, 2025

CTOMS™ is proud to introduce three exclusive syringe organizers—the FieldMate™ (V1 and V2) and EvacMate™—developed in partnership with The Flat Line Company and based on the proven MedicMate platform. Designed by first responders, for first responders, these organizers streamline medication access and delivery in tactical environments. With secure retention for multiple syringe sizes, they keep your injectable medications organized and ready when seconds matter.

FieldMate™ V1 (2×3cc + 3×10cc) & FieldMate™ V2(1×5cc + 3×10cc + 1×20cc)

Rapid-access layout with 5 syringe slots with optional color-coded ID tabs.

One-handed needle cap clamp, tip holders, and utility slot for IDs, swabs, or tools to expedite prep.

Flexible mounting options: MOLLE clip, bungee loops, IV drip clips, and optional multi-clip.

Built tough for frontline medics demanding maximum reliability.

EvacMate™ (2×20cc + 3×10cc + 1×5cc)

Optimized for casualty evacuation and high-volume medication scenarios.

Securely organizes and retains larger syringes while maintaining a quick-access design.

Shares the robust construction and modular attachment options of the FieldMate™ series.

Together, the FieldMate™ and EvacMate™exemplify the CTOMS™ commitment to developing high-functionality medical gear shaped by frontline experience and tailored for tactical performance. Engineered for speed, durability, and adaptability, these organizers raise the standard of field medicine preparedness.

The FieldMate™ V1 and V2 are available now in Black, FDE, and Ranger Green. The EvacMate™ is currently available in FDE. Exclusively at CTOMS™. For more details visit www.ctomsinc.com

Posted in Advertiser, Medical, Press Release | Comments Off on CTOMS Launches The FieldMate V1, V2, and EvacMate Syringe Organizers

Milrem Robotics, Overwatch Aerospace, MSI-Defence Systems, and Pearson Engineering Join Forces to Deliver UK-Specific THeMIS Combat UGV

September 9th, 2025

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotic and autonomous systems, along with Overwatch Aerospace Ltd, MSI-Defence Systems Limited (MSI-DS), and Pearson Engineering Limited, has announced the launch of a UK-specific version of the THeMIS Combat Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) at DSEI 2025. This strategic relationship will see the four companies develop, test, demonstrate, and produce the combat-proven THeMIS platform in the United Kingdom, specifically designed to meet the needs of UK customers.

The UK version of the THeMIS Combat UGV will combine Milrem Robotics’ battlefield-proven THeMIS UGV platform with MSI-Defence Systems’ advanced TERRAHAWK Remote Weapon Station (RWS) and Overwatch Aerospace’s innovative APEX Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). Pearson Engineering will contribute its proven expertise in integrating mission-critical capabilities into armoured platforms, ensuring the vehicle is optimised for survivability, mobility, and adaptability to UK operational requirements.
Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, said: “The THeMIS has proven its value in multiple theatres worldwide, and this UK-specific variant will take its capabilities even further. By working with trusted British partners, we deliver an advanced and mission-ready combat system and ensure that development, testing, and production happen here in the UK, creating local value and strengthening domestic defence capabilities.”

Drew Michael, CEO of Overwatch Aerospace Ltd, said: “Integrating our APEX UAS into the THeMIS Combat UGV introduces a completely new dimension to battlefield awareness and adaptability. By merging unmanned ground and aerial capabilities into a unified system, we enable forces to operate more effectively, with improved situational awareness and lower risk to personnel. This collaboration ensures our innovation directly aligns with UK defence priorities.”

Brigadier (ret) Haydn White, Senior Military Adviser at MSI-Defence Systems, stated: “The MSI-DS TERRAHAWK RWS is our fully stabilised remote weapon station, which offers exceptionally precise firepower and situational awareness in a package designed for rapid integration with a wide range of payloads and sensors. Collaborating with Milrem Robotics on this UK-focused UGV demonstrates how the best of British engineering, combined with proven international platforms, can deliver world-class capability to the British Army.”

Ian Bell, CEO of Pearson Engineering Limited, added: “Pearson Engineering will ensure that the THeMIS Combat UGV is adapted perfectly for UK operational environments and that it delivers reliable performance in the most challenging conditions. This partnership highlights our shared commitment to lead the industry into a new era of innovation and safety.”

The program will now move into a comprehensive development and trial phase, with the goal of delivering a deployable, scalable, and enduring robotic combat solution for the British Army.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics, Overwatch Aerospace, MSI-Defence Systems, and Pearson Engineering Join Forces to Deliver UK-Specific THeMIS Combat UGV