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Pacific Defense Launches SABER, a Multi-Function Electronic Warfare Product Family for Multi-Domain Missions

August 12th, 2025

SABER’s tactical edge-based AI/ML capabilities enhance system performance, reduce operator burden, and counter emerging threats—all built on a MOSA framework

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.– Pacific Defense, the leader in C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) products and integrated mission systems, announces the launch of its SABER Multi-Function (MF) Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence (EW/SIGINT) product family. The first offering in the line is the EWS1090VP — a 9-slot 3U OpenVPX™ system that seamlessly integrates counter-UAS, counter-communications, counter-IED, and counter-radar electronic support capabilities.

Designed for rapid capability insertion and adaptation, SABER addresses the complexity of today’s electronic battlefield, where adversaries continuously adapt, and traditional countermeasures struggle to keep pace. With its wideband processing capabilities, SABER empowers operators to conduct comprehensive, full-spectrum surveys of the electromagnetic environment. Warfighters can pinpoint signals of interest in real-time, while advanced direction-finding and geolocation maintain persistent tracking of threat emitters. SABER also delivers electronic countermeasures through multiple low-latency active and reactive electronic attack (EA) modes, effectively neutralizing threats while enhancing situational awareness and force protection.

MOSA Standards Revolutionize Life-Cycle Management

Aligned with CMOSS and The Open Group’s Sensor Open Systems Architecture™, SOSA™, technical standards, SABER is a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solution that leverages Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) components—such as antennas and amplifiers—to reduce delivery timelines, lower costs, and enable rapid integration of multi-vendor technologies.

By adhering to SOSA and the CMOSS Modular Open Radio Frequency Architecture (MORA), SABER provides open interfaces for radio frequency (RF) systems. This ensures the platform remains adaptable and capable of addressing frequency-agile threats in congested electromagnetic environments. SABER can be quickly upgraded with any MORA-compliant third-party software application or software-defined radio (SDR), allowing operators to stay ahead of emerging threats. These accelerated upgrade cycles and cost efficiencies ensure warfighters are equipped with the most advanced RF systems available—from trusted, government-approved partners.

SABER Enhances Operator Effectiveness

SABER’s software enables versatile orchestration, from interactive control to fully automated, remote managed operations. Through a unified user-friendly interface, warfighters can seamlessly monitor system hardware, operate battle management tools, integrate third-party applications, and deliver decisive effects across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Integrated advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms enhance SABER’s ability to detect RF patterns of life and identify anomalous behaviors. This maximizes accuracy while reducing operator workload and increasing overall mission efficiency.

“SABER’s tactical edge-based AI/ML capabilities enhance system performance, reduce operator burden, and counter emerging threats—all built on a MOSA framework,” said Frank Pietryka, VP of EW, SIGINT, and Autonomy at Pacific Defense. “Warfighters gain theater-level EMS superiority today, with the flexibility to upgrade emergent capabilities tomorrow. The modular design behind SABER’s multifunctionality allows us to continuously innovate and stay ahead of rapidly evolving EW threats.”

For more information, please visit: SABER.

Posted in EW, Press Release | Comments Off on Pacific Defense Launches SABER, a Multi-Function Electronic Warfare Product Family for Multi-Domain Missions

Mission First Tactical 7.62×51/.308 10 rd Translucent EXD Magazines

August 12th, 2025

Horsham, PA – (August 4th, 2025) – Mission First Tactical (MFT), proudly introduces the new MFT 7.62×51/.308 10 rd. Translucent EXD Magazines. These new magazines are the toughest, most reliable translucent magazines available on the market today. Designed to perform in the harshest conditions, these magazines meet the highest demands and are currently deployed with Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.

Crafted from a military-grade proprietary copolymer, these are not your traditional Poly Carb Mags. They are designed for the AR10A/SR25/M110 pattern rifles and optimized for use with SAAMI-spec 7.62×51/.308 Winchester ammunition. The MFT Translucent EXD Magazines are made to resistant to heat, cold, UV, harsh chemicals, and drop impact, even in extreme temperatures. The magazines will not crack, become brittle or discolor over time. No lip reinforcement is required. The translucent body, offered in Clear and Smoke colors, allows for quick visual confirmation of ammo count and type, and has a textured finish to reduce shine. Compatible with a wide range of AR15/M4 and non-AR15/M4 platforms in 7.62×51/.308 caliber.

Features include:

Next generation long glass fiber polymer
Enhanced strength & durability
Ribbed front and rear gripping surface
Tool-less disassembly with double floor plate safety release tabs
Long-life stainless-steel spring with four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower
Flared floor plate
Oversized bolt catch
Paint pen dot matrix

MSRP: $22.99

To learn more about the MFT 7.62×51/.308 Translucent 10 rd. EXD Magazines, and the complete product lineup from Mission First Tactical, please visit www.missionfirsttactical.com. Stay connected with the latest updates by following MFT on Facebook and Instagram.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Mission First Tactical 7.62×51/.308 10 rd Translucent EXD Magazines

Galvion Wins US Marine Corps Integrated Helmet System contract

August 12th, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has been awarded the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Integrated Helmet System (IHS) contract. The five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has a maximum value of $131,396,296. Galvion’s customized Integrated Helmet System was developed over multiple years under the scope of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) to meet the unique operational requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The Galvion IHS Solution is a functionally robust, USMC-mission-focused system that is optimized to meet all USMC technical requirements. The no-through hole, hi-cut helmet is a proprietary geometry (introduced commercially as the Hellbender™ platform earlier this year) that combines an ECH front shape for ease-of-integration with existing accessories and a ridged-back design that provides structural stability. It features the latest version of Galvion’s best-in-class Apex™ lining system, which includes improvements incorporated as a direct result of Marine feedback, resulting in a better-fitting, balanced and more stable helmet platform for SBNVG and ECOTI mounting.

Galvion’s E.D.G™ power management system integrates easily, offering scalable operational capability for Marines. The helmet was designed to support single-size components (NVG shroud, rails, harness, accessory straps) for ease of maintenance and supply logistics, with a clear upgrade and support path through its service life.

Galvion designed, built and tested prototypes demonstrating technical capabilities and integration with current USMC equipment including communication devices and visual augmentation systems, and delivered over 1000 systems across two configurations to meet the Marine Corps trial and evaluation requirements:

‘Block 0’ Baseline System: helmet featuring NVD shroud with stabilization bumpers, IHS rails with NVG clips and O2 attachments, NVG bungees, External Loop Pattern, Battery Retention Straps, the latest APEX™ liner system, and a customized helmet cover with cable management.
‘Block 1’ Integrated System: built off Block 0, with the addition of the E.D.G scalable power pack, single and dual cables to power SBNVG & SBNVG with ECOTI, Integrated Strobe, Task Light and optional HED.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for the entire Galvion team. This program has been a uniting force across our organization and has driven us to innovate, integrate and collaborate faster and better as a team. From the research and development done in our Warfighter Lab to design a more stable system, to the helmets produced in our Vermont facility, to the E.D.G power and data component coming out of our New Hampshire headquarters – this has been a true team effort.” He added: “The United States Marine Corps are some of the world’s most demanding users, and our solution offers them a fully integrated helmet system that has been designed specifically to evolve with technology to support the Marines advanced mission needs. The development process for this system highlights the Marine Corps Systems Command’s commitment to working with industry to find the absolute best solution for Marines. We had such a high level of engagement with users throughout this process – through the multiple Limited User Evaluations and Ballistic Testing events organized by the MCSC and the dozen additional Galvion internal sessions that they supported. We incorporated feedback after every evaluation stage to ultimately deliver a system that has been designed by Marines, for Marines. We look forward to continuing this collaborative process as we outfit Marines with our helmets and support their evolving needs for years to come.”

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, Press Release, USMC | 11 Comments »

US Army to Hold Industry Day for UAS Marketplace

August 12th, 2025

Imagine being at a unit and having the ability to purchase a multitude of vetted Uncrewed Aircraft Systems on a marketplace similar to Amazon. That’s just what the Army aims to do in order to get small drones into the hands of every squad by 2026 as well as manage the voracious appetite DoD will have for this game changing technology.

The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Aviation (PEO Aviation), in collaboration with the Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM UAS) and Army Contracting Command Redstone (ACC-RSA), has announced an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Industry Day, scheduled for 16 through 18 September 2025 in Huntsville, AL.

This event aims to foster collaboration between the Army and industry stakeholders to advance the development, integration, and sustainment of UAS capabilities.

In an effort to accelerate its modernization and transform how it acquire UAS, the Army is introducing the UAS marketplace concept which aims to create an environment of continuous competition across multiple domains, increasing opportunities for a wide range of companies and organizations with the end goal of accelerating capability to Soldiers.

Unlike traditional, long-term contracts with limited vendors and costly upgrades, the UAS Marketplace fosters open innovation and innovative business approaches by allowing any qualified industry partner to contribute.

Areas of Interest

Air Vehicles

Design and development of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid UAS platforms.
Autonomy levels, endurance, payload capacity, and launch/recovery methods.

Payloads

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): EO/IR sensors, synthetic aperture radar, signals intelligence.
Lethal and Non-Lethal Effects: Munitions, electronic warfare payloads, decoys.
Other Subcomponents (may be grouped or separate): Batteries, motors, landing gear, and other integral components.

Software

Mission planning and control software compatible with the Army’s Uncrewed Vehicle Control (UVC) system and Software Product Development Services (SPDS) initiatives.
Autonomy algorithms, data processing, and user interface design.

Integration

Methods and standards for integrating payloads into air vehicles.
Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) compliance and interoperability considerations.

Manufacturing

3D Printing: Additive manufacturing techniques for UAS components.
Large-Scale Manufacturing: Capability to produce UAS platforms given a Technical Data Package (TDP).

Architecture

System architecture supports scalability, redundancy, and resilience.
Network integration and communication protocols.

Repairs and Sustainment

Maintenance strategies, supply chain management, and lifecycle support.
Field repair capabilities and turnaround times.

Technical Data

Level of technical data available for government use, including Software Specially Negotiated License Rights – (SNLR).
Willingness to provide detailed technical documentation beyond generic statements.
Right to repair.
Production Facility Information
ISO certifications, current production throughput, lead times.
Capacity to scale production in response to increased demand.

Design and Manufacturing Roles

Indicate whether your company is interested in:
Design only
Manufacturing only
Both design and manufacturing

Additional Services

Any other services or capabilities relevant to UAS development and deployment.
Participation in UVC Software Factory/SPDS
Interest and capability to participate in the Army’s UVC Software Factory and SPDS initiatives.

The hosts invite industry to participate in this groundbreaking concept by registering for the event.

Full details are available at sam.gov.

Photo by SPC Breanna Bradford

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Whiskey 5 – Cold Skills Group

August 12th, 2025

Who

Cold Skills Group is a Scandinavian company founded by former special operations personnel with decades of combined experience in Arctic warfare, mountain operations, and extreme climate survival. Our team is drawn from Norway and Sweden, and all members are born and raised in the very environments we design for.

We are not only veterans of these terrains—we still live and operate here. These are our homelands, and the gear we create reflects our deep personal and professional connection to the North.

Cold Skills was recognized early for our innovation and was awarded ‘Company of the Year’ in Karlsborg in 2014. We have played a key role in the development of winter systems for leading brands such as Taiga (Torraka) since 2005.

What

Cold Skills Group develops, tests, and supplies professional-grade soldier systems for Arctic, sub-Arctic, and mountain operations. Our capabilities span across:

– Modular load-bearing systems
– Arctic shelter solutions
– Thermal protection systems
– Full-spectrum training & consultancy for cold weather operations

Our own brand, Faravid Gear, includes uniquely developed systems that are field-tested with Arctic units. From concept to delivery, we ensure every product or service we provide is operationally relevant, durable, and mission ready.

Where

Cold Skills Group is headquartered in Karlsborg, Sweden, with our R&D and field-testing operations based in Norway. We also maintain operational presence and partnerships across Finland, Eastern Europe, the UK, and beyond.

We are proud suppliers to Nordic governments and military units, with current framework agreements including the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). We are expanding rapidly, driven by operational need and a rising focus on Arctic security in NATO.

When

Cold Skills was founded in 2002 with the singular goal of improving how professionals operate in the world’s harshest conditions. More than 20 years later, our mission remains the same—refined by experience and driven by operational feedback from some of the world’s most demanding end-users.

Why

Because standard gear fails where we operate. Cold Skills exists to provide a complete system—equipment, training, and strategy—that enables individuals and units to succeed in the coldest, most remote, and most challenging environments on Earth.

Helping you achieve your mission, is our mission.

Headquarters: Karlsborg, Sweden

R&D: Norway

www.coldskills.com — Your Partner on the Northern Flank

Posted in Whiskey 5 | 3 Comments »

C5ISR Center Research Connects Aided Target Recognition with Small UAS for Greater Squad Lethality

August 12th, 2025

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Aug. 11, 2025) — Army researchers are aiming to deliver aided target recognition to unmanned aerial systems, speeding up squad target detection on the battlefield and increasing Soldier lethality.

With current systems, Soldiers manually monitor a UAS video feed, searching through large areas of terrain and obstacles for extended periods of time in a quickly moving, dynamic environment. Now, DoD scientists and engineers are integrating autonomy and threat detection to bring new capabilities for small organic Army UAS.

The Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency have led R&D to bring new technology to Soldiers since 2019 with a specific focus on small UAS.

“The primary goal is to provide autonomy at the squad level by using high-level autonomous behaviors like Smart Search, which enables autonomous area searching, target detection, and the ability to track and follow high-priority targets,” said Mathew Wilson, the program’s lead at C5ISR Center. “Soldiers will have greater lethality, survivability and maneuverability.”

Placing UAS into the hands of Soldiers for AiTR is breaking ground in DoD research, which previously focused on Army ground platforms, Wilson said. The Army’s goals are to reduce Soldier fatigue, improve situational awareness, and enable faster, more accurate decision-making, Wilson said.

“C5ISR Center is expanding on the foundation of our extensive AiTR expertise. UAS have new capabilities as the system processes vast amounts of information for Soldiers into actionable ISR data. Removing the need to manually control UAS while automatically detecting and relaying threat information to the Squad keeps more Soldiers in the fight,” Wilson said.

In-house DoD R&D brings subject-matter experts and Soldiers together during experimentation events for direct feedback, leading to continued improvements. During Project Convergence Capstone 5, the system allowed forward observers to autonomously search beyond line-of-sight for potential threats.

Squad leader Sgt. Brian Ward, of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, gave positive feedback on AiTR testing during PC C5.

“If someone has issues trying to find targets or personnel, it’s circling and tracking as they move,” Ward said. “It’s a game changer. If it can detect more targets, the better, especially if you can choose which one to nominate and call for engagement.”

The system populates the data on a common operating picture using existing Army infrastructure — Android Tactical Assault Kit and Nett Warrior device — to avoid the need to field additional software and hardware. The ATAK interface allows command and control of the UAS’ autonomous behaviors.

“The UAS automatically launched, traversed to the area of interest, autonomously searched and passed back detected targets without any further human interaction. Since AiTR has not yet been fielded, automatically detecting potential threats was a huge hit,” Wilson said.

By Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on C5ISR Center Research Connects Aided Target Recognition with Small UAS for Greater Squad Lethality

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Highlights Its Missile Defense Portfolio at the 2025 Space and Missile Defense Symposium

August 11th, 2025

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., August 4, 2025 – General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) returns to the Space and Missile Defense Symposium to highlight its missile defense solutions supporting Golden Dome, a layered missile defense architecture designed to protect the nation from a range of advanced missile threats including hypersonic, ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as other airborne threats.

GA-EMS will showcase the designs for their Bullseye™ missile and Long-Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP), with a 1:1 scale model and 1:2 scale model in their booth. The company has accelerated integration and testing of its missile defense technologies to demonstrate advanced capabilities and move rapidly toward field deployment.

“Our LRMP aligns with dynamic defense requirements for improved long-range precision strikes and minimizes operational uncertainty by integrating into existing artillery systems,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “The next phase of full-system testing will validate the projectile’s performance across complex scenarios and ensure seamless integration with missile defense frameworks.”

Bullseye is a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 missile system that shares 80% of its components with combat-proven TRL 9 missile systems, fully validated through successful real-world operations.

Attendees visiting Booth #531 will engage directly with GA-EMS experts to explore system designs and planned field-testing initiatives for both LRMP and Bullseye. GA-EMS will also feature its portfolio of laser weapon systems, hypersonics and sensor payloads for missile defense and tracking-offering greater flexibility and capability to support both offensive and defensive missions.

About General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) develops innovative technologies to create breakthrough solutions supporting operational environments from undersea to space. From electromagnetic, power generation and energy storage systems and space systems and satellites, to hypersonic, missile defense, and laser weapon systems, GA-EMS offers an expanding portfolio of capabilities for defense, government, and national security customers. GA-EMS also provides commercial products and services targeting hazardous waste remediation, oil and gas, and nuclear energy industries.

For further information, visit www.ga.com/ems

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Highlights Its Missile Defense Portfolio at the 2025 Space and Missile Defense Symposium

Mack Defense Secures New Five-Year Contract for M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks with U.S. Army

August 11th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (August 11, 2025) – Mack Defense has been awarded a new five-year contract to continue production of the U.S. Army’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) for up to 450 trucks with a total contract value up to $221.8 million. This new agreement follows the successful fulfillment of the initial contract awarded in 2018 and comes after the company recently celebrated the production of its 500th M917A3 HDT in March 2025.

Mack Defense has been awarded a new five-year contract to continue production of the U.S. Army’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) for up to 450 trucks with a total contract value up to $221.8 million.

“This contract represents continued confidence in our ability to deliver mission-critical vehicles to the U.S. Army,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “The M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck is a commercial-based truck modified to meet mission-critical functionality that directly supports the Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard operations within the United States and around the world. This new contract award is a testament to the commitment of our team, which includes our supplier partners, as well as to the robust capabilities of this heavy tactical vehicle platform. We look forward to building and delivering more reliable, high-performance trucks that meet the demanding needs of our soldiers.”

The new contract, awarded June 24, 2025, will ensure continued production of the critically important M917A3 HDTs that support the U.S. military’s construction and infrastructure maintenance capabilities. These vehicles play a vital role in supporting construction and upkeep of airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities, motor pools and in disaster relief for areas affected by severe weather.

Based on the commercially available Mack® Granite® model, the M917A3 HDTs are manufactured at Mack Defense’s dedicated production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The specialized production facility has been in operation since 2021 following a $6.5 million investment to create a dedicated HDT production line, which leverages the capabilities and production work force of Mack’s main Lehigh Valley production operations located in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

“From day one, we’ve worked hard to foster a transparent, collaborative relationship – one that has helped ensure this program remains on track, on time and aligned with the Army’s evolving needs, said Derik Beck, senior director of sales, marketing and business development at Mack Defense. “We are also proud to continue working closely with U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserve and the various U.S. National Guard Adjutant Generals, whose ongoing support has been essential to the program’s success. As we move into the next phase, we’re committed to maintaining that level of engagement while also looking to our Congressional stakeholders for sustained support. This program is not only vital to Army readiness but also to preserving critical manufacturing jobs and capabilities within our U.S. industrial base.”

The M917A3 HDTs are spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. military. The vehicles also feature advanced technology including ABS, modern control interfaces and active safety systems.

The M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck is an essential asset to the Army’s Engineer Regiment, providing the mobility and durability needed to complete critical construction and infrastructure missions in diverse operational environments. Mack Defense is committed to delivering a high-quality, mission-ready vehicle that meets the Army’s evolving needs.

Since the initial contract award in 2018, which allowed for up to 683 trucks at a value up to $296 million, the U.S. military has ordered 549 HDTs from Mack Defense, with additional orders coming from both the U.S. Army and U.S. National Guard.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Mack Defense Secures New Five-Year Contract for M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks with U.S. Army