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Epirus Receives $43 Million Contract from U.S. Army RCCTO for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems

July 17th, 2025

Second generation of company’s energy-based high-power microwave platform marked by increases in range, power, lethality and usability

Los Angeles, Calif—July 17, 2025—Epirus announced today a $43,551,060 contract from the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). The base contract includes delivery of two Integrated Fires Protection Capability High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) Generation II (GEN II) systems, along with associated test events, support equipment and spares with options for additional tests, components and support.

The IFPC-HPM GEN II systems will build upon the four IFPC-HPM systems Epirus delivered to U.S. Army in May 2024¹ and leverage the company’s solid-state, energy-based high-power microwave (HPM) technology platform for counter-electronics and critical asset protection.

The enhanced systems will incorporate Soldier feedback from IFPC-HPM Generation I (GEN I) testing, including engineering developmental testing, joint integrated air and missile defense live-fire exercises and operational assessments with combatant commands.

“Our first IFPC-HPM prototypes were put through the wringer and emerged from sophisticated testing with favorable outcomes. The second generation of our energy-based HPM platform and the next increment of IFPC-HPM will be even more powerful, more mission capable and more impressive all around,” said Andy Lowery, Epirus CEO. “Drones are everywhere. We’ve seen drone incursions over U.S. bases, incursions over our southern border and swarm attacks are defining overseas conflicts. Epirus is prepared to answer the Army’s call and rapidly produce at scale to help solve the asymmetric drone threat with our HPM technology.”

The IFPC-HPM GEN II systems are expected to more than double the maximum effective range of GEN I systems, increase power by a projected 30 percent and feature the inclusion of high-density batteries for prolonged operating times and decreased external power requirements, extra-long pulse widths for maximizing energy output for target defeat, high-duty burst mode for faster multi-target engagement, advanced waveform and polarization techniques for increased lethality against a broader set of targets of interest and Soldier usability enhancements.

These enhancements will build upon the demonstrated effectiveness, usability and safety of the first four IFPC-HPM systems and enable the U.S. Army RCCTO to conduct additional system performance validation through critical parametric assessments, inform potential future Program of Record requirements and support the evolution of a broader directed energy portfolio in line with the Army Transformation Initiative.

¹ Epirus. (2024, May 15). Epirus Finalizes Delivery of Four IFPC-HPM Systems to U.S. Army, Completes New Equipment Training and Engineering Developmental Testing

About Epirus:

Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus’ flagship technology, Leonidas, is a software-defined, energy-based high-power microwave platform, built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.

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RESOLUTE SPACE 25: Guardians Ready to Lead Service’s Largest Exercise

July 17th, 2025

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) —

More than 700 Guardians around the world are prepared to participate in a U.S. Space Force led large-scale exercise, Resolute Space 2025, which will demonstrate the Space Force’s preparedness for complex, large-scale military operations.

The exercise will be conducted in partnership with joint and international forces and demonstrates the ability to operate in a contested, dynamic environment against high-end threats on short notice. Space superiority is an indispensable prerequisite to the success of the Joint Force. Resolute Space enhances the skills of Guardians to deter and, if necessary, defeat adversary aggression threatening the U.S. and its allies and partners.

“Resolute Space sends a clear message: Guardians are prepared to fight and win in space shoulder to shoulder with our joint and allied partners,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “By training at this unprecedented scale, we’re sharpening warfighter instincts, strengthening combat credibility, and proving our commitment to deliver peace through strength in the face of any challenge.”

Resolute Space is integrated with the Air Force’s exercise Resolute Force Pacific, or REFORPAC, which together form the core of the 2025 Department Level Exercise series.

The intent of this Space Force-led exercise is to incorporate, at scale, space-based and space-enabled capabilities to include, but not limited to, space electromagnetic warfare, space domain awareness, orbital warfare, and navigational warfare.

“Resolute Space emphasizes our focus on readiness and training as we incorporate live, synthetic, and virtual space warfighting into an exercise of this magnitude. We’ve leveraged expertise across all functional areas to ensure Guardians internalize the scope and scale of their responsibilities to the joint force and to national security,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Jay Steingold, Resolute Space exercise director. “The expertise and dedication required by the Resolute Space planning team to bring the exercise from conceptualization through planning and into execution is nothing short of remarkable. They have surged in their professional capacities and have been laser-focused on providing Guardians highly relevant and realistic exercise training opportunities.”

Guardians will be operating out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; Peterson and Schriever Space Force Base, and Buckley SFB; and other locations in the U.S. and overseas. This concept of distributed operations provides effective warfighting capabilities to the joint and combined force around the world.

The nation depends on the Space Force to organize, train and equip forces ready and able to conduct space warfighting operations. Resolute Space 2025 provides fundamental training to validate Guardian readiness.

By Resolute Space Public Affairs (Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Operations Command)

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The Wing Group Appoints Patrick Blake as Chief Operating Officer

July 16th, 2025

Lafayette, CA – The Wing Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Blake as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective July 7, 2025. The Wing Group encompasses the brands Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries and Mustang Survival, all of which have built deep, trusted relationships with marine and aviation professionals and consumers over more than 75 years of combined experience.

As COO, Blake will work closely with President Andrew Branagh and the leadership team to strengthen operations, scale capabilities, and support the Group’s continued global expansion. He is based out of Tampa, Florida.

Blake joins the Wing Group following a distinguished 29-year career with the United States Navy, retiring at the rank of Captain. He brings extensive leadership and operational expertise, having held senior positions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Most recently, he served as Commander of the Defense Logistics Agency, Indo-Pacific, where he led a team of over 1,400 personnel across nine subordinate organizations.

From 2016 to 2018, Blake served as Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Group One’s Logistics Support Unit in Coronado, during which Wing’s Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts (CRRCs) were widely adopted across the fleet—giving him direct operational familiarity with the product in the field.

“We are proud to welcome Patrick to the Wing Group,” said Andrew Branagh, President of the Wing Group. “Our organization is experiencing rapid growth, and we’re facing an exciting wave of opportunities. Patrick’s leadership, strategic mindset, and operational background make him the ideal person to help us build capacity and take the Wing Group to the next level.”

“I am honored to join the exceptional team at the Wing Group, an organization committed to designing and delivering the world’s most trusted maritime and aviation lifesaving and support equipment,” said Patrick Blake. “From defense and law enforcement to maritime search and rescue, commercial operations, and outdoor adventure, Wing’s impact spans the globe. Throughout my Navy career, I saw firsthand the critical importance of reliable, no-fail gear in high-stakes environments. I am thrilled to now support those who operate in, on, and above the water by helping ensure they are equipped with the highest quality, most trusted solutions available anywhere in the world.”

www.winggroup.com

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SIG SAUER P320/M18 and P365 Fielded by the Michigan State Police

July 16th, 2025

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 16, 2025) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the Michigan State Police has fully transitioned their agency to the SIG SAUER P320/M18 pistol with a SIG ROMEO-M17 optic and FOXTROT2R light as their issued primary handgun system and the SIG SAUER P365 as their secondary firearm.

“We are proud the Michigan State Police chose SIG SAUER as its primary and secondary sidearm,” began Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales for SIG SAUER, Inc. “The Michigan State Police conducted an exhaustive testing process to determine the selection of SIG SAUER pistols.”

The SIG M18 was selected by the U.S. Army as part of the Modular Handgun System Program and is the P320 variant fielded by the United States Marines Corps. The P320/M18 will serve as the primary sidearm of the Michigan State Police. The SIG ROMEO-M17 red dot optic is military tested and assigned a NSN number, designed to meet the rigors of use by professional end users. The FOXTROT2R weapon-mounted white light was designed to meet the needs of tactical professionals. Together, this system provides a comprehensive, best in class primary handgun solution for the men and women who serve the Michigan State Police.

The P365 is a high-capacity micro-compact providing the Michigan State Police more capacity, concealability, and capability than other compact systems on the market. The ergonomic design of the P365 retains the characteristics of a full-sized pistol making it more effective than a typical concealable pistol, providing the Michigan State Police a highly concealable, reliable secondary firearm.

All SIG SAUER products are developed from the ground up to withstand the rigors of the professional user and we are proud to serve the Michigan State Police.

Visit sigsauer.com for complete specs and product information about the SIG M18, SIG ROMEO-M17, FOXTROT2R light, and P365.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »

DroneShield Appoints (Ret) Lt Col Michael J Twining as Sales Director for US Air Force

July 16th, 2025

Veteran military leader brings over 24 years of experience to drive U.S. Air Force engagement and strengthen counter-drone operations

July 15, 2025 – Warrenton, Virginia – DroneShield, a global leader in counter-uncrewed systems (CUxS) technology, today announces the appointment of (Ret.) Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Twining as the new Sales Director for the U.S. Air Force. In this role, Lt Col Twining will be applying his expertise to advance air base defense through innovative CUxS solutions.

Lt Col Twining brings more than 24 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force, where he has held a wide array of leadership positions. Most recently, he served as the Commander of the 86th Security Forces Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, leading over 500 personnel and overseeing the defense of critical DoD and NATO assets. His experience spans across various high-level positions in security forces, operations, and leadership within both the U.S. and international military contexts.

“We are excited to welcome Lt Col Twining to our team. His military experience and strategic leadership will be instrumental for our growth,” said Matt McCrann, CEO of DroneShield LLC. “His extensive experience in airbase defense, antiterrorism operations, and security forces will be invaluable as we continue to provide advanced counter-UxS solutions for the protection of personnel and critical assets.”

Lt. Col Twining enlisted in the Air Force in 1997 and earned his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Arizona State University in 2005. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated excellence in leadership and operations, including his service as an Air Advisor to the Afghan National Army Air Corps, and as the Chief of Security Forces Inspections for Pacific Air Forces. He also served as the Associate Chair for the Installation Support Panel at the Pentagon, where he helped advocate for $19 billion in resources to sustain and protect Air Force installations globally.

“I’m delighted to join DroneShield at such a pivotal time, when counter-drone technology has never been more critical in protecting our Airmen and Guardians worldwide,” Lt Col Twining said.

Lt Col Twining holds a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from American Military University.

Image: Lt Col Michael J. Twining, United States Air Force

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Qore Performance ICEFLASK Wing Holster Selected as Nominee for “Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee” Contest

July 16th, 2025

Knoxville, TN — Qore Performance is proud to announce that its product, ICEFLASK™ Wing Holster, has been officially selected as a nominee in the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest.

Hosted by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Tennessee Manufacturers Association, and the UT Center of Industrial Services, the contest highlights the state’s innovative spirit and celebrates the wide array of high-quality products made right here in Tennessee. ICEFLASK™ Wing Holster was chosen among over hundreds of entries from across the state, representing the creativity, hard work, and craftsmanship of Tennessee’s design and manufacturing community.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the nominees in this year’s contest,” said Will Clark, Director of Operations for Qore Performance, Inc. “This nomination shines a spotlight on our dedicated team and the incredible work being done here in Knoxville.”

Voting for the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee is open to the public and begins today, July 15th on the Coolest Thing Made in TN website. Supporters are encouraged to cast their votes and help bring statewide recognition to ICEFLASK™ Wing Holster.

Click here to vote: coolestthingmadeintn.com

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MyDefence Receives Landmark $26 Million C-UAS Order from U.S. Army

July 16th, 2025

July 3rd 2025 – MyDefence, a global provider of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) solutions, today announced it has received a landmark contract from the U.S. Army valued at $26 million. This is the largest order in MyDefence’s history. The agreement underscores the Army’s continued focus on strengthening its defense capabilities against unmanned aerial threats.

Under the contract, MyDefence will supply its advanced C-UAS technologies designed to detect and track a broad spectrum of drone threats. These systems will be deployed across U.S. Army operations to enhance force protection and tactical readiness.

“This historic contract represents a defining moment for MyDefence and a strong endorsement of our position in the global C-UAS industry.

We are honored to have been selected by the U.S. Army as supplier for C-UAS procurement – an endorsement of the trust placed in our team, our mission,and our ability to deliver battle-proven technology at scale. This commitment from the U.S. Army further strengthens our dedication to the U.S. market, and we are accelerating our investments and expanding job creation across multiple roles in response”

– Dan Hermansen, CEO, MyDefence Group

William Ostrowski, recently appointed President and CEO of MyDefence North America LLC, added:

“This agreement marks a strategic milestone for our North American operations. We are committed to long-term collaboration with U.S. defense stakeholders and to delivering high-performance systems that adapt to the complex and fast-evolving threat landscape. The growing use of unmanned aerial systems presents a persistent threat across operational environments. Following extensive testing and evaluation, MyDefence’s systems proved reliable, adaptable, and mission-ready. These capabilities will enhance force protection and enable our units to operate with greater confidence in contested airspace.”

– William Ostrowski, CEO, MyDefence North America LLC

MyDefence specializes in modular, scalable C-UAS solutions engineered for complex radio-frequency environments. Its technologies are fielded globally by armed forces and security agencies, enabling proactive defense against unmanned systems across diverse mission sets.

Editor’s Note: The US Army has purchased 485 Soldier-Kits, consisting of “Wingman” drone detector for real time scanning and “Pitbull” jammers from MyDefence. Of those, 15 have undergone evaluation during last month’s Project Fly Trap in Germany, along with other Counter-UAS systems.

Posted in Army, Contracts, International, Press Release, UAS | 3 Comments »

X-Pac Tactical Powers Spiritus Systems Mission-Ready Design Innovation

July 16th, 2025

Spiritus Systems is dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-performance equipment that consistently exceeds the expectations of its core users—primarily military and law enforcement professionals. With a focus on challenging industry norms, the brand develops gear with a clearly defined end-use in mind, often anticipating needs beyond the initial objective.

This thoughtful approach stems from a deep understanding of the user community. Spiritus Systems engages directly with individuals from various operational backgrounds to ensure its gear genuinely meets real-world requirements. The design philosophy is rooted in the founders’ military experience, combined with end-user feedback and advanced, U.S.-based manufacturing practices. The result: quality equipment that performs in the most demanding conditions.

We had the opportunity to speak with Spiritus Systems Lead Designer, Matt Hawes, to learn more about what sets Spiritus Systems apart and what’s on the horizon.

Solving Niche Problems for a Broader Market

According to Hawes, what makes Spiritus Systems unique is its ability to solve specific user challenges while maintaining wide applicability. “We’re problem-solvers. We design with a specific issue in mind, but the goal is always to create something that works for more than just one purpose,” said Hawes.

Spiritus Systems creates “omnivorous” pouches and gear that are versatile in both form and function. Whether designed for a specific tool or task, their products often prove useful in a variety of situations, making them a smart investment for users who often purchase gear out-of-pocket.

A Focused User Base

While Spiritus Systems products have broad appeal, their primary audience remains specialized law enforcement units—particularly SWAT teams—as well as military personnel and special operations forces who require elite-level performance gear.

American-Made—Down to the Details

All Spiritus Systems products are manufactured in the United States, and the commitment to domestic sourcing doesn’t stop there. Even when not required by government contracts, Spiritus Systems adheres to Berry Amendment standards, ensuring that materials are also U.S.-sourced whenever possible.

“We’ve even worked with U.S. manufacturers to bring formerly foreign-made materials stateside,” said Hawes. “This includes processes like weaving and dyeing, as well as developing new colorways and custom material options.”

Innovative Use of X-Pac® Fabrics

The adoption of X-Pac® fabrics has been a game changer for Spiritus Systems. Hawes recalls testing samples of X-Pac® VX21, X33, and X50 fabrics during a previous role, experimenting with the material under different stressors and sewing conditions. The X-Pac® fabrics held up exceptionally well, showing minimal distortion—key for robotic sewing systems that lack the adaptability of human sewers.

Not only do X-Pac® fabrics streamline the manufacturing process, but they also offer tangible benefits for end-users. Traditional materials tend to absorb sweat and moisture, but due to its weatherproofing properties, X-Pac® fabrics stay dry, enhancing comfort during long wear times. The fabric is also extremely lightweight and abrasion resistant ensuring long-lasting durability.

New Materials, New Possibilities

Currently, Spiritus Systems leans heavily into X-Pac® X50 fabric for a wide range of products including slings, plate carriers, and pouches. The material’s manufacturing efficiency helps lower labor costs and boost production capacity.

The team is also experimenting with an ultra-light material, X-Pac® Manta. “It’s hilariously light—I laugh when I weigh it,” saidHawes. While still in the exploration phase, X-Pac® Mantapresents exciting opportunities for creating ultra-thin, durable gear without compromising strength.

The Versatile JSTA Pouch

Among Spiritus Systems’ lineup, the JSTA pouch holds a special place for Hawes. Originally designed to carry chem light bundles, its utility extends far beyond that. From carrying competition shooting accessories to spare magazines—or even explosive charges—its adaptability speaks to the design ethos of the company.

On the Horizon

The next major product launch for Spiritus Systems is the LV-120 plate carrier system, which heavily incorporates X-Pac® fabric and reflects a culmination of thoughtful, user-centered design. “We’re in the final stages,” said Hawes. “There’s enough going on in that system to warrant a full hour-long conversation!”

Also in development is the LV-120 suite, along with enhancements to the plate carrier line, signaling exciting growth for Spiritus Systems in the months ahead. You can find more information on Spiritus Systems and its products on its website.

Please visit X-Pac® Tactical for more information on its performance fabrics.

About X-Pac® Tactical

Born from X-Pac® legacy on the world’s most challenging peaks and longest trails, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics, are lightweight, durable, incredibly strong and 100% waterproof. At the forefront of innovation, these fabrics offer peak performance in the harshest environments. Leveraging a proprietary lamination technology, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics combine trusted face fabrics and strategic fiber reinforcement; specifically designed for the demanding missions. This unique construction elevates equipment’s functionality and longevity. TRUST ONLY X-PAC® www.x-pactactical.com.

About Dimension-Polyant

Dimension-Polyant is the world’s largest sailcloth producer with decades of experience in highly technical sailing fabrics. Founded in 1966, Dimension-Polyant has consistently set the standard with their high-quality products and precision workmanship. The company is known for reliable customer care, world-class innovation, and conscious efforts to make products that have as little of an impact on the environment as possible. Its production facilities are in Putnam, CT USA and Kempen, Germany. As of 2021, the company is climate neutral. www.dimension-polyant.com. Dimension-Polyant is owned by Sioen Industries, Belgium sioen.com/en

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