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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.

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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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Ops-Core RAILINK Partner Spotlight: SureFire

July 16th, 2025

In the third installment of Soldier Systems Daily’s look at the Ops-Core RAILINK ecosystem we present a spotlight on partner brand SureFire.

One of the first companies to integrate with RAILINK, SureFire’s HL2-A Light was developed via direct end-user feedback.

The SureFire HL2-A Light is a compact, high-performance lighting solution engineered for seamless integration with the RAILINK system. With dual output capabilities (white light and infrared) the HL2-A offers flexible illumination options for varied operational environments the HL2-A offers flexible illumination options for varied operational environments in a sleek, low-profile footprint. Designed with mobility, adaptability, and ease of use in mind, this tactical light is ideal for professionals requiring lightweight gear with reliable functionality.

The HL2-A features dual output modes with simple switching between white light and infrared (IR) illumination. Additionally, two output levels (high/low) are available for both white and IR modes, allowing users to adapt to mission-specific lighting needs such as administrative applications, with the high intensity for when you really need to push the light out there. The intuitive button design ensures quick, reliable activation between functions, even while wearing gloves.

The swivel head design rotates 115° (90° upward, 25° downward) for precise light placement without shifting body position. Rotating the head straight up allows for “umbrella” lighting, bouncing the light off ceilings or parachute canopy. This is useful in both white light and with IR conditions while using NVGs.

You can also angle the head forward for more traditional use to aid navigation/searching even while mounted on bikes.

The HL2-A’s slim profile and mounting design pair effortlessly with the RAILINK system for streamlined use with seamless integration, offering plug and play with instant power. Weighing just 20 grams (0.7 ounces) the light has minimal impact on headborne loadout with amazing illumination possibilities.

To learn more about the Ops-Core RAILINK System, visit shop.gentexcorp.com/railink.

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US Army Begins Fielding Improved Ghillie System

July 16th, 2025

The Improved Ghillie System is hitting the field!

Supply Soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) got a first look at this next-gen base layer-modular system during a recent fielding at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Led by Blaise Liess from Tactical Soldier Mobility under PdM SCIE, the team partnered with Salute Uniforms to innovate design and textiles, boosting mobility and concealment for snipers and recon teams while cutting production costs.

The result? An advanced and more accessible concealment system for the Soldiers who need it most!

– Via PEO Soldier

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GeoCue Expands LiDAR Reach Through Strategic Partnership with UVT

July 15th, 2025

GeoCue’s Precision Mapping Tools Meet UVT’s Mission-Driven Markets Like Utilities, Public Works, and Critical Response.

For Immediate Release July 7, 2025

Huntsville, AL – GeoCue, a leading provider of TrueView 3D LiDAR mapping sensors and LP360 processing software, officially welcomes Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT) into its growing network of distribution partners. Based in the U.S. and trusted nationwide, UVT brings with it a customer base that’s mission-driven, tech-forward, and increasingly reliant on LiDAR for applications that go far beyond traditional surveying.

Some partnerships are born out of opportunity. Others out of necessity. This one? It’s about timing, alignment, and a shared commitment to giving professionals the tools they need to get the job done right; it’s a strategic alignment designed to fill a gap and spark new possibilities.

“GeoCue builds tools that work where it counts: in the field,” said Chris Fink, Founder & CEO of UVT. “That’s exactly the kind of reliability our customers expect. They don’t have time to figure out complicated workflows or unreliable hardware. This collaboration gives us another dependable, scalable solution to keep our customers operational and ‘Always On.’”

Founded in 2014, UVT has built a reputation for delivering advanced drone and robotics solutions across industries ranging from public safety to utilities, infrastructure, and enterprise security. Their formula? Listen first, then provide solutions tailored to the mission. And now, with TrueView LiDAR and LP360 in their offering, they’re bringing powerful 3D mapping into the hands of professionals who need data they can trust—fast.

“UVT brings something rare to the table: a deep understanding of what it means to operate when it matters most,” said Miles Kelly, Sales Manager at GeoCue. “They’re not just selling hardware. They enable operational success across sectors like public safety, critical infrastructure, inspection, and search and rescue. That’s where we see TrueView LiDAR and LP360 software making a difference, unlocking new use cases and elevating what’s possible.”

The timing couldn’t be better. As more agencies and enterprises look to integrate advanced mapping into their workflows, the demand for intuitive, reliable LiDAR solutions is surging. GeoCue’s TrueView 3D imaging sensors—like the 655 and 535—paired with LP360’s streamlined data processing capabilities, deliver the performance professionals need.

And UVT is ready to deliver. From hands-on consultation and BVLOS expertise to cUAS monitoring and docked drone deployments, UVT’s clients already trust them to solve their toughest aerial challenges. With GeoCue now in their toolkit, they can extend that support into the world of precision mapping, reaching surveying firms, utility providers, infrastructure managers, and public works teams, plus emerging sectors like emergency response and disaster preparedness.

“This partnership expands the LiDAR solutions we’re able to offer and adds even more capability for the mission-driven teams we support,” Fink added. “We’re looking forward to supporting our customer base, adapting our offerings, and exploring what’s next—together.”

With UVT now onboard, GeoCue’s distribution footprintbecomes not just broader, but deeper, stronger, and more capable of reaching new markets with real-world impact.

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DroneShield Announces R&D and Manufacturing Capacity Expansion

July 15th, 2025

DroneShield is committing to invest $13 million in a significant R&D and manufacturing capacity expansion
New dedicated 3,000sqm of own production space (3x the floorspace of the current production facility)
Addition of 2,500sqm to the R&D area in its headquarters, for engineering and lab space
Together with planned expansions to its Australian contract manufacturing, and plans to set up contract manufacturing in Europe and the US, the current $500 million annual manufacturing capacity is estimated to expand to $2.4 billion, by the end of 2026
The expansion in Australia is concurrent with DroneShield’s European and US manufacturing initiatives, against the backdrop of record global demand

DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) is pleased to announce it is making a more than $13 million initial investment via a multi-year lease and fitout commitment into a brand new 3,000sqm production facility in Sydney’s Alexandria, with expected opening in December 2025. This is in addition to 2,500sqm of R&D area in its headquarters, expanding its own annual production capacity to $900 million by mid-2026 and a combined total annual manufacturing capacity to $2.4 billion by the end of 2026, as it targets a $2.34 billion and rapidly growing global sales pipeline including in Europe, its fastest-growing export market.

The $13 million amount refers to 5 years of initial lease commitment as well as the fit-out cost for its expanded R&D area, and the new production facility. As DroneShield engages with third party supply chain, substantially Australian, there is no requirement for heavy machinery and similar capital expenditure investment.

The new facility, including advanced in-house production, testing and warehousing capabilities is DroneShield’s largest to date and more than three times the size of its current production assembly floor near central Sydney. The existing production assembly floor will be converted into an additional R&D area for the Company, resulting in a 5,530sqm total R&D area.

It comes on the heels of DroneShield announcing it has received a $61.6 million European contract in June, the biggest single order in DroneShield’s history, followed shortly by a $9.7 million Latin American contract and an $11.7 million Five-Eyes R&D contract. In line with the broader increase in military spending across the EU region, DroneShield has also announced its significant expansion into Europe, where it is planning to establish a European Centre of Excellence, including manufacturing and production facility, to support the continent’s domestic defence programs such as the EUR800bn ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030.

“In response to rising threats and multiple wars taking place across the globe, Australia’s allies are increasing investment in modern defence capabilities,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO, DroneShield.

“We are stepping up to meet this demand by investing in state-of-the-art facilities here and abroad, and in sovereign Australian skills development to provide the most modern and effective counter-drone capabilities in the world. Our new facility in Alexandria will epitomise the value Australian engineering can bring to a changing geopolitical landscape.”

Image: DroneShield’s current in-house product assembly facility in central Sydney

In 2024, exports accounted for 91 per cent of DroneShield’s existing facilities, proving them a vital example of the broader manufacturing capabilities Australia can deliver as part of its Future Made in Australia (FMIA) plan.

The changing landscape and rising threats have increased younger generations’ interest in working in Australia’s defence industry, according to Vornik.

“Interest in working in defence had been declining over decades of peace,” he said. “But we are seeing a rise in national pride as tyrants attempt to change the world order, and that’s translating to an uptick in younger staff seeking opportunities and adding real and timely value to Australia’s defence efforts.”

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