Aquaterro

Galvion Celebrates Significant Head System Sales with Over 1.25 Million Helmets Ordered by NATO and Allied Customers

August 29th, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, is celebrating the success of its Batlskin® head systems across NATO and allied nations with over 1.25 million helmets having been ordered in the last 10 years. Within that number, to date, over 150,000 Caiman® helmets have been shipped under the long-term NATO framework contract, establishing its flagship Caiman® helmet as the head system of choice for key European NATO members, and reinforcing Galvion’s position as a trusted partner in the delivery of modern, scalable protective headgear. This announcement comes in advance MSPO taking place in Poland, 2-5 September (booth 1-D02) and DSEI taking place in London, 9-12 September (booth N2-420).

This achievement reflects ongoing global demand for Galvion’s integrated helmet systems and adds to a series of contract successes. Notable recent awards include the U.S. Marine Corps IntegratedHelmet System (IHS) contract, built on Galvion’s Hellbender™ platform, follow-on orders for the Caiman helmet under Canada’s DICE program, and a federal agency contract for the Hellbender FE variant. As part of Galvion’s long-term NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework agreement, over 150,000 Caiman helmets have been shipped to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Poland. Galvion continues to fulfill orders under this framework, with additional orders anticipated before the end of the year. The company also supports ongoing programs for military and security forces in the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and multiple Middle Eastern countries, among others. Orders from new, currently undisclosed customers are also underway.

To support both immediate delivery and long-term sustainment, Galvion’s European production hub in Gda?sk, Poland has been fully operational since April 2025. The facility serves as a key node in Galvion’s regional strategy, delivering new head systems and supporting ongoing servicing, upgrades, and lifecycle sustainment for fielded equipment across the region. North American production remains centered at Galvion’s Vermont manufacturing facility, ensuring continued responsiveness to domestic program requirements.

All of Galvion’s head systems are engineered for seamless integration with modern mission equipment, including night vision devices, communications headsets, and wearable power and data solutions. Earlier this year, Galvion introduced Cortex™, a new category of modular, helmet-mounted computing and data networking systems that will offer advanced capability upgrades for both the Caiman and Hellbender platforms. The launch of Cortex reflects Galvion’s commitment to delivering future-ready technologies that evolve alongside user needs and operational environments.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “This milestone reflects the depth of trust that global defence and security customers have placed in our Batlskin head systems and our team. With over 1.25 million helmets ordered in the past decade alone, significant recent wins and continuing key programs, we are incredibly excited about the future. Our success is a testament to focused design approach, disciplined execution, and collaborative relationships. It reinforces Galvion’s position as a leader in head systems and speaks to the reliability, agility, and future-forward vision we bring to every program.” He added: “With regional production now in place and our platforms evolving through technologies like Cortex, we’re well positioned to continue delivering advanced, scalable solutions that meet both today’s operational demands and tomorrow’s modernization goals.”

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Woodland Camo Speartip Trucker Hat

August 29th, 2025

The WOODLAND CAMO SPEARTIP TRUCKER HAT is a no-nonsense, range-ready piece of kit designed with function and form in mind. Built on a structured six-panel chassis, it offers a mid-profile fit that works well with a variety of head shapes and helmet hair situations.

The mesh back keeps airflow steady, making it a solid choice for extended wear in hot or humid environments. Whether you’re running drills or just moving between locations, the breathable design helps regulate heat without sacrificing durability.

The Permacurv visor holds its shape under pressure, giving you a consistent brim curve that shields glare without flopping or warping. With a snapback closure, it’s easy to adjust on the fly—even one-handed. The offset Icon Speartip PVC patch adds a subtle nod to your tribe without screaming for attention, keeping the profile professional and purpose-built.

The woodland camo pattern gives it a classic, field-forward look that blends into both operational and everyday settings. Whether you’re spotting for a shooter or grabbing chow, this lid holds its own without getting in the way. The mid-profile structure also fits comfortably under over-the-ear hearing protection, making it ideal for time on the range. Rugged where it counts, breathable where it matters, and always mission-ready.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.

Army’s New Cyber Advisor Sets Tone for Priorities

August 29th, 2025

WASHINGTON — Bringing innovative technologies to Soldiers and incorporating next generation software and capabilities will be among the priorities of the Army’s new top cyber strategist.

Brandon Pugh outlined his duties as the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of the Army during a discussion in Augusta, Georgia, Thursday.

Pugh, a Rutgers Law School graduate, not only boasts the cybersecurity experience and education to advise service leaders but Pugh, an officer in the Army reserve, can relate to the Soldiers his leadership will influence, having served as a paratrooper, international law officer and now as a national security law professor while in uniform.

Pugh was a non-resident fellow at the U.S. Military Academy and served as legislative counsel at the New Jersey General Assembly Minority Office, managing policy and legislation related to cybersecurity.

Pugh became the third person to be named PCA after President Donald Trump nominated him June 16, becoming the first political appointee to the role.

Pugh said that bolstering the Army’s cyber capabilities and cybersecurity aligns with the service’s continuous transformation priorities, where the service will leverage the latest technologies to keep pace with adversaries.

“I truly believe in the direction the Army is going,” Pugh said. “The Army’s continuous transformation is really a unique window in transforming the Army overall to the current battlefield, as well as where the future one is. And I think cyber is a key part of that.”

Pugh said his goals for Army cyber include pushing AI capabilities to the warfighter and fulfilling the president’s priority of defending the homeland. He said national defense can be achieved by bolstering the service’s cyber offensive and defensive capabilities.

“Transformation is really delivering capabilities to the warfighter in a quick speed. That’s just not a buzzword. How do I interpret that for our office?” he said. “It’s really looking at the nexus of AI and cyber. ARCYBER is doing a great job under [ … Army Cyber Command Science Advisor and Chief Analytics Officer Mark A. “Al” Mollenkopf’s] leadership, but I think that’s the direction we need to go in.”

Pugh will lead his office from the Pentagon and collaborate with Leonel Garciga, the Army’s Chief Information Officer, and other senior leaders. Pugh’s council comes at a critical time as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth identified cyber among the Army’s top areas to invest.

This fall, Army Cyber Command, based at Fort Gordon, Georgia, will form the first of its three Theater Information Advantage Detachments, which will focus on U.S. adversaries in the realm of cyber information. Pugh visited Fort Gordon, Georgia, in late July including meeting with Army cyber capability developers at the 11th Cyber Battalion.

Pugh said that further incorporating the National Guard and his fellow reservists into ARCYBER and broader cyber efforts will be among his priorities. He said that many members of the guard and Army Reserve boast skills in the areas of cyber and technology that could benefit the Army’s cyber capabilities.

The Army established its Cyber Direct Commissioning Program, or CDCP, for those who possess key experience in the cyber field or education to be appointed to the Army’s Cyber Corps in the ranks of lieutenant to colonel.

“I see this as a total Army. We need our active-duty Soldiers, but we also need our Reservists and our Guardsmen, and I’ll add civilians on top of that,” Pugh said. “I think we see awesome examples of the Guard and Reserve being utilized.”

Pugh added that Guardsmen work in local communities where they can contribute to critical infrastructure defense.

“Some of these Reserve and Guardsmen have incredible skill sets. They’re in C-suite (top cyber strategy) positions sometimes in their civilian world [positions]. To make sure we’re leveraging them, I think is key.”

By Joe Lacdan Army News Service

Canadian Army Selects Bohemia Interactive Simulations to Deliver Next-Generation Digital Training

August 28th, 2025

Immersive virtual environments enable complex mission planning and training

Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), a wholly owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, Inc., has been awarded a five-year enterprise license contract to deliver the Digital Virtual Trainer (DVT) for the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND), with three additional option years of maintenance support. The DVT program will provide immersive, flexible, and highly scalable synthetic training to support mission readiness across the Canadian Army.

Built around BISim’s ecosystem of simulation products, the DVT solution empowers Canadian Army personnel to plan, rehearse, execute, and review complex missions in immersive virtual environments across the globe through realistic first-person training experiences and large-scale collective training exercises. 

“We’re proud to support the Canadian Army’s vision for modern, flexible training with a proven, battle-tested virtual platform,” said Pete Morrison, chief product officer at BISim. “Whether rehearsing for rural maneuvers or complex urban operations, the Canadian Army can train with confidence on highly authentic virtual terrains.”

At the heart of the DVT solution is Virtual Battlespace 4 (VBS4), paired with the Blue IG image generator to deliver immersive visual realism and seamless integration with legacy systems. The DVT solution is designed for interoperability and ease of use with advanced tools for exercise control, after-action review (AAR), and more.

To maximize flexibility and give the Canadian Army the ability to replicate a global range of training scenarios with remarkable fidelity, DVT also includes TerraTools Platinum. BISim’s advanced terrain generation software enables the rapid creation of geo-specific, mission-tailored environments using real-world Geographic Information System data. 

The DVT contract award follows a competitive evaluation process and reflects BISim’s strong track record of delivering mission-critical simulation solutions to allied defense forces worldwide.

Spike NLOS Down Selected For M-LRPSM Competition, Proved Out Capability In Successful Demo

August 28th, 2025

Orlando, Fla., August 26, 2025 – The U.S. Army down selected Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) Spike Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) system capability for the Mobile-Long Range Precision Strike Missile (M-LRPSM) Directed Requirement competition, awarding the company the first phase of the contract to develop and test a precision-guided missile system prototype for the M-LRPSM Directed Requirement for use by Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT).  Only a week following contract award, Lockheed Martin successfully demonstrated the Spike NLOS system’s capabilities to the U.S. Army, showcasing its ability to engage long-range targets with precision, mobility and accuracy.

The demonstration took place at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah and included three shots, all of which resulted in direct hits, including one unobstructed and two obstructed targets. The shots were ground-launched from a vehicle and highlighted the system’s non-line-of-sight capability, engaging with targets without a direct line of sight. The system’s organic capability to engage long-range targets from an IBCT-equivalent vehicle is critical for the U.S. Army, which is seeking a capability that can be readily available and easily fielded to bridge a current gap in operational requirement.

“Our matured Spike NLOS system provides the U.S. Army with an advanced defense solution that delivers direct-strike and long-range capability in combat operations where maneuverability, reconnaissance and security matter most,” said Casey Walsh, Lockheed Martin Multi-Domain Missile Systems program director. “We understand the importance of the M-LRPSM Directed Requirement and look forward to working with the U.S. Army to demonstrate how Spike NLOS is the ideal choice when it comes to combat agility and increased operational flexibility.”

Spike NLOS has been qualified under the current Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement (LRPM DR) contract on the U.S. Apache AH-64E. It also has been ground vehicle tested and integrated on Oshkosh’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) for the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

With the U.S. Army’s desire to accelerate the development and fielding of a system to its IBCT users, Lockheed Martin is positioned to leverage and adapt the matured Spike NLOS system to fulfill long-range capability needs, providing a rapid M-LPRSM solution for light combat vehicles like the JLTV.

Next steps in the competition include a second phase of the competition, which includes safety confirmation testing and the further down selection to a limited number of competitors. A final decision on which competitor will be selected for the M-LRPSM Directed Requirement will be announced following the completion of the second phase of the competition.

More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

SOFWERX – “Speed Dating” for Small Business & USSOCOM

August 28th, 2025

Shake Hands, Take Names

The Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) Networking Event is now live! SOFWERX, in coordination with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Office of Small Business Programs, will provide a networking opportunity for Small Businesses with capabilities that support National Security Interests and/or the USSOCOM mission to engage with Government Stakeholders, Prime Contractors, and Investors in the form of “Speed Dating.”

Small Businesses Request to Attend NLT 12 September 11:59 PM ET here: forms.sofwerx.org/osbp-networking-event-rta

Government, Prime Contractors (small or large), and Investors request to host a Networking table NLT 03 October 11:59 PM ET here: forms.sofwerx.org/osbp-tablehost-rta

Reptilia Expands AUS Mount Systems with New RMR Footprint

August 28th, 2025

Hillsborough, NC – AUG 28th 2025 – Reptilia®, an industry leader in premium firearm accessories, is proud to announce the release of the AUS Offset for RMR, a purpose-built solution for rapid target engagement and secondary sighting. Engineered with the same attention to detail and rugged reliability as the entire AUS Mount System, this new configuration adds compatibility with the widely adopted Trijicon RMR® footprint.

Built for Speed. Designed for Precision.

The AUS Offset for RMR is designed to integrate seamlessly into the AUS platform, giving shooters a fast, ergonomic, and dependable offset optic solution.

Key Features:

  • Trijicon RMR® compatibility – fits RMR and other MRDS with the same footprint
  • Fully reversible design – 4 mounting locations, left- or right-side configuration
  • Precision machining – 7075-T6 aluminum, Type III hardcoat anodized
  • Optimal angle – 37º offset from vertical for natural transitions
  • Ultra-lightweight – just 30 grams
  • Made in the USA –  backed by Reptilia’s full lifetime warranty
  • Available now – Black and Flat Dark Earth anodized finishes

 

“The  AUS Offset for RMR brings a new level of versatility to our optic mounting ecosystem, whether in competition, defense, or duty applications, shooters can rely on its strength, lightweight profile, and precision fit to deliver when it matters most.”

– Reptilia Team

The AUS Offset for RMR is now shipping!

BUY NOW

Fast Metal Launches I-VIS Colorsstrike Computer Lens System For Tactical Digital Dominance

August 28th, 2025

Mission-Tuned Optics Engineered for Blue Light Battles in Cockpits, Command Centers, and Beyond

Yuma, AZ – August 27, 2025 – Following the award of four NSNs and the successful APEL listing of its ballistic eyewear systems, Fast Metal is extending into the digital domain with the release of the I-VIS™ ColorStrike Computer Lens System.

Built for modern mission environments – ops centers, remote piloting stations, and screen-heavy workflows – ColorStrike, powered by Colorboost™, is a purpose-engineered non-ballistic lens designed to reduce eye fatigue, enhance digital focus, and preserve clarity across long hours of screen time. Whether in uniform or off-duty, pilots, JTACs, ISR analysts, and cyber professionals now have an optical edge for their screens that’s just as serious as their tasking.

MISSION-READY FEATURES. DIGITAL-DOMAIN FOCUS.

Developed using Fast Metal’s proprietary I-VIS® Colorboost™ technology, ColorStrike lenses elevate contrast, enhance color fidelity, and filter high-energy blue light—without muting the detail operators depend on.

ColorStrike lens systems feature:

17% I-VIS® Colorboost™ enhancement – elevated color accuracy and contrast

VLT 64% + Colorboost™ – optimized for mixed indoor/outdoor light conditions

Blue light filtration – reduces digital eye strain without distorting visuals

Scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens construction, not impact rated

Anti-reflective backside coating – eliminates glare, maximizes focus

Dual-sided oleophobic coating – smudge-resistant and easy to clean

Enhanced digital depth perception – ideal for cockpit instrumentation and ISR displays

Comfort-optimized frames – built for full-shift wear in operational settings

Frame styles include:

Oscar – Bold and timeless with lightweight comfort for larger faces

Pike – Sleek and minimal, built to transition seamlessly from screen time to real-world ops

ON THE JOB OR OFF THE CLOCK—THE MISSION CONTINUES

With ColorStrike, Fast Metal brings its battle-proven lens engineering into the cockpit, comms room, or wherever digital dominance is required. From mission brief to morning scroll, this is optical protection with a tactical backbone.

HOW TO ACQUIRE

Federal, state, and agency buyers—or defense contractors seeking bulk orders or teaming options—contact:
govsales@fastmetal.com

Online purchase available now at:
fastmetal.com/products/i-vis-colorstrike-computer-glasses

ABOUT FAST METAL

Fast Metal engineers ballistic-rated eyewear that protects the elite—warfighters, law enforcement, extreme athletes, and mission-first professionals. Born from precision manufacturing and raised on rock ‘n roll, our name reflects the energy and innovation behind every frame.

Whether you’re clearing rooms or carving trails, Fast Metal gives you vision that doesn’t blink.