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Merlin Successfully Completes Critical Design Review for C-130J Autonomy Program with USSOCOM

June 5th, 2026

CDR approval marks the completion of the final design configuration for the C-130J, advancing the program to the aircraft integration phase

BOSTON, June 04, 2026 — Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRLN), an aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system of record for autonomous flight, today announced the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its C-130J autonomy program with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Completion of the CDR is a milestone in the program’s maturation, validating the system’s design readiness and advancing Merlin from design development into aircraft integration activities.

This milestone positions the program to enter a structured formal test campaign, including aircraft-level testing, reflecting a disciplined systems engineering progression from design through verification.

The CDR is part of Merlin’s previously awarded IDIQ contract under its C-130J autonomy program with USSOCOM. The milestone supports a demonstration of Merlin’s C-130 autonomous capability development, showcasing the potential reduction in crew workload through all phases of flight. Under this contract, Merlin is rapidly advancing its AI-powered autonomy stack onboard the C-130J, with potential pathways for expansion across other Department of War or commercial aviation platforms.

“Completing the Critical Design Review validates the architecture we’ve built for safe, scalable autonomy on large aircraft like the C-130J,” said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. “We are grateful for USSOCOM’s partnership and guidance in this effort as CDR is another important step in demonstrating that our system meets the rigorous standards required for our USG customers’ real-world deployment. As we move into integration, ground testing, and eventually flight demonstrations, we’re focused on proving autonomy from takeoff to touchdown is one of the most effective ways to improve operations and safety for US warfighters.”

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on Merlin Successfully Completes Critical Design Review for C-130J Autonomy Program with USSOCOM

US Night Vision Shakes Up the Industry with Interactive Mobile Virtual Experience

June 5th, 2026

For decades, buying night vision or thermal optics online could have felt like a gamble. “Industry-standard” marketing has relied almost entirely on static Hoffman Pictures taken on an ANV-126A test set. While those static tube photos serve as a decent benchmark for clarity, they leave the end-user completely in the dark when it comes to real-world context. A flat image offers little to no ability for a buyer to perceive the actual size, depth, or relative screen coverage of a system.

US Night Vision (USNV) decided that settling for those stock, static tube pictures just isn’t customer-centric, informative, or a decisive tool to the customers benefit.

Gone Are the Static Days

Guessing how a device will look in the field is a thing of the past. USNV has officially launched its Mobile Augmented Reality Night Vision & Thermal Systems Experience, bringing an interactive, digital showroom straight to your smartphone. This totally FREE tool enables you to remove the guess work and experience true to life night vision prior to purchase!

Instead of squinting at a cropped, 2D photo, users can now launch a dedicated mobile experience to cycle through tubes and interactively preview key systems. This immersive tool allows you to gauge true-to-life scale, field of view, and more beforeyou ever drop a dime on shipping or gear.

The virtual rollout features direct interactive experiences for the primary line-up, letting you swap configurations on the fly: PVS-14 Monocular / Alpha Dual Tube Goggles / Panoramic Goggles / HMT Thermal Kit

Experience It Now

Stop buying blind and relying on outdated benchmarking methods. Check out the interactive gear preview for yourself by visiting the US Night Vision Mobile Experience Portal directly on your phone.

Want an even more interactive and in-depth mobile experience? Subscribe to the USNV Newsletter and get first access to the USNV Mobile App finishing iOS and Android Beta Testing!

For product inquiries, configuration questions, or custom setups, head over to US Night Vision or contact their team directly via email at sales@usnightvision.com.

Posted in Industry, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on US Night Vision Shakes Up the Industry with Interactive Mobile Virtual Experience

New York State Police Select LWRCI IC-9 as Standard Issue – Aimpoint Duty RDS to Enhance Trooper Readiness and Accuracy

June 5th, 2026

Albany, NY 6/1/2026 – The New York State Police (NYSP) has selected the LWRC International (LWRCI™) IC-9 as the new standard issue 9mm Pistol Caliber Carbine for troopers statewide, following a rigorous testing and evaluation process. The platform will be paired with the Aimpoint® Duty RDS®, providing enhanced reliability, precision, and operational capability for troopers across diverse mission environments.

“This selection underscores LWRCI’s commitment to equipping America’s law enforcement professionals with best-in-class technology,” said, David Ridley,

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are honored to support the New York State Police as they continue their mission of protecting the citizens of New York.”

The LWRCI™ IC-9, chambered in 9mm, and features a fully ambidextrous lower receiver, cold hammer-forged barrel, and modular rail platform. The weapon offers low recoil, simplified logistics, and compatibility with standard duty pistol magazines, streamlining maintenance and training.

The Aimpoint® Duty RDS® red-dot sight was selected for its rugged design, extended battery life, and superior optical clarity. The combination of the IC-9 and Aimpoint® Duty RDS® offers a lightweight, user-friendly, and mission-ready system suitable for both urban and rural deployments.

LWRCI and NYSP are currently working on fielding the newplatform, armorer training and continuing services.

Posted in Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | 5 Comments »

XGO Reminds Military and Government Personnel to Register for Exclusive Direct Pricing Program

June 5th, 2026

Southern Pines, NC — XGO, a leading manufacturer of American-made performance apparel and flame-resistant base layer systems trusted by military professionals for decades, is reminding eligible military and government personnel to register for its Military & Government Discount Program.

Originally launched at SHOT Show earlier this year, the program provides verified active duty military, veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and government employees with exclusive direct pricing on XGO’s performance apparel systems through the company’s website.

Known for its Berry-compliant base layers, flame-resistant combat apparel, and hard-use performance systems, XGO has long supported U.S. military personnel operating in demanding environments worldwide.

“Our products have always been built with the professional end user in mind,” said XGO. “This program is another way for us to directly support the military and government communities that have trusted our gear for years.”

The XGO Military & Government Program includes access to preferred pricing on:

? Lightweight performance layers

? Flame-resistant combat apparel

? Cold weather layering systems

? Accessories and mission-ready essentials

All products are proudly Made in the USA and engineered for durability, moisture management, mobility, and long-wear comfort in operational environments.

Eligible personnel can register and verify their status directly through the XGO website.

For more information or to register:
www.proxgo.com/apps/wpdapp

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on XGO Reminds Military and Government Personnel to Register for Exclusive Direct Pricing Program

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Crew Shorts

June 5th, 2026

The FirstSpear CREW SHORTS are built for range days, training sessions, and well-earned days off. Durable, comfortable, and easy to move in, they bring dependable performance without the tactical billboard look.

The modern 6-inch inseam and streamlined fit make them a solid choice for warm-weather work, travel, or kicking back after a long week.

Whether you’re loading mags, running drills, or just handling the weekend like a responsible adult, the CREW SHORTS are ready to keep up. They deliver the rugged construction FirstSpear is known for in a clean, versatile package. Because sometimes the best gear is the kind that works hard without making a big deal about it.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

USMC UH-1s Become Drone Control Platforms

June 5th, 2026

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. —

In a significant leap forward for aerial warfare, the U.S. Marine Corps has successfully integrated its iconic H-1 helicopter fleet with advanced, low-cost drone technology, demonstrating a new and lethal capability for the modern battlefield. During a recent exercise, Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1stMarine Division, showcased the ability of the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters to act as airborne motherships, extending the reach and lethality of first-person view drones to strike targets from unprecedented distances.

“The primary objective was to test the feasibility of a non-kinetic drop and deployment of a first-person view drone from a moving helicopter, which we were able to do today,” said Capt. Quinton Thornbury, a UH-1Y Venon pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “From there, validate that we can control the maneuver of that drone from the back of the aircraft.”

The exercise tested a critical battlefield scenario where ground forces from 3rd LAR launched a Neros Archer FPV drone. Once airborne, control of the drone was seamlessly handed off to a specialized operator team inside a UH-1Y Venom helicopter orbiting safely miles away. The Venom, leveraging its superior altitude and mobility, became a flying command post, directing the drone to its target and validating the aircraft’s role as an aerial control station.

This utilization of drones alongside manned aircraft is designed to counter the growing danger of more sophisticated air defense systems that force helicopters to operate from farther away, limiting their effectiveness. By pairing the H-1’s endurance and perspective with the drone’s speed and expendability, the Marine Corps is taking the next step the integration of drones on the battlefield.

This tactic allows us to keep our air crews safe and sound while pushing the lethal edge of the battlefield out to where the enemy is.

“We are still providing our ground support, and close air support, but in a way that lets the drones close with and destroy the enemy, rather than putting our Marines in harm’s way.” Sgt. Matthew Pocklington, a UH-1Y crew chief, with HMLA-169, MAG-39, 3rd MAW

Blending the strengths of a proven aviation platform with an agile, attritable weapon. It gives commanders a scalable, cost-effective option to service a wide range of threats without risking the aircraft or expending expensive munitions on every target.

The Neros Archer, already the most common FPV system in the Marine Corps infantry, was selected for its proven performance and existing logistical support, which accelerates integration.

The successful demonstration proved the viability of using FPV drones as a remote extension of the helicopter’s own sensors and weapons. The small, precise nature of the drones also minimizes collateral damage, a critical risk factor in complex environments. By enabling helicopter formations to detect, target, and engage everything from enemy armor to maritime craft from a safe distance, this innovation ensures the H-1 platform will remain a dominant and relevant force on the battlefields of tomorrow.

By 2ndLt Connor Jenig | I Marine Expeditionary Force

Posted in Aviation, Drone, Guest Post, USMC | Comments Off on USMC UH-1s Become Drone Control Platforms

Major Historic International Contract for Rheinmetall: Romania Orders Lynx Combat Vehicles, Vessels and Air Defence Systems Worth a Total of €5.7 billion

June 4th, 2026

Rheinmetall has secured the largest international contract package in the company’s recent history. Romania has now commissioned the Düsseldorf-based technology group to carry out extensive defence projects.

The contract package was awarded on 29 May 2026 by the Directorate General for Armaments and falls under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme. The contracts for the manufacture of combat vehicles, air defence systems, ammunition and ammunition components and naval vessels have a total value of €5.7 billion. The relevant contracts have now been signed. To fulfil the orders, Rheinmetall will significantly expand its existing capacities in Romania, which have been in place for many years, and will also ensure technology transfer. A large proportion of the value added will be generated in this NATO and EU member state. Deliveries are scheduled to begin 2028 and be completed by 2030.

The defence projects now commissioned include:

• 298 Lynx vehicles, a latest-generation family of combat vehicles. The majority will be armoured personnel carriers, along with reconnaissance, command post and medical variants;
• Skyranger air defence systems, also based on the Lynx. Until these are introduced, Rheinmetall will keep the Gepard anti-aircraft gun armoured vehicles currently in use operational;
• medium-calibre ammunition for air defence and armoured personnel carriers;
• two offshore patrol vessels;
• two diver support vessels. All vessels are based on the proven design of the new Naval Systems segment.

Rheinmetall is set to invest several hundred million euros in Romania, with a significant proportion of the value added being generated in this NATO and EU member state on the Alliance’s eastern flank. The project is expected to create thousands of new jobs. Over 200 subcontractors will be integrated into the supply network.
Romania is already one of Rheinmetall’s home markets. Its subsidiary Rheinmetall Automecanica, based in Medias, has been active there for many years. The major contracts now awarded will also be carried out at other sites.

Mihai Jurca, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office and Coordinator of the inter-institutional working group on the implementation of the SAFE Plan, said: “The contract concluded between the Romanian authorities and Rheinmetall represents not only an opportunity to modernise Romania’s defence capabilities, but also an important step towards revitalising the national defence industry, as over 50% of production will take place in Romania or in collaboration with local companies. It marks the beginning of a new phase of industrial development that has the potential to become a key driver of Romania’s economic growth and the integration of local industry into the European ecosystem over the next decade.”

“This is a significant success for us. We are grateful for the trust that Romania has placed in us regarding the equipping and modernisation of its armed forces,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “Together with our Romanian partners, we will establish a far-reaching defence ecosystem here. This also confirms our ambition to further expand our role as one of the industrial pillars of European security.”

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Major Historic International Contract for Rheinmetall: Romania Orders Lynx Combat Vehicles, Vessels and Air Defence Systems Worth a Total of €5.7 billion

Gogo secures $7.5 million NOAA Contract, Providing Mission-Critical Communications Services for ‘Hurricane Hunter’ Aircraft

June 4th, 2026

SD Government, a Gogo company serving the military and government markets, has secured a significant multi-year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) with the United States Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support essential airborne “Hurricane Hunting” activities via satellite communications, ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.

Broomfield, Colo. / 4 June 2026 – SD Government, a Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) company serving the military and government markets, announced today that it has secured a multi-year framework contract from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This contract supports the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), home to the renowned Hurricane Hunter fleet, including the Lockheed Martin WP-3D aircraft known as “Kermit” and “Miss Piggy,” among others. These aircraft provide essential research data, enabling effective, real-time, actionable information.

The agreement includes a total obligation of $7.5 million for SD Government to deliver a comprehensive mission communications solution. This includes L-Band satellite communications (SATCOM), ground infrastructure, and cybersecurity solutions via Gogo’s data center in Melbourne, Florida, along with Gogo’s FlightDeck Freedom cockpit datalink software suite, ensuring reliable communications and streamlined flight operations ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.

“NOAA is a trusted global leader in airborne research, offering life-saving services to the U.S. and other nations. We’re proud to support the delivery of vital data from the storm’s eye to decision-makers, utilizing our robust and reliable networks and infrastructure,” says Ben Massey, Senior Vice President of Government Sales at Gogo.

Posted in Aviation, Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on Gogo secures $7.5 million NOAA Contract, Providing Mission-Critical Communications Services for ‘Hurricane Hunter’ Aircraft