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Darley Defense Launches New Online Defense Platform Dedicated to Supporting the Military Community

February 12th, 2026

ITASCA, IL – February 11th, 2026 – Darley Defense, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is proud to announce the launch of its new online defense platform at darley.com/defense. This modernized online platform is built to best serve our customers and partners, delivering a unified user experience that streamlines navigation, accelerates content sourcing, and simplifies access to procurement information.

The updated site clearly highlights Darley’s innovative capabilities and longstanding legacy of service. By integrating intuitive design and improved functionality, the new Darley Defense page ensures that visitors can quickly find the resources they need while exploring solutions that support mission success.

“Darley has a long legacy of supporting those who protect and serve, and this launch marks a major step forward in how we connect our defense community to mission critical solutions,” said Audrey Darley, Vice President of Defense Supply Chain. “By integrating modern technology with decades of expertise, we’re providing a streamlined, intuitive experience that helps our customers move their missions forward.”

Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.

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NAVIFOR Announces Winners of First Information Warfare Battle ‘E’ Awards

February 12th, 2026

SUFFOLK, Va. – The Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) command announced the winners of the first 2025 Information Warfare (IW) Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) awards, recognizing commands that have demonstrated sustained, superior performance and strengthened warfighting readiness in the IW domain.

The Battle “E” award program was recently expanded by the Chief of Naval Operations to include the Information Warfare community, acknowledging the critical warfighting capabilities IW provides to the fleet. The winning commands represent the top ten percent of all IW commands, selected based on their performance throughout 2025.

“The competition was exceptionally demanding, with those nominated demonstrating sustained superior performance, strengthening overall warfighting readiness, and fostering a culture of excellence,” said Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, commander of Naval Information Forces. “This award is a clear reflection of Naval information warfare’s role as a primary warfighting capability, with our influence spanning from the seabed to space.To the entire IW enterprise: your dedication is pivotal to mission success. Your unwavering pursuit of excellence directly strengthens our warfighting readiness and I couldn’t be more proud of our winners for their remarkable performance.”

The winners of the 2025 Information Warfare Battle “E” are:

· O6 East: Fleet Weather Center Norfolk

· O6 West: Navy Information Operations Command Texas

· O5 East: Naval Information Warfare Training Group Norfolk

· O5 West: Naval Information Warfare Training Group Gulfport

The Battle “E” is not only a command achievement but also an individual honor. Sailors permanently attached to the winning units during the competitive cycle are now authorized to wear the Navy Battle “E” ribbon, a symbol of the hard work and dedication.

“The commands recognized today have set the standard for excellence in the Information Warfare community,” said Capt. Sharon Pinder, NAVIFOR’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Training. “Their success is a direct result of rigorous training, innovative thinking, and a relentless commitment to building a battle-ready force. These teams have demonstrated that superior readiness and a culture of continuous learning are the cornerstones of our warfighting advantage.”

NAVIFOR’s mission is to generate, directly and through our leadership of the IW Enterprise, agile and technically superior manned, trained, equipped, and certified combat-ready IW forces to ensure our Navy will decisively DETER, COMPETE, and WIN.

Note: A graphic celebrating the winners of the inaugural 2025 Information Warfare (IW) Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) awards. The Battle “E” award recognizes commands for sustained, superior performance and strengthening warfighting readiness throughout the competitive cycle. The winners represent the top ten percent of all IW commands. (U.S. Navy graphic by Jason Rodman)

Posted in Guest Post, Information Warfare, Navy | No Comments »

DroneShield Appoints Michael Powell as COO to Support Global Expansion and Operational Scale

February 11th, 2026

10 February 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-UAS technology, today announced the appointment of Michael Powell as Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing the company’s operational leadership as it enters its next phase of global growth.

The appointment follows a period of accelerated expansion for DroneShield, including increased activity across Europe and the United States, rising demand from defense, government, and critical-infrastructure customers, and a major expansion of manufacturing capacity at the company’s Alexandria, New South Wales facility. The expanded site significantly increases production throughput, shortens delivery timelines, and strengthens supply-chain resilience, positioning DroneShield to support long-term programs of record and sustained global demand.

Michael brings more than 25 years of senior executive and operational leadership experience across defense, aerospace, secure communications, simulation, railway and critical infrastructure markets. His career includes senior roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, and Operations Director at leading international organizations including Thales Australia and Knorr-Bremse, where he led large, multinational teams and managed complex, multi-hundred-million-dollar operational portfolios.

Image: Michael Powell, Chief Operating Officer, DroneShield

Across these roles, Michael has built and scaled global manufacturing and supply-chain operations, led international business turnarounds, and delivered large-scale operational transformation programs, balancing execution discipline with the demands of high-reliability, mission-critical customers.

As Chief Operating Officer, Michael will be responsible for scaling DroneShield’s global operations, strengthening delivery and sustainment capability, and aligning engineering, manufacturing, and supply-chain functions to support the company’s expanding product portfolio and growing international customer base. His appointment reflects DroneShield’s focus on operational excellence as counter-UAS capability becomes embedded within national security, public safety, and critical-infrastructure protection frameworks worldwide.

“Michael is a proven operator with deep experience delivering complex programs at global scale,” said Oleg Vornik, Chief Executive of DroneShield. “As demand for counter-UAS capability continues to accelerate, his leadership will be instrumental in ensuring DroneShield scales with discipline, resilience, and a relentless focus on customer outcomes.”

Michael has lived and worked across Australia, Asia-Pacific, United States, Europe, and the Middle East. He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Engineering and is a Chartered Professional Engineer, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

US Marine Corps Selects GA-ASI for MUX TACAIR Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program

February 11th, 2026

GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A Platform to Support Next-Generation Expeditionary Air Operations

SAN DIEGO – 10 February 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was competitively selected by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) for evaluation in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The agreement integrates GA-ASI’s expertise in autonomy and uncrewed aircraft systems with a government-provided mission package, using the YFQ-42A platform as a surrogate to evaluate integration with crewed fighters.

The contract initiates integration of a Marine Corps mission kit into the YFQ-42A surrogate platform for assessment within the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

The USMC contract includes the rapid development of autonomy for the government-supplied mission kit — a cost-effective, sensor-rich, software-defined suite capable of delivering kinetic and non-kinetic effects — positioning the solution for use in expeditionary operations. This work will support evaluations of future MUX TACAIR capabilities.

“This selection builds upon the GA-ASI autonomous systems in use today and demonstrates our commitment to delivering next generation capabilities for critical USMC missions,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for GA-ASI. “Our FQ-42, combined with our proven autonomy architecture and integration expertise, positions us to rapidly deliver an affordable CCA solution that enhances the Marine Air-Ground Task Force’s operational effectiveness in contested environments.”

GA-ASI was selected by the U.S. Air Force in April 2024 to build production-representative flight test articles for the CCA program. The YFQ-42A successfully conducted its maiden flight in August 2025, validating a “genus/species” concept for rapid, modular, and low-cost uncrewed fighter aircraft development. This approach enables a common core aircraft design that can be rapidly adapted for different mission sets and service requirements.

The YFQ-42A is a purpose-built CCA platform developed as part of GA-ASI’s ongoing investment in next-generation autonomous combat aircraft. The aircraft’s modular design enables rapid integration of mission systems. GA-ASI’s autonomy architecture, demonstrated through multiple live flight tests, provides the foundation for human-machine teaming in complex combat scenarios.

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

SOFWERX Hosts Private Capital Investor Cohort Assessment Virtual Event 11-27 March 2026

February 11th, 2026

Where Capital Gets TacticalSOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM, will host an Private Capital Investor Cohort (PCIC) Assessment Event to identify private capital organizations with novel technology companies that align with the Special Operations Forces Acquisition Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) portfolio.

USSOCOM requires a private capital cohort to help accelerate capability development across all USSOCOM Program Executive Offices. Private capital organizations must understand markets and technologies aligned with SOF interests and have expertise in academic and accelerator services. Understanding that awardee maturity can happen through commercial revenue, Prime partnerships, Phase III contracts, private investment, and other government opportunities, a solution provider must have expertise on all means to actualize the capability.

Objective
The objective is to provide a purpose-driven community around accelerating SOF capability to solve operational problems. This program will host in-person and virtual events focused on best practices to deliver new capabilities at speed and scale to the SOF warfighter.

Who Should Submit?
Criteria for inclusion in the Cohort are:

Company should have a record of investing in defense technology. A record of investments in technologies aligned with the SOF AT&L portfolio of programs is highly desirable. A record of investing in defense technology companies who have had successful exits (merger, acquisition, initial public offering etc.), is also highly desirable.

Company may have a record of investing at the Seed and Series A stages of company growth.

Company may have a record of later stage investing; Series B and beyond.

Company may be considered growth equity and/or traditional banking.

Company should have raised an investment fund and be in the process of deploying capital over the period of performance.

The Company need not meet the definition of a Venture Capital fund as given meaning by the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (15 USC 80b), though Companies must be accredited investors as defined by Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933.

The General Partnership and employees of the Company must be U.S. Citizens.

Passive Limited Partners that are non-U.S. entities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis but may not be otherwise prohibited or restricted from doing business with the Government. For example, entities on the DoD “Section 1260H” list (P.L. 116-283), the Office of Financial Asset Control Specially Designated National list, or the Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List.

Why You Should Participate
USSOCOM seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by USSOCOM Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). As such, the follow-on Assessment Event (AE) is considered competitive and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit. This serves dually as notification of the intent to research the feasibility of an agreement under 10 U.S. Code, Section 4022 and/or Section 4022(f), and as notice of pre-solicitation activities IAW FAR 5.204.

To learn more, visit events.sofwerx.org/pcic26

Submit NLT 27 February 2026 11:59 PM ET

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2026 Crye Precision Catalog

February 11th, 2026

You asked, so here it is.

www.cryeprecisioninfo.com/Catalog/2026_catalog

New Items that didn’t make it in time for the catalog.

www.cryeprecision.com/Resources/en/Catalog/2026_new_items

Posted in Advertiser, Catalog | 1 Comment »

Technology That Protects: Enforce Tac Conference Brings Industry Experts, Researchers and End-Users Together

February 11th, 2026

Enforce Tac 2026 – Germany’s leading trade fair for internal and external security is set to take place in Nuremberg from 23 to 25 February 2026. As part of the event, the Enforce Tac Conference on 23 February complements the trade fair activities by providing a separate forum for the latest key technologies. The conference will focus on electronic systems, sensors, drone defence, intelligent systems, and strategic issues relating to the development of modern defence and security technologies.

The Enforce Tac Conference is specifically geared towards developers, project managers and technology decision-makers from industry and research establishments, as well as representatives of the armed forces and security agencies. It provides a compact overview of the latest technological trends, specific use cases, and regulatory frameworks, creating a platform for direct dialogue between the various players who are helping to shape Europe’s future security. “With the Enforce Tac Conference, we are creating a hub where technological expertise converges with practical requirements and strategic perspectives,” explains Jasmin Rutka, Exhibition Director Enforce Tac, adding: “Especially when it comes to electronic and software-based systems, we are seeing significant pressure to innovate and a clear need for communication between developers, industry stakeholders, and end-users.”

Technological responses to current security requirements

The conference programme comprises four keynotes, 16 presentations and two panel discussions, covering a wide range of topics including innovative sensor solutions, drone defence solutions, and AI-assisted systems. The diverse keynotes and presentations explore topics such as software-defined defence concepts, multi-sensor reconnaissance technologies, resilient communication structures, and the role of intelligent systems in mission-critical applications.

The four keynotes address pivotal technological and strategic developments that are currently shaping the industry. The opening keynote is “Software-defined defence – enabler for combat-ready digital armed forces” by Brigadier-General Dr Volker Pötzsch from the German Ministry of Defence. The presentation will focus on the paradigm for software-defined capabilities as the basis for adaptable, resilient, and interoperable military systems. In this context, it will explore open architectures, modular platform approaches, and the role of artificial intelligence as a driver of future defence capability development.

Next up is Alexander Philipp, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Vertriebs GmbH, who will talk about the changes to the underlying industrial policy framework. “As the defence sector will be exempt from the prescribed borrowing limits within the scope of the ‘turning point 2.0’ structural reform, the security and defence industry is now in a position to make long-term investments,” stresses Philipp, identifying the factors he sees as necessary for the success of such investments: “Swift order placement and economic predictability, alongside technical flexibility, are important and beneficial for all stakeholders.”

In his keynote in the early afternoon, Dr. Markus Reisner, Colonel of the Austrian Army, explores the impacts of modern battlefields on military operational realities. In particular, he describes FPV (First Person View) drones and electronic warfare (EW) as ‘scourges of the modern battlefield’ that are currently posing enormous challenges for the armed forces involved in the conflict in Ukraine. In his presentation, Dr. Reisner provides details of how these capabilities are being used and suggests possible responses to them.

The final keynote by Professor Patrick Glauner from skyrocket.ai is ‘AI in the defence industry: technology, strategies, opportunities and regulatory challenges’. In his presentation, he shows how artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming the defence industry – from planning, data analysis and decision support to autonomous systems. At the same time, he explores technological, strategic and ethical issues as well as regulatory frameworks for the use of AI, while highlighting the role played by governments, industry and academia in its responsible implementation.

Strategic debates on the future of the European security industry

The two panel discussions at the Enforce Tac Conference provide a distinctive highlight. Under the heading ‘Quantity or quality? What European defence needs most’, representatives of industry, consultancies and the research community discuss the technological and industrial priorities that Europe should focus on in the light of the current security climate. This involves finding a balance between fast scaling of capabilities, technological excellence, and sustainable innovative strength.

The second discussion panel is devoted to the interplay between industry and innovation, with a focus on technological developments, innovation cycles, and the role of startups, SMEs and established system companies in an increasingly interconnected security industry environment. Accordingly, both panels address key aspects that are crucial to the long-term capabilities of the European security and defence industry.

As Professor Patrick Glauner, who serves as both a keynote speaker and panel member to discuss Europe’s future technological capabilities, underlines: “I hope that the Enforce Tac Conference will engender a genuine spirit of optimism and that the attendees will realise that AI can be adopted quickly and without the huge costs that are often expected. With the right experts on board and suitable best practices, AI can be used quickly and relatively inexpensively. If the conference succeeds in bringing these people together, it will have been an immense success.”

Bridge between research, industry and end-users

Alongside technological innovations, the conference will also look at overarching issues, e.g., relating to product development, regulatory frameworks like export controls, and resilient supply chains. “Intelligent systems are the key components of modern security and defence technologies. The conference aims to discuss technological solutions, identify areas of application, and bring together experts from various industries,” explains Professor Axel Sikora, Chairman of the Enforce Tac Conference.

A compact format delivering high-level expertise

As a one-day format, the Enforce Tac Conference offers a compact, densely structured programme with keynotes, specialist presentations, and discussion formats. Q&A sessions allow direct contact with speakers, while networking breaks are specifically designed to facilitate conversations between developers, system integrators, suppliers, and users. The conference is therefore not just an addition to the exhibition but a key professional dialogue forum within Enforce Tac.

Visitors need a separate conference ticket to take part in the Enforce Tac Conference. This ticket provides access to the Enforce Tac trade fair on all three days. Places are limited.

Please note: This event is restricted to members of the armed forces and official security and law enforcement agencies and organisations.

www.enforcetac.com/en/visit

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From Backpacks to Bird’s-Eye: Drones Transforming EOD at Hurlburt Field

February 11th, 2026

Across a stretch of open terrain at Hurlburt Field, Florida, two 1st Special Operations Wing Airmen began a race between machines. One guided a ground robot toward a simulated casualty, its treads working across dirt and grass. The other launched a small unmanned aerial system, or drone, which reached the site within seconds. From above, the drone’s camera streamed a clear view of the scene before the robot made it halfway there.

It’s a new kind of flight reshaping how Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen execute their mission—and how the Air Force strengthens readiness through innovation. Before the adoption of modernized drones, EOD teams relied primarily on heavy robotic platforms to inspect potential explosive threats. The systems still provide valuable standoff capability but require vehicle transport and setup time, limiting their use during dismounted operations. In those scenarios, Airmen may have to approach hazards themselves.

Compact and portable drones can now be carried in a backpack and launched within minutes. Operated from a safe distance, they stream real-time imagery that helps Airmen assess hazards without approaching them. The drones give teams an unmatched view of any environment. They combine optical and thermal cameras for day or night operations with advanced 3D scanning that produces precise digital models in minutes, whether documenting blast sites or mapping entire airfields.

Drone imagery can be used to establish a visual reference of a runway and to collect updated imagery after an incident. The data helps civil engineers quickly identify changes or damage, supporting timely clearance actions and repair planning to resume air operations.

Built-in artificial intelligence also allows drones to operate with a high degree of autonomy. The system can identify and track targets, hold position, and navigate around obstacles with minimal operator input. These capabilities boost mission tempo and efficiency while augmenting the work of Airmen, keeping them out of harm’s way and allowing them to focus on critical decision-making.

Drones have not yet replaced every function of traditional robots, but the two technologies currently complement one another on the battlefield. “The big thing [a drone] doesn’t currently have is manipulation,” explained an 1 SOW Airman. “I can’t pull a battery off something or flip something over [with a drone], but a robot can.” Still, drones are increasingly assuming tasks once limited to ground platforms, expanding options for commanders and reinforcing the Air Force’s ability to adapt faster than its adversaries.

Introducing any new technology brings challenges, but EOD Airmen at Hurlburt Field have moved quickly to overcome them. Through local innovation projects, the team acquired and tested drones early, giving them a head start in integrating the capability into daily operations. “We’ve had the ability to work through a lot of the growing pains much faster,” said a 1 SOW Airman. “Now we’re able to disseminate those lessons throughout the career field.”

That progress continues as Airmen refine training and certification standards while identifying where drones provide the most operational value. “A lot of this is going to fluctuate based on use cases, because we all have a general idea of how we’d want to use this… but there’s still a lot to learn,” said an Airman.

1 SOW Airmen emphasized that the success of drone integration depends as much on institutional understanding as on technology itself. They said progress requires high-level advocacy to navigate the policies and risk assessments that come with operating in shared airspace, along with trust between ground units employing the systems and aviation communities managing them. As one Airman explained, the future fight will rely on an enterprise that adapts quickly and learns from those already proving what’s possible.

At Hurlburt Field, 1st SOW EOD Airmen are showing how small systems can yield big results. The shift from large ground robots to backpack-sized drones is transforming how they detect, respond, and recover—bringing speed, precision, and safety to every mission. “These are coming. This is the way of the future,” said a 1st SOW Airman. “If it’s not in your shop currently, it probably will be in the very near future. Get ready.”

Story by Alexandra Broughton

Headquarters Air Force, Office of the Director of Civil Engineers

Posted in Air Force, Drone, EOD, Guest Post, SOF | No Comments »