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GA-ASI and Dutch Ministry of Defense Sign Agreement To Develop New Defense Capabilities

October 17th, 2025

WASHINGTON – 16 October 2025 – On October 16, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed an agreement to develop innovative defense capabilities starting with a small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) designed to provide multi-role intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The new platform will be low cost and able to host a variety of operationally relevant payloads and capabilities.

The partnership envisions implementing a business model that will enable the platform to scale up to high-volume production to meet demand.

“This contract is the first step in a strategic partnership with the Dutch MoD that will ultimately contribute to the defense of Ukraine and NATO by creating a versatile European defense system,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.

GA-ASI is the world leader in UAS products and capabilities. The company is building on its established relationship with the Netherlands to create an urgently needed partnership to help defend Europe.

As part of the first phase of the contract, the Dutch MOD will collaborate with GA-ASI to establish UAS manufacturing capability.

Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel Gijs Tuinman mentioned that this partnership is important: “Together with GA we will be increasing innovative SUAS capabilities and advancing technical knowhow in the Netherlands. This project is an example of strategic trans-Atlantic collaboration that supports our defense and technological base as we contribute to the defense of Ukraine and NATO by creating a versatile European defense system and working with a strong U.S. partner.”

VDL Defentec has been selected by GA-ASI to provide contract manufacturing of the new SUAS. VDL Defentec is based in the Netherlands and specializes in the development, engineering, subcontracting and production of military and special-purpose vehicles and other platforms. GA-ASI will work closely with VDL and provide detailed knowledge about the design, manufacture, logistics, and support of the new SUAS.

“We are excited having been selected by General Atomics and we are proud to support Dutch MOD to create, together with GA-ASI, this unique capability for the Netherlands making our country and our allies more resilient,” said Paul Malcontent, managing director of VDL Defentec.

The new aircraft is expected to fly before the end of this year with low-rate initial production expected to commence in 2026 in both the U.S. and the Netherlands.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

AUSA 25 – AeroVironment Switchblade 400

October 17th, 2025

Released during the 2025 AUSA meeting, the new Switchblade 400 is a medium-range, man-portable anti-armor loitering munition with rocket-assisted take-off (RATO). At under 40 pounds for the all-up round (AUR), the effector provides lethal standoff capability in under five minutes to defeat tanks and heavily armored targets with precision accuracy.

With 35 minutes of endurance, Switchblade 400 enables rapid target acquisition and high-confidence strikes against both fixed and moving threats.

Sized to fit in common launch tubes (CLT), the unit’s design streamlines training and enables rapid, plug-and-play integration. Its advanced pan-tilt EO/IR optic suite with hybrid Aided Target Recognition (AiTR) delivers reliable target recognition at 5.5 km in EO and 1.4 km in IR and advanced edge computing provide autonomous detection, classification, and elimination of threats, day or night.

Driven by AV_Halo Vision (previously AV’s SPOTR-Edge software) which is part of AV’S unified suite of mission-ready software tools. These platforms provide onboard computer vision for detection, classification, localization, and tracking of operationally relevant objects, including people, vehicles, and maritime vessels, day or night, even in GPS-denied or comms-degraded environments.

Posted in AUSA, weapons | No Comments »

AUSA 25 – FANG F7 by Red Cat

October 17th, 2025

As soon as I read about Red Cat’s new FANG FPV drone and sure enough, it fits right in what what I refer to as the “155 shell of the future” an attritable FPV drone made with NDAA compliant components that comes in under $3000.

Featuring a 7″ carbon fiber frame and Integrated HD FPV Camera w/ Low-latency Transmission along with UMAC NDAA-compliant Motors and a 6S Li-Ion Battery it can recovered for continued system training.

During a drone racing competition earlier this month in North Carolina, the FANG came in first place so we know it has the speed and agility we are looking for.

Sales are restricted to government customers and systems will be sold as kits which include several FANGs and a controller at a great price.

Above you can see the FANG next to the Black Widow to give you an idea of the size difference between the two.

redcat.red/fang

Posted in AUSA, Drone | No Comments »

AUSA 25 – FN Multi-Purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30)

October 17th, 2025

I got some hands on time with an example of FN America‘s new Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30), one of several designs vying to become the US Army’s Precision Grenadier System, a semi-auto, box magazine fed grenade launcher with programmable bursting munitions.

The Army’s requirement was caliber agnostic and FN engineers chose 30mm as their “Goldilocks” caliber to achieve the desired effects. The medium velocity rounds produce 45 ft lbs of recoil and shoot pretty flat. With under 3 seconds time of flight to 300 meters, the max elevation for the ammunition is 11m out to 500m.

It features a detachable box magazine with 3- or 5-round capacity. At just 35 inches in length and 8.5 inches tall, the weapon weighs just over 10 lbs. The bolt catch, magazine release and safety selector are all ambidextrous, plus there is an M4-style telescoping buttstock with a modular cheek riser. The modular rail system has a contiguous top rail for mounting of visual augmentation systems (VAS) and other devices, plus side M-LOK slots with a MIL-STD Picatinny rail.

Ammunition is from Nostromo LLC and includes High Explosive Air Burst, Counter-UAS, and Training rounds.

Finally, mag pouches have been developed.

Posted in AUSA, weapons | 6 Comments »

AUSA 25 – SIG SAUER Introduces New Robotic Solutions

October 17th, 2025

Over the past few AUSA meetings SIG SAUER has incrementally introduced new robotic solutions such as the Pitbull Remote Weapon Station and small arms integration into aerial drones.

This year they exhibited a scaled down version of their RWS mounted to an IAI Fire Storm APUS 60 quadcopter which was developed specifically for this application. It is fuel powered and offers 3 hours of endurance.

The RWS features an LMG and 200 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition for a total weight of 24 kg.

It uses the same tech as the ground based RWS but scaled down for aviation use. Consequently, it is purpose built for use with the LMG and is not modular, or meant to accept a variety of weapons.

It will traverse 30 deg left and right and depress -45 deg. That combined with the maneuverability of the drone will ensure target acquisition, PID, and engagement via the controller.

Additionally, they showed the Pitbull RWS mounted to a Deka Sentry Security Platform. This all-terrain, wheeled, multi-mission robot is offered in 3 models with this being the Monster Bot.

It is adapted from a carriage for individuals with mobility challenges and is gyrostabilized to offer a solid, upright platform for any application including ISR and weapon employment. For example, it keeps the payload level even when negotiating stairs.

While the weapon station relies on SIG’s controller, the platform itself can be autonomous, negotiating terrain on its own with little to no human input other than waypoints.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Drone, weapons | No Comments »

AUSA 25 – Norotos Universal Bridge Adapter

October 17th, 2025

Norotos shows us their brand new Universal Bridge Adapter, a modular NVG mount which will accept a variety of night vision and thermal systems, both monocular and binocular.

When used in conjunction with their machined J-Arm you can mount one or two AN/PVS-14s.

Likewise, you can mount any device with a dovetail shoe. As the shoe receivers can be moved along the bridge to set the proper interpupillary distance, you can also set a single shoe receiver in the center for use with binocular devices.

Posted in AUSA, Optics | No Comments »

SkyFi Enhances ATAK Plugin, Delivering High Resolution Commercial Satellite Imagery to Warfighters and First Responders

October 17th, 2025

Updates provide users across defense, public safety, and emergency management with enhanced control, flexibility, and security for field operations

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 16, 2025 — SkyFi, the leading Earth Intelligence Platform, today announced an update to its Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) plugin. The new release introduces a suite of powerful features designed to give tactical and remote teams unprecedented control over their Areas of Interest (AOIs) and imagery, ensuring mission readiness and security in any environment.

The SkyFi ATAK plugin supports tactical coordination, planning, and situational reference for public safety, municipal, disaster response, and defense teams operating on Android-based TAK devices.

“Our objective is to provide warfighters, first responders, emergency managers, and relief organizations the answers they need when they need them. By seamlessly integrating SkyFi’s Earth Intelligence capabilities into the workflows of our users, this ATAK plugin update is a direct reflection of that commitment,” said Kate van Dam, head of government at SkyFi. “With these more intuitive controls and robust offline capabilities, we are making critical data accessible to teams on the ground so that they can make informed decisions with confidence, no matter the mission or conditions.”

The upgrade further enhances users’ ability to access high resolution commercial satellite imagery inside the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) environment. Built with GoTAK, the plugin connects SkyFi’s platform to field operations in real time, without the need for a custom server or specialized hardware.

Users will now have access to advanced AOI management tools, including the ability to manually draw, name, and save custom polygons. The update also streamlines the process of defining new AOIs by allowing operators to use a pin drop, geographic coordinates, or their current location as a center point. This increased flexibility ensures precision and speed when tasking satellite imagery directly from the field.

Key upgrades also improve imagery management. With the introduction of automatic offline caching, operators can now access critical satellite imagery even in disconnected environments. Additionally, users can better organize and share their data by favoriting, archiving, and sorting images by date, provider, or AOI, ensuring critical intelligence is always at their fingertips.

The latest version of the SkyFi ATAK plugin is now available via the Google Play store. An updated Operator Manual will also be provided to ensure teams can fully leverage these new capabilities.

Posted in Press Release, TAK | No Comments »

SylvanSport Unveils GO. Rapid Response: The All-In-One Lightweight Tactical Hauler, Trailer and Shelter Engineered for First Responders, Military and Disaster Relief

October 17th, 2025

Brevard, NC – [October 16, 2025] – In the wake of mounting disastrous events from hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and floods and growing demand for fast-deploying field equipment, SylvanSport today announced the launch of its GO. Rapid Response tactical trailer — a next-generation of lightweight, tow-anywhere tactical hauler, trailer and shelter designed for first responders, emergency managers, defense units, and humanitarian organizations.

The debut comes one-year after Hurricane Helene devastated communities surrounding SylvanSport’s headquarters in Western North Carolina, and underscored the need for adaptable, fast-deploying equipment. When access routes failed, and power and communication grids collapsed, response teams needed versatile, self-contained systems that could move quickly and sustain operations independently.

“Living through Helene, we saw first-hand how response organizations from local fire stations all the way up to the National Guard were constrained by bulky, slow-to-deploy equipment” said Tom Dempsey, founder and CEO of SylvanSport.

GO. Rapid Response bridges that gap — it’s compact, agile, and purpose-built for missions that demand speed and flexibility. “We saw how devastating a natural disaster can be for a community and the need for equipment that can aid first responders getting into hard to reach places, Dempsey added.”

Hundreds of mission-critical applications. One VERY unique solution.

GO. Rapid Response is the incredibly versatile, go-anywhere, carry-anything tactical trailer from SylvanSport. Lightweight and towable by any vehicle in your fleet, GO. Rapid Response easily transforms from transporter to hauler to shelter — all in one self-contained unit. From dense urban centers to remote, off-grid terrain, GO. Rapid Response is ready.

“We worked with local North Carolina search and rescue teams to find out what they needed when it came to equipment when disaster strikes and started doing our own research to bring this product to life,” said Kyle Mundt, VP Product Development, SyvanSport. “It’s a very adaptable product and we’re looking forward to future technology advances to make Go. Rapid Response the tactical trailer to fit even more multifaceted needs.”

Built from high-strength aluminum with an off-road suspension and low center of gravity, it’s compact enough for tight maneuvers yet rugged enough for rough conditions. In minutes, it converts from a cargo hauler to a mobile shelter, command unit, or triage station — a multi-role platform built to move, deploy, and sustain operations anywhere.

The newest dealer to join SylvanSport in their mission to bring Go. Rapid Response to search and rescue teams is Hendrickson Fire Rescue in Islandia, NY.

“Partnering with GO. Rapid Response is a natural fit for Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment,” said Craig Probst, President. “Our team is dedicated to supporting fire and rescue teams with reliable, ready-to-deploy solutions, and the GO Rapid Response enhances that mission by giving departments greater flexibility and readiness when it matters most.”

The company is currently exploring additional dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

Mission-Ready Features

Ultra-Lightweight Design:
Only ~1,200 lbs dry weight; towable by SUVs, EVs, tactical, or municipal vehicles.

High Payload Capacity:
Up to 2,150 lbs GVWR (2,300 lbs with suspension upgrade).

Rapid Deployment:
Transforms from transport to shelter mode in minutes.

Rugged Construction:
All-aluminum frame, steel wheels, all-terrain tires, and roto-molded components.

Command-Ready Interior:
Configurable 10.5? × 7? × 6?5? space for cots, gear racks, or comms equipment.

Power & Lighting Options:
Integrated LED scene/work lighting, solar power, 12 V and 120 V outputs.

Custom Agency Fit:
MOLLE mounts, rack systems, slide-out drawers, branding and graphics available.

Available under GSA Contract # GS-35F-698GA, partnered with Tomahawk Information Solutions, GO Rapid Response simplifies procurement for federal, state, and local agencies.

Part of a Proven Family of Adventure and Utility Products

SylvanSport’s evolution into tactical and emergency mobility builds upon its award-winning outdoor engineering. Each model complements GO Rapid Response to serve distinct roles across both mission and lifestyle use:

GO EASY™ Utility Trailer:
A compact hauler for gear, ATVs, or emergency supplies.

TraiLOFT™ Micro Camper:
Lightweight and aerodynamic, combining gear transport with sleeping space for field teams.

LOFT™ Rooftop Tent:
A hard-shell, weather-proof shelter that sets up in seconds on any vehicle.

VAST™ Adventure Trailer:
A spacious off-grid command and housing solution for extended deployments.

Together, these models embody SylvanSport’s mission to combine mobility, sustainability, and resilience — from backcountry recreation to front-line response.

Built for Response. Ready for Anything.

From wildfire evacuations and hurricane recovery to defense training and homeland security support, GO Rapid Response delivers hundreds of mission-critical applications in one adaptable platform. It bridges the gap between large, slow-to-deploy vehicles and makeshift field solutions, giving teams a lightweight, American-made tool for the modern response environment.

“Preparedness starts with mobility,” Dempsey added. “Our trailers are designed to go where other equipment can’t. That’s why we built GO. Rapid Response — to empower the people who run toward the crisis, not away from it.”

Availability & Demonstrations

SylvanSport will exhibit the GO. Rapid Response line at upcoming Defense Tech Connect, Fire-Rescue International, and IAEM Emergency Management Expos throughout 2025. Demonstrations and procurement consultations are available upon request.

About SylvanSport

Founded in Brevard, North Carolina, SylvanSportdesigns and manufactures award-winning adventure trailers, campers, and outdoor systems recognized for their lightweight engineering and durable design. Since 2004, the company has redefined how people move through the world — from everyday explorers to emergency responders.

For more information or to request a demonstration, visit

www.sylvansport.com/rapid-response

Posted in Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »