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NP Aerospace Launches Their Upgraded Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Armoured Vehicle

October 22nd, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has announced the launch of their upgraded armoured Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 vehicle. NP Aerospace acquired the IP for this product, along with certain other assets of Jankel Armouring Limited from Administration, in 2024.

Since then, NP Aerospace has applied their acclaimed vehicle engineering and integration, production and supply chain skill sets to this vehicle and is now launching it as a significantly refined and upgraded NP Aerospace platform. This announcement coincides with the Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) Forum taking place in Geneva, 21-23 October 2025.

Delivering unprecedented levels of protection, functionality and reliability based upon many years of user feedback, the NP Aerospace LC300 is already being sought after and contracted by a multitude of global defence ministries and Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s). Having qualified the LC300 to the latest Edition 3 of the international VPAM BRV and ERV (VR7) standards as well as PAS 300 ballistic and blast and PAS 301 vehicle performance criteria, NP Aerospace has ensured the platform provides optimum protection and remains road-legal for NATO and European-based NGO customers, maximising the export potential to wider international user groups. The vehicle was the very first to be certified to VPAM VR7 BRV and ERV with a 2m side blast with a third row of seats in accordance with Edition 3 which uses biofidelic dummies, to understand the true impacts to the vehicle occupants.

The LC300 has been designed with a bolt in armour solution, delivering efficiency during the assembly process, electrical systems modularity, and unique patented technologies to provide customers with a 10-year service life. In recent months, the NP team has been delivering a range of structural upgrades to account for increased vehicle mass and payload, such as double cab and extended chassis variants. In addition, NP Aerospace has also integrated complex communications systems to meet a range of customer needs.

Throughout this process, NP Aerospace has further refined the vehicle design and the production practices to optimise the vehicle and bring it up to the very best standards in terms of capability, production efficiency, quality and through life supportability. To achieve this, the team in Coventry has been expanded. In July 2025 NP Aerospace launched the CAV support capability offering, to ensure that the very best support services can be delivered to current customers but also to expand that proven service offering across the global fleets. Potential new CAV support clients range from ministries of defence to NGO’s, and individual vehicle fleets are widely spread in terms of deployed geography. This service is offered with the LC 300 armoured platform.

David Petheram, MD & SVP, NP Aerospace Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares said: “our newly upgraded armoured LC300 is based on the vehicle we inherited as a result of our acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Ltd last year. Since then, we’ve further enhanced and refined the platform, adding in the NP Aerospace DNA, as we have responded to complex customer requirements. Specifically, our integration, production and supply chain skill sets have been applied to this project to optimise the benefits to the procurer, the fleet manager and the user. What we now have is a better platform when viewed from all perspectives and we’re pleased to be able to offer it to global markets. The Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) market offers great growth potential and is a significant area of focus for us as we continue to expand our team.”

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, International, Press Release | No Comments »

222 Jackals (Schakal) for Germany and the Netherlands – order value at €3.4 billion

October 21st, 2025

The European defense organization OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has commissioned Artec GmbH to deliver a total of 222 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles to the armed forces of Germany and the Netherlands. This new combat vehicle combines the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The main contractor for the Boxer is Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany. 150 Schakal vehicles are to be delivered to the German Armed Forces and 72 to the Dutch Army.

The total order for the German and Dutch armies is worth €3.41 billion gross, with Rheinmetall’s share amounting to almost €3 billion. The contract also includes a logistics package containing spare parts, training materials, and specialised tools. Furthermore, it covers optional additional services such as protection against anti-tank hand weapons, firing attack detection and firing attack identification as well as drone defence. The call-off of up to 248 additional vehicles is also included as an option.

Within the German Armed Forces, the Schakal armoured infantry fighting vehicle, consisting of the 8×8 Boxer platform and the 30mm Puma turret with Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, is the main weapon system for the Army’s newly established medium forces. The new armoured personnel carrier combines mobility, protection and firepower to the highest degree. This enables the medium forces to cover large distances at own pace within the shortest possible time. The 30mm turret allows a wide variety of targets to be effectively combated in dynamic combat situations.

Artec GmbH, a 64:36 joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS, is also to be the future main contractor for the RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 Millimeter), yet another combination of the proven drive module of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle and equipped with the weapon system of the Panzerhaubitze PzH 2000.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

AUSA 25 – Stealth Products Group

October 21st, 2025

Stealth Products Group is a part of LiteFighter Gear. They showed their multispectral Individual Concealment Cover which has undergone evaluation in Hawaii with 25th ID and is set to be checked out by the 82nd Abn Div soon.

It features reversible camouflage pattern and they offer several options.

Featuring their ZIRO Mitigation Technology, it conceals the wearer from:

VIS (Visible Light)
NIR (Near-Infrared)
MWIR (Mid-Wave Infrared)
LWIR (Long-Wave Infrared)

It’s large enough (67″ x 103″) to conceal the wearer during movement but only weighs 2 lbs. Users can also connect several together to create larger hides or correct equipment from observation.

What’s more, it’s breathable so the wearer won’t overheat while using it. However, heat-absorptive material is placed in typical hotspot areas (chest, shoulders, head, and back) for enhanced thermal protection.

I really like the hood design which is oversized for helmet wear and has both full and 3/4 face cover options that help reduce the heat signature of their head and face. You can see out, but they can’t see in.

Here you can see how compact it is for stowage.

Finally, this is a photo of one of their more sophisticated applications.

Posted in AUSA, Camo | No Comments »

Updated: Glock Discontinues Multiple Models

October 21st, 2025

After rumors began floating around the internet regarding Glock discontinuing all Gen 3 and 4 slim line handgun models, they have finally addressed the issue by publishing this list of discontinued models.

G17 – Gen4

G17 MOS – Gen4 | Gen5

G17L – Classic | Gen3

G17L MOS – Gen5

G19 – Gen4

G19 MOS – Gen4

G20 – Gen3 | Gen4

G21 – Gen3 | Gen4

G21SF

G22 – Gen3 | Gen4 | Gen5

G22 MOS – Gen5

G23 – Gen4

G24

G26 – Gen4

G27 – Gen3 | Gen 4 | Gen5

G29 – Gen3 | Gen 4 | Gen5

G29SF

G30 – Gen3 | Gen 4 | Gen5

G31 – Gen3 | Gen4

G32 – Gen3 | Gen4

G33 – Gen3 | Gen4

G34 – Gen3 | Gen4

G34 MOS – Gen4 | Gen5

G35 – Gen3 | Gen4

G35 MOS – Gen4

G36

G36 FGR

G37 – Gen3 | Gen4

G38

G39

G40 MOS – Gen4

G41 – Gen4

G41 MOS – Gen4

G49

Fear not current Glock owners! Glock is loyal to its customers and has stated they will continue to service discontinued models.

Although Glock hasn’t said what is coming next, internal discussions among distributors indicate that current stocks will stop shipping on 30 November (exempt are 43X/43X MOS/48/ 48MOS) with new V series shipments resuming in December 2025. Pricing will remain consistent with current Gen 5 models.

Changes to V series are said to include internal slide and trigger improvements and current Glock Performance triggers will not function in V pistols.

Glock is playing it cool and issued this statement:

“In order to focus on the products that will drive future innovation and growth, we are making a strategic decision to reduce our current commercial portfolio. This streamlined approach allows us to concentrate on continuing to deliver the highest-quality and most relevant solutions for the market.”

However, it is believed that the changes are in response to legislation and legal action taken against Glock by various states because pistols equipped with “cruciform triggers” can be modified to fire fully automatic by installing a “Glock switch” which is sold over the internet and has been used increasingly by criminals.

Update: Glock released this image to clarify which models will join the V series.

Posted in Firearms, Industry, Rumor Mill | 5 Comments »

AUSA 25 – SIG SAUER Machine Gun Optic

October 21st, 2025

SIG SAUER debuted their new Machine Gun Optic at AUSA. While that is the role that it was created for, it would do a great job for any application you require a Red Dot Optic. We showed you a developmental version of this technology during our SHOT Show coverage earlier this year.

It features an Active-matrix LED display which leaks no light forward so there’s no downrange light signature. Right in front of the shooter on the base of the optics is a “Barrel swap Button” which switches the reticle to one of two presets, either for swapped barrels as for a machine gun or super and sub ammo for a carbine or SMG.

It talks to the WARP Laser Range Finder either via Bluetooth or hard wired connection. IPX-8 waterproof rated, it incorporates a Titanium Shroud and intended for hard use.

Specs:

Length: 3.7 in

Width: 2.3 in

Height: 3.1 in

Weight: 16 oz (with CR123 battery installed)

Displayed here as a full system which includes the WARP1550, MGO, and JULIET4T-AMR, the optic can be used alone or with the other components.

Here we can see it from the point of view of the shooter. The JULIET4T-AMR offers 4x magnification faction although other magnifications could be used as well. What makes this magnifier unique is that it integrates SIG’s new Automatic Modified Reticle which when flipped into place tells the optic to swap to a different reticle, usually at a smaller size due to the magnification.

This image obtained from SIG Electro-Optics does a great job of going over the features of the MGO.

The best thing about the MGO is that it features a digital reticle which is projected within the optic. Reticles available include ballistic and disturbed (thanks to embedded Applied Ballistics software in the WARP LRF) with multiple reticle patterns. It will also diplay Compass, Cant, and Distance to target.

The Weapons Attached Ranging Platform (WARP) SWIR uses 1550 nm SWIR wavelength (undetectable under NV) ranges 4,000 yd and includes environmental sensors and compass as well as embedded Applied Ballistics Elite software.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Optics | 11 Comments »

AUSA 25 – RIVET Soldier Borne Mission Command HUD

October 21st, 2025

RIVET exhibited their Heads Up Display technology for the US Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command program in the Wilcox Industries booth.

Through integration with WILCOX’s MANTIS mounting solution, the RIVET HUD becomes part of the FUSION CLAW-compatible system.

FUSION CLAW is a consortium of partners who have come together to provide the Army with an advanced headborne system to the US Army which is based in the issue IHPS helmet and provides integrated power and data.

Mounted to the front of the helmet is the sensor suite which contains an IR camera in the center and two CMOS low light color cameras on either side to offer binocular vision. It can be worn down in front of the eyes to put the cameras where the eyes are as seen here or up for observation. Either way, the data can be pushed to the eyewear.

What I really like about this option is that the key to viewing the Augmented Reality information is the RIVET Eyewear and those can be used with the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B), which is the current fused NVG/IR system worn by the Infantry and SOF.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, C5ISR, Helmets | 10 Comments »

General Glen D VanHerck (USAF, Ret) Joins D-Fend Solutions Advisory Board

October 21st, 2025

Former USNORTHCOM and NORAD Commander Adds Strategic Defense Expertise, Reflecting Industry Momentum for Global Cyber C-UAS Leader

RA’ANANA, Israel and MCLEAN, Va., October 21st, 2025 — D-Fend Solutions, the leader in field-proven radio frequency (RF) cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, today announced that General Glen D. VanHerck (USAF, Ret.) has joined the company’s Advisory Board. General VanHerck’s decision to join D-Fend’s Advisory Board further validates the company’s pioneering role at the forefront of cyber counter-drone technology.

General VanHerck retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2024 following a distinguished career, culminating as Commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), where he oversaw the defense of North America and the U.S. homeland, including defense of critical infrastructure, domains safeguarded by D-Fend Solutions’ advanced technology. He previously served as Director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon and Commander of the USAF Warfare Center at Nellis AFB, NV. His deep strategy and policy background coupled with his operational experience matches the strategic mission and demanding requirements of D-Fend Solutions’ key customer sectors, including military, homeland security, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure protection.

“I am honored to join the Advisory Board of D-Fend Solutions,” said General VanHerck. “C-UAS capabilities are critical to national security and the protection of vital critical infrastructure. I have seen firsthand how rapidly the drone threat landscape is changing and appreciate how D-Fend’s innovative approach is meeting this challenge head-on. I am passionately committed to supporting and promoting the adoption of D-Fend’s advanced, safe, and much-needed counter-drone solutions in order to strengthen national security and homeland defense. I look forward to partnering with D-Fend and helping them stay at the forefront of addressing today’s threats, and those of tomorrow”.

General VanHerck’s appointment comes at a pivotal time globally as drone threats proliferate rapidly and advance in technology, capability, and capacity. His deep expertise in aerospace operations, homeland defense, and multi-agency security coordination positions him to guide D-Fend Solutions’ strategy in delivering next-generation counter-drone solutions that meet evolving security needs across military, government, and civilian environments. With experience defending the North American continent and airspace, and infrastructures vital to national security, his leadership perspective will further hone D-Fend’s operational relevance across these sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome General VanHerck to our Advisory Board,” said Zohar Halachmi, CEO and Chairman of D-Fend Solutions. “His operational leadership, strategic defense experience, and firsthand understanding of modern aerial threats, attributes that have earned him the trust of the highest echelons of U.S. defense and security, bring invaluable perspective to our team. His guidance will help ensure D-Fend continues to innovate and provide best-in-class protection against rogue drones globally. We look forward to leveraging General VanHerck’s expertise as we expand and deepen our support for homeland defense and security, bringing our innovative solutions to protect sensitive sites, people, and critical infrastructure.”

General VanHerck’s insight, forged through decades of safeguarding North America’s skies, will support D-Fend Solutions as the company advances its leadership in providing best-in-class protection to critical infrastructure, sensitive operations, and complex airspaces globally.

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

AV Awarded US Army RCCTO Contract for Kinesis, Named Lead Software & Systems Integrator for HMIF

October 21st, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va.,–AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a contract award from the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for its tactical mission planning and command and control (C2) software for the Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) Increment 1 program.

HMIF accelerates the fielding of robotic formations to leverage machines to offload risk and provides Soldiers with additional information for decision-making for armored and infantry formations. Each formation will include ground and air systems and enablers to aid in the human decision-making process to find, fix, and engage enemy targets. HMIF prototype development supports existing and future robotic programs of record by mitigating risk associated with enabling capabilities such as the common architecture, communications and networking.

AV’s software solution, Kinesis, will provide a unified interface to meet the needs of HMIF for mission planning, tactical awareness, autonomy management, and payload control to simplify complex operations and accelerate mission capabilities with unmatched scale and speed.

“AV’s Kinesis software is a true force multiplier that allows a single tactical operator to control a mixed fleet of autonomous systems developed by multiple OEMs, transforming military operations and accelerating our combat readiness,” said Jason Hendrix, AV Vice President and General Manager. “By leveraging the simplicity and scalability of our open and modular software ecosystem, RCCTO is developing HMIF for ultimate mission flexibility–helping warfighters quickly, easily, and safely carry out autonomous missions across domains.”

Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV, added: “We are delivering superior autonomous solutions to warfighters, not just through our trusted and proven platforms but with our advanced controllers and software capabilities that simplify sophisticated operations, augment force capacity, and drive mission outcomes. Together with U.S. Army RCCTO and an incredible team of industry partners, we are pushing the boundaries of the possible in multi-domain operations.”

Kinesis provides interoperability across tactical C2 platforms, including TAK/ATAK. Its built-in Software Developers Kit creates a collaborative development environment for expanded modularity and integrations of third-party software. To support the HMIF program’s software needs, AV is leveraging strategic partnerships with industry leading expertise from Applied Research Associates’ Neya Systems, Parry Labs, and QinetiQ. The team’s collective capabilities will provide robust solutions that offer unmatched operational efficiency and deliver a comprehensive solution for the U.S. Army’s HMIF requirements.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »