Aquaterro

Havok Antenna Sleeve

July 22nd, 2025

The Antenna Sleeve from Havok is a pretty straight forward. This PALS compatible sleeve secures an L-band Tactical Satellite (L-TAC) antenna to a platform such as an armor vest, load carriage harness, or pack.

Materials are Made in USA but assembled in a TAA country. Available in Coyote, Ranger Green, and MultiCam.

havoksolutions.com/product/havok-antenna-sleeve

Australian and Japanese Soldiers Showcase Their Capabilities

July 22nd, 2025

One of the most crucial aspects of multi-national interoperability is a common understanding of the weapons, equipment and techniques of partner nations.

While the headquarters elements of the Amphibious Task Group 1 (ATG1) coordinated the upcoming activities during the transit from Cowley Beach to Bowen, the embarked Australian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) came together on the light vehicle deck of HMAS Canberra to showcase their different capabilities. 

Soldiers, marines and officers shared weapons, techniques, capability and a few laughs, that culminated in a leopard-crawl race across the deck. 

Providing insight into what an Australian standard infantry battalion (SIB) carries, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) were eager to showcase their weapon systems to their international counterparts. 

JGSDF soldiers inspected the Australian Minimi Light Support Weapon, General Support Machine Gun MAG 58, MDFSW 84, M72A6 LDFSW 66, and the EF88 Austeyr with SL40s attachment.

1RAR’s Direct Fire Support Weapons platoon introduced their heavy-weapons capability, which included the anti-armour Carl Gustav 84-millimetre recoilless rifle, the GSMG Mag-58 and HMG 12.7-millimetre machine guns (also known as a 50-Calibre) capable of firing armour-piercing rounds. 

Private Harrison Swan, 1RAR, observed that the Japanese also operated the 84-millimetre Carl Gustav.  

“I think it’s interesting to see that we are using the same weapon systems, there’s a lot of similarities but a lot we can learn from each other,” he said. 

1RAR’s mortar platoon explained the ranging controls of their weapons systems, complementing the battalion’s display of combat first aid kits, sniper rifles and other specialised gear. 

‘I think it’s interesting to see that we are using the same weapon systems, there’s a lot of similarities but a lot we can learn from each other.’ 

Sappers from the embarked elements from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment demonstrated their specialist breaching equipment, demolitions and high-risk search equipment. 

These included a wide array of equipment that allows the combat engineers to support manoeuvre elements through the battle space. 

Despite all the hardware, the unchallenged fan-favourite of the day was Charlie the Explosives Detection Dog, who enjoyed pats and games of tug-of-war with multinational members on the deck. 

Overall, the morning was great success, since professional mastery and camaraderie both help to breach language barrier, as these highly capable units prepare for the upcoming amphibious raid in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in the coming days.

Via Australian Army

Belgian Aircrew Completes MQ-9B Training

July 21st, 2025

GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Training Was Conducted at Multiple Sites, Including Flight Test & Training Center and Desert Horizon

SAN DIEGO – 17 July 2025 – The first Belgian aircrew has completed training to operate the world’s leading remotely piloted aircraft (RPA): the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), designer and developer of the MQ-9B, provided the extensive aircrew training that culminated at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon test facility in El Mirage, California, following stops in Belgium and GA-ASI’s Flight Test & Training Center in North Dakota.

“Providing all-encompassing training for the aircrews of our customers goes hand-in-hand with delivering the world’s most capable RPA,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “Completing this training ensures that Belgium is ready and able to operate their MQ-9Bs and maximize the benefits that come from long-range, high-endurance RPA.”

The scope of the training is focused on the foundational skills required to operate the MQ-9B SkyGuardian air vehicle and its equipment, including the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS), and System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE). Training involves building solid foundations for both normal and emergency operations in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, instrument flying, and Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) and more.

The first flight of Belgium’s initial MQ-9B aircraft took place in February. That aircraft will soon complete Acceptance Test Procedures and is expected to be in Belgium before the end of September. It’s the first of a four-aircraft purchase by the Belgian Ministry of Defence. The Foreign Military Sale to Belgium also includes two Certified Ground Control Stations.

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced RPA system, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range — with ATLC under pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control — and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, with multiple deliveries made to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force (Protector), as well as orders from Canada, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

Hanwha Names CEO for European and UK Defence Business

July 21st, 2025
  • Mr. Ben Hudson, CEO of Hanwha Defence Australia, has been appointed to lead Hanwha’s European and UK defence operations amid accelerating regional expansion.
  • Hanwha reinforces its commitment to localised, interoperable, and rapid capabilities for NATO and European allies.
  • Hanwha is dedicated to a multi-domestic strategy that strengthens sovereign defence capabilities in close partnership with European allies.

 

JULY 18, 2025: Hanwha Aerospace has named Mr. Ben Hudson as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to spearhead the company’s defence operations in Europe and the UK.

Mr. Hudson, who currently serves as CEO of Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA), will also oversee Hanwha’s existing operations across the region while spearheading the company’s future growth opportunities in Europe and the UK.

“I am honoured to join our European and UK defence leadership team at such a pivotal moment for both our company and our European partners,” Mr. Hudson said. “Hanwha’s long-term vision starts at the very top of the company, with a drive to partner with our customers and create enduring sovereign capabilities that can deliver solutions to the defence and security challenges faced by nations now and into the future.”

Prior to joining Hanwha, Mr. Hudson held senior executive roles with BAE Systems, Rheinmetall and General Dynamics, including fifteen years working for these companies in Switzerland, Germany and the UK. He is a mechanical engineer with an MBA from London Business School, served as an Officer in the Australian Army, including operational service in East Timor, and holds both British and Australian citizenship.

Mr. Hudson’s appointment comes as Hanwha accelerates its strategic expansion in Europe, strengthening its position as a trusted defence partner capable of delivering localised, interoperable, and rapid capability solutions to NATO member states and European allies.

With programmes already underway in several countries, such as Poland, Romania, Norway, Finland and Estonia, Hanwha is deeply committed to building a strong industrial footprint across Europe—supporting local economies, transferring technologies, and investing in sustainable defence ecosystems.

“As Hanwha looks to further globalise our business, we are very pleased to appoint Ben—who brings deep experience across European defence markets—to this key role leading our business in Europe and the UK,” said Mr. Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defense, which oversees all global business campaigns.

“Europe represents a vital part of Hanwha’s long-term, multi-domestic strategy, where we seek not only to expand our footprint, but also to invest in sovereign capacity and industrial resilience in partnership with local stakeholders,” he said. “Hanwha is fully committed to working closely with our European partners for national priorities, and this appointment marks the beginning of the next phase of our journey—one grounded in trust, long-term collaboration, and shared security goals.”

Hanwha’s Footprints in Europe

Hanwha’s presence in Europe dates back over 40 years, beginning with the establishment of Hanwha Europe GmbH in Eschborn, near Frankfurt. Today, Hanwha continues to expand its regional footprint through major investments and partnerships in countries such as Poland, Romania, Norway, and the UK.

Over the past decade, Hanwha has delivered five 37,000-ton Tide Class Replenishment at Sea (RAS) ships—four to the United Kingdom and one to Norway—demonstrating the company’s naval shipbuilding capability and trusted delivery record.

In the land systems domain, Hanwha has secured contracts for the delivery of more than 800 K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers to multiple European countries, including Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Romania. As part of its strategic cooperation with Poland, Hanwha is also delivering 290 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launch Systems to bolster the country’s long-range firepower.

In addition, Hanwha is a major supplier of artillery modular charges to NATO customers in Europe. The company has also established deep industrial partnerships across the continent to facilitate the export of European-manufactured components and technologies in support of Korean and international defence programmes.

Beez Combat Systems DCMP for SKYDIO X10 Controller

July 21st, 2025

The (DCMP) DRONE CONTROLLER MOUNT/POUCH is designed to allow a tactical uncrewed drone operator an easy and effective way to carry and protect a drone radio controller while supporting short range reconnaissance operations. 

Made to fit on the front of a chest rig or plate carrier. The pouch supports multiple radio controller mount variants. The pouch has an internal molle mounting grid to support the mount. An internal pocket on the inside of the outer flap is provided so the end user can add an additional protective material. An additional benefit of a pouch is to help reduce light/IR omitted from the controller.

Future mounts are still in development. If your team is in need of a more effective way to carry a radio controller for an unmanned system. Please reach out to collaborate on a mount to help get the drone into the fight.

 

For additional information and availability –

Beez Combat Systems

***all SKYDIO trademarks, brands, etc are the sole property of the respective companies.  SKYDIO does not endorse this product***

Aceso Plasma Inc. Closes Initial Tranche of Series A Preferred Financing Led by Stony Lonesome Group

July 21st, 2025

Virginia Beach, VA – July 15, 2025 –?Aceso Plasma Inc., which develops cold plasma medical and decontamination technology, today announced it has successfully closed a Series A Preferred funding round of $500,000, led by Stony Lonesome Group, LLC. This milestone will support the next phase of clinical trials, regulatory advancement, and production development of Aceso’s oxygen-based cold plasma systems.

Sean Drake, Founder of Stony Lonesome Group, said: “We are thrilled to support Aceso Plasma. Founded by former Navy SEALs, the company exemplifies the kind of veteran-led innovation that Stony Lonesome Group has championed for over 14 years through our Mission-Focused investment thesis. The Aceso Plasma technology has significant potential across the spectrum of applications – ranging from emergency battlefield treatment to use in advanced medical facilities.”

“This closing will serve to further Aceso’s mission to develop cold plasma solutions intended for wound care, hemorrhage control, and decontamination,” said Zach Steinbock, CEO of Aceso Plasma. “We’re honored to have Stony Lonesome Group- a proven leader in early-stage defense and dual-use investments – guiding this round and supporting our development”

About Aceso Plasma Inc.

Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Aceso Plasma Inc. is focused on developing cold plasma solutions for medical and decontamination applications. The company’s proprietary ACP technology is protected by multiple issued patents and designed for adoption across both civilian and defense sectors. Learn more at www.acesoplasma.com.

Important Notices: This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement, offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The Aceso Plasma medical device technology is currently in development and has not yet commenced with clinical trials. Any statements regarding potential medical applications have not been evaluated by the FDA and the technology is not yet approved for medical use.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company’s business plans, clinical development, and market opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties.

Agilite Launches the Mag-Release Automatic Dump Pouch

July 21st, 2025

Agilite has launched the Patent Pending Mag-Release Dump Pouch™ which has some very unique features including automatically deploying the second a mag is drawn. See the video explanation below:

It is TAA compliant and is also available in a Berry Compliant Version, contact govsales@agilitegear.com for details.

See the Mag-Release Dump Pouch live now at www.Agilitegear.com

RTK, LLC Introduces the RTK NVG Cover

July 21st, 2025

Southern Pines, NC (June 18, 2025)- Research Technology Keystone, LLC., introduces the RTK NVG Cover. 

The RTK NVG Cover (Pat. Pend.) is a precision manufactured protective system for NVG devices, and is produced exclusively for RTK by Scopebumper, LLC.  The RTK NVG Cover protects your valuable Night Vision devices by providing a secure and easy on/off cover that still allows you to independently focus the objective lens. 

The RTK NVG Cover (Objective) is a daylight protective cover that features a pinhole to allow temporary use of the NV device in daytime without damaging the tube.  The RTK NVG Cover (Ocular) utilizes the same design as the Objective cover, making it extremely easy to protect both ends of the device with minimum weight/bulk.  

Each NVG Cover assembly weighs a scant ~0.44 OZ

Using the RTK NVG Cover will:

Protect tubes from excessive daylight exposure or unintentional exposures to direct light.

Protect lenses from scratching and/or breakage.

Provides impact protection for the housing and lenses. 

Currently the RTK NVG Cover is available for:

L3Harris GPNVG (Objective only)*

L3Harris PVS-31/31A

L3Harris BNVD 1531

L3Harris PVS-14

ACTinBlack DTNVS

Additional covers are in development for:

Nocturn Tanto

Nocturn Katana

AB RNVG

Kestrel (UK) 

The RTK NVG Cover is proudly Made in USA, and currently available for retail ordering at SKD Tactical.  Please direct all MIL/GOV/LE and dealer inquiries to cs@rtkllc.com

*The RTK NVG Covers for the GPNVG can be used with both the L3Harris factory hard case and the Tenicor NVG Cover.