Phantom Lights

Quantum Systems and Airbus to Cooperate on Integration of Counter-UAS Interceptors on Military Helicopters

June 12th, 2026

The strategic cooperation combines Airbus Helicopters’ military platforms with Quantum Systems’ counter-UAS technologies to strengthen European sovereign defence capabilities and address emerging airborne threats.

Berlin, 10 June 2026 – Airbus Helicopters and Quantum Systems have signed a cooperation agreement at ILA Berlin 2026 to jointly explore the integration of advanced counter-UAS (C-UAS) interceptors of Quantum Systems capabilities onto Airbus’ military helicopters, beginning with the multi-role H145M. This strategic partnership builds upon a shared commitment to enhancing Europe’s defence ecosystem and providing armed forces with agile, combat-ready solutions to counter modern, asymmetric airborne threats.

“At Airbus Helicopters, we are constantly exploring new frontiers in mission capabilities to bring real, decisive value to our customers. This agreement with Quantum Systems marks a crucial step forward in further expanding the operational spectrum of our military helicopters, ensuring that crews can effectively control the airspace against uncrewed threats. The H145M, with its advanced open system architecture and exceptional growth potential, serves as the ideal launching pad for this joint initiative. By combining our broad military helicopter portfolio with innovative C-UAS solutions, we are protecting personnel and assets as well as reinforcing European technological sovereignty and defence capabilities,” said Stefan Thomé, Executive Vice President Programmes at Airbus Helicopters.

“This cooperation demonstrates how Europe’s defence industry can combine complementary strengths to address emerging operational challenges. Together, Airbus and Quantum Systems are advancing the integration of crewed and uncrewed capabilities to build a more resilient and effective defence ecosystem. As a deep-tech prime for the unmanned era, our ambition is to support armed forces to gain a decisive technological advantage against increasingly sophisticated airborne threats.  Current developments show that unmanned systems offer solutions to drone threats,” said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer at Quantum Systems.

Airbus Helicopters has introduced an uncrewed version of the H145 family of helicopters, the U145, at ILA Berlin. On Airbus’ static display the U145 mockup already features Quantum Systems’ advanced C-UAS solution.

Gallatin AI Awarded Contract by US Army’s III Armored Corps

June 12th, 2026

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2026 — Gallatin AI today announced it has been awarded a contract by the US Army’s III Armored Corps to deploy and refine Navigator, its AI-native logistics decision support suite, in direct support of III Corps exercises and operational planning over the next 18 months.

The award addresses a capability gap at the corps echelon where Army ground combat units lack tools that enable sustainment decision support at the operational level of war. Under the agreement, Gallatin will deliver a tailored Logistics Common Operating Picture (LOGCOP); predictive consumption algorithms across all classes of supply; AI-assisted planning tools for the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP); and integration with Next Generation Constructive (NGC) simulation platforms. The effort maps to two Department of War critical technology areas: Applied Artificial Intelligence and Contested Logistics Technologies.

“Planning and executing Sustainment at the operational level is fundamentally different from what happens at the tactical or strategic echelon,” said Woody Glier, CEO of Gallatin AI. “A corps commander and staff must forecast what tens of thousands of Soldiers will require over months of sustained conflict while placing those requests against theater sustainment commands and depots that may be a continent away. That requires a decision support capability built for operational timescales and operational complexity.”

“At the corps level, the hard part is reconciling demand against supply,” said Brian Ballard, Chief Product Officer at Gallatin AI. “A staff is pulling a noisy, continuous demand signal from formations that may be dispersed across more than one theater, and it has to turn those disparate pieces of information into supportable courses of action (COAs) for validation with an Corps Sustainment Command (CSC) before anyone commits resources. Navigator surfaces the right data at the right time and lets corps and CSC planners develop and stress-test those COAs together.”

Navigator is already deployed with multiple military units. Work under the III Corps Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) will be validated through iterative delivery across multiple live exercise events.

About Gallatin

Founded in 2024 and backed by 8VC and leading defense and technology investors, Gallatin AI develops capabilities that make the Joint Logistics Enterprise predictive, visible, and accountable, from the point of production to the point of need. Headquartered in El Segundo, CA with offices in Washington, DC and Austin, TX, Gallatin’s flagship platform, Navigator, is deployed with multiple military units enabling precision sustainment at the speed of relevance.

For more information, visit www.gallatin.ai

TacJobs – Blue Force Gear Seeks Quality Control Manager

June 12th, 2026

Quality Control Manager

Pooler, GA | Full-Time | Exempt

Lead Quality. Drive Excellence. Protect the Mission.

At Blue Force Gear, we don’t just manufacture products, we equip everyday heroes with the mindset, knowledge, and equipment they need to prevail when every second counts. We’re looking for an experienced Quality Control Manager who is passionate about building world-class quality systems, developing high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement throughout our manufacturing operations.

As our Quality Control Manager, you’ll serve as the organization’s quality leader, partnering with Production, Engineering, Product Development, Purchasing, and Executive Leadership to ensure our products consistently meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage all Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities

• Build the organization’s ISO program from the ground up, establishing the processes, documentation, standards, and controls needed to support quality and operational excellence.

• Lead the organization’s journey toward ISO certification, driving audit readiness, process improvements, employee engagement, and long-term compliance.

• Develop and mentor Quality Inspectors and quality team members

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives

• Manage supplier quality programs and vendor performance

• Analyze quality metrics and drive continuous improvement efforts

• Partner cross-functionally to improve manufacturing processes and product quality

• Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, and operational excellence

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment

• Experience leading and developing Quality Control and Quality Assurance teams

• Proven experience implementing, maintaining, and improving ISO-certified

• Experience leading an organization through ISO certification, including organizations achieving certification for the first time, highly preferred

• Strong knowledge of audits, CAPA, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies

• Demonstrated ability to assess quality systems, identify gaps, and successfully implement corrective actions and process improvements

• Experience training, coaching, and educating employees on quality standards, compliance requirements, and best practices

• Experience managing supplier quality programs and driving vendor performance improvements

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use quality metrics and data to drive business decisions

• Experience partnering cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Product Development, and Leadership teams

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

• Textile, sewn products, tactical gear, or soft goods manufacturing experience strongly preferred

• ASQ, ISO Lead Auditor, or other quality-related certifications

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Company-Paid Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Employee Discounts on Blue Force Gear Products

• Discounts on Pet Insurance & Childcare Assistance

Why Join Blue Force Gear?

At Blue Force Gear, we’re committed to investing in our employees and creating an environment where people can grow, succeed, and make an impact. Every product we create is built with purpose, and every employee plays a critical role in delivering quality, innovation, and reliability to those who depend on our gear.

If you’re looking for a career where your expertise is valued, your ideas are heard, and your work has a direct impact, Blue Force Gear is the place for you. Blue Force Gear is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace.

About Blue Force Gear®

Blue Force Gear® is a leading innovator in lightweight tactical equipment, best known for producing some of the world’s most trusted weapon slings. The company continues to redefine load carriage with its Ten-Speed® multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus® platforms, and patented Helium Whisper® attachment system. 

Driven by a commitment to performance and weight reduction, Blue Force Gear® engineers its products using proprietary ULTRACOMP® high-performance laminate materials, delivering durability without unnecessary bulk. This relentless focus on innovation, combined with precision manufacturing and attention to detail, has positioned the brand at the forefront of modern tactical gear.

Blue Force Gear® is a Great Place to Work® Certified company, reflecting its dedication not only to the warfighter, but to the people behind the mission.

For more information, visit www.blueforcegear.com.

Apply here.

Galvion Expands Cortex EVO Architecture with New HALO Configuration at Eurosatory 2026

June 12th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, will showcase the continued evolution of its Cortex™ architecture at Eurosatory 2026 (Hall 5A, Booth G391), featuring the introduction of the HALO configuration for its Cortex EVO™ system.

First introduced at SOF Week 2025 as a new category of intelligent, headborne systems, Cortex established a framework for integrating power, data and processing at the operator level. Earlier this year, Galvion introduced Cortex EVO™, a deeply integrated architecture that combines protection, power, data and compute within a unified headborne system. At Eurosatory 2026, Galvion is expanding that architecture with the introduction of its HALO configuration—an externally mounted implementation designed to bring advanced headborne capabilities to both new and fielded helmet platforms. Together, the Embedded and HALO configurations provide a common Cortex EVO architecture, enabling users to access the same core capabilities through implementation approaches aligned with their operational requirements, procurement strategies and lifecycle objectives.

Initially available for Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman® helmet system, with planned expansion to the Hellbender™ platform, the EVO HALO configuration provides a flexible implementation pathway that can be delivered as part of new helmet systems or integrated onto fielded helmets through upgrade and modernization programs. This approach provides a flexible, cost-effective route for organizations seeking to introduce advanced digital capabilities while leveraging established support, maintenance and sustainment infrastructure.

Central to the Cortex EVO system is Galvion’s AlertCentr™ software, which enables mission-relevant data to be delivered and managed at the headborne level. Integrated within TAK-based environments, AlertCentr supports configurable visual and audio cueing, allowing operators to access and act on critical information without diverting attention to secondary devices.

The systems demonstrated at Eurosatory incorporate multiple capability elements within the Cortex architecture, including:

• Visual augmentation: TAK video, sensor feeds and navigation integrations

• Sensing and awareness: Detection and identification capabilities supporting enhanced threat awareness

• Audio and communication: Digital headset integration enabling configurable alerts and system-level interaction

• Power and data infrastructure: A unified architecture enabling scalable subsystem integration

These capabilities are enabled through an open architecture approach, allowing both Galvion-developed and third-party technologies to operate within a single system environment 1″Cortex EVO reflects years of investment, and demonstrates how multiple sensing, visualization, communication and awareness capabilities can operate within a unified headborne architecture,” said Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman of Galvion. “Rather than focusing solely on externally mounted components, we challenged our teams to rethink the system from the inside out. By pursuing a purpose-built integrated architecture, we were forced to solve more difficult challenges around size, weight, power management, connectivity and overall user experience, ultimately creating a more capable and scalable foundation. The HALO configuration extends the benefits of Cortex EVO across both new programs and fielded Galvion helmet fleets.” He added: “Our customers have invested heavily in helmet systems and supporting infrastructure over many years. Combined with our growing manufacturing, maintenance and refurbishment capabilities in Europe, the EVO HALO configuration allows our customers to build on those investments while introducing the technologies that are increasingly shaping survivability, situational awareness and mission effectiveness on today’s battlefield.”

Direct Action at Eurosatory 2026

June 12th, 2026

New product launches, live gear configuration presentations, and special guests from SFU GROM. Direct Action® invites you to visit its booth at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.

Direct Action® will be present at Eurosatory 2026, taking place on June 15–19, 2026, in Paris, France. The brand willshowcase its latest solutions developed for special operations forces, military personnel, and law enforcement professionals operating in demanding environments.

Eurosatory is one of the world’s leading defense and security exhibitions, bringing together manufacturers, military representatives, and end users from across the globe. For Direct Action®, the event is an opportunity to meet professionals, exchange experience, and present gear developed around real operational requirements.

Experience Based Gear from Poland

Direct Action® is a Polish brand created by professionals for professionals. All equipment is designed and manufactured in Poland, with product development driven by the experienceand requirements of special operations personnel.

The Individual-as-a-System philosophy allows users to build complete equipment configurations tailored to a specific role, mission profile, and operational environment. Plate carriers, belts, pouches, panels, and accessories form a scalable ecosystem that adapts to mission requirements rather than forcing the user to adapt to the gear.

SFU GROM Veterans at the Booth

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet three veterans of Poland’s elite special operations unit SFU GROM: Grzegorz “Zwiru” Urbanski, Amadeusz “Zelazny” Szyszka, and special guest Ziemowit “Harnaz” Urbanowicz.

Ziemowit “Harnaz” Urbanowicz is the creator of the Urban Knife Fighting system. Drawing on years of operational experience and a deep interest in edged-weapon employment, he will share practical insights into close-quarters combat and operating in urban environments.

Zwiru will conduct live Direct Action® gear configuration presentations, demonstrating the logic behind building mission-specific setups for different operational roles and environments. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions, exchange experiences, and see the Individual-as-a-System philosophy applied in practice.

Zelazny will share firsthand experience from using Direct Action® equipment during real-world missions, where reliability, accessibility, and control are mission-critical.

New Products and Gear Configurations

At Eurosatory 2026, Direct Action® will present its latest products and solutions developed for modern military and special operations users. Visitors will be able to explore equipment configurations built around platforms such as Spitfire®, Spitfire® MK II, Spitfire® QR, Hellcat®, and Bearcat®, while discovering additional configuration options and system capabilities.

Equipment Ready for New Challenges

No Direct Action® exhibition would be complete without new products. This year’s showcase includes medical solutions, casualty evacuation equipment, new additions to the Vanguardapparel line, and modular accessories that further expand operator capabilities. Each product has been designed around practical requirements: rapid access, equipment control, mobility, and performance under load.

Havoc Assault Medical Backpack – a compact medical backpack designed for SOF operators.
Medic Front Pouch – a front-flap-mounted medical pouch providing rapid access to medical equipment without removing a backpack.
Combat Stretcher Wrap – a compact carry solution for the Combat Stretcher, supporting casualty evacuation from buildings and confined spaces.
Tubular Rescue Wrap – a universal carrier for rescue strapsup to 6.5 meters in length.
Vanguard Softshell Jacket DA5 CS – a weather-resistant softshell featuring a hood, protective insert pockets, underarm ventilation, and unrestricted freedom of movement.
Vanguard Windshirt Jacket DA4 CS – an ultra-lightweight, highly packable windshirt.
Vanguard Waterproof Trousers DA6B CS – 3-layer waterproof trousers with a 25,000 mm waterproof rating, leg ventilation zippers, Cordura® 330D reinforcements, adjustable waist, and elastic suspenders.
Vanguard Waterproof Jacket DA6 CS – a 3-layer waterproof jacket featuring 25,000 mm waterproofing, 15,000 g/m²/24 h breathability, and a cut optimized for use with a plate carrier.
Vanguard Insulated Jacket DA3 CS – a Climashield® Apex insulated jacket designed to be worn over a plate carrier.
Spitfire QR Plate Carrier – a plate carrier equipped with Duraflex® QRS quick-release buckles on both the shoulders and cummerbund.
Knife Wing Attachment – a modular mounting platform for knives and other mission-essential equipment such as radios.

Event Information

Date: June 15–19, 2026
Booth: Hall 6, J25
Location: Paris, France

Qore Performance Enhances ICEPLATE EXO Gen 3 Plate Carrier with New Berry Compliant Trelleborg Brigade Laminate

June 12th, 2026

Knoxville, TN – June 11, 2026 – Qore Performance, Inc., the leaders in human performance architecture and thermoregulation technology, is proud to announce an immediate material update for ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Ultralight Minimalist Plate Carrier. Starting this Thursday, ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 will feature an all-new, fully Berry Compliant Trelleborg Brigade laminate, offering procurement officers and end-users uncompromised compliance alongside elite structural performance.

Recognizing the diverse requirements of institutional purchasing organizations, Qore Performance now offers ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 in two distinct high-performance material configurations: the new Berry Compliant Trelleborg Brigade laminate option and the established USMCA Compliant Carolina Performance Fabrics Endurance Cordura® laminate option. This dual-material availability ensures that military, law enforcement, and federal agencies can easily meet specific domestic sourcing mandates without sacrificing the operational advantages of the platform.

Engineering the Unfair Advantage

ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 functions as a definitive human readiness infrastructure rather than a traditional plate carrier. By integrating patented ICEPLATE®, ICEFLASK®, and ICEVENTS® technologies, the platform transforms temperature from an environmental constraint into an advantage.

Key technical specifications and capabilities include:

Integrated Thermoregulation: Directly accepts ICEPLATE® Gen 3 (52.4 fl oz / 1.55 L) to deliver conductive cooling up to 70W or heating up to 52W per plate, optimizing operator core temperature while mitigating heat injuries and fatigue.

Ultralight Architecture: Features a dry chassis weight of approximately 15.2 oz (0.95 lb) without cummerbund, and approximately 23.2 oz (1.45 lb) when paired with an AXL Equinox cummerbund.

Premium Materials: Built with a Trelleborg Brigade laminate or Endurance Cordura® laminate chassis, premium Velcro®, shock cord, and 500D nylon.

NIR Compliance: Signature Management: Both Berry and USMCA options utilize a 500D Cordura® outer layer for native NIR compliance across all Mil / LEO colorways (excluding HiVis).

Armor Compatibility: Medium profile accommodates Medium ESAPI multi-curve plates (approximately 9.5″ x 12.5″ x 1.1″); Large profile fits Large ESAPI plates (approximately 10.25″ x 13.25″ x 1.1″).

Modular Integration: Equipped with laser-cut SwiftClip and G-Hook compatibility with SwiftClips included for seamless placard transitions.

“By introducing Trelleborg Brigade laminate, we are giving purchasing organizations the absolute best of both worlds: strict Berry Compliance and the unmatched thermoregulation dominance of the ICEPLATE EXO® platform. This update allows for seamless deployment across any federal, military, or agency procurement pipeline,” said Austin Pitsch, Marketing Manager of Qore Performance.

ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is available with Berry Compliant options starting this Thursday, 11 June 2026. Professional end-users can view product details and place orders directly at www.qoreperformance.com/products/iceplate-exo.

For corporate, institutional, or government procurement inquiries requiring official agency quotes, please visit the Qore Performance Procurement Portal to ensure rapid routing to a sales specialist.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Weapons Retention Catch

June 12th, 2026

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There are enough things trying to separate you from mission success, your weapon shouldn’t be one of them. The FirstSpear WEAPONS RETENTION CATCH was built to secure carbines, sub guns, and shotguns to your kit while keeping them immediately accessible when it’s time to get back in the fight. Designed to attach to virtually any platform, it provides a simple, effective solution for weapon retention without adding unnecessary complexity.

At its core, the WEAPONS RETENTION CATCH combines a durable 3/16″ nylon bungee cord with rugged 500D Cordura®, delivering the stretch and resilience needed for hard use. Jacquard webbing connects the assembly to a pair of GrimLOC™ carabiners, creating a streamlined system that’s easy to mount, adjust, and reposition based on mission requirements. Whether you’re climbing, treating a casualty, breaching, or simply moving through tight spaces, the WEAPONS RETENTION CATCH helps keep your weapon secure and out of the way.

Built for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and prepared professionals who demand reliable equipment, the Weapons Retention Catch delivers dependable weapon security without sacrificing speed or accessibility. Purpose-built to secure your weapon without slowing down the operator behind 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.

Department of War Establishes Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay

June 12th, 2026

The Department of War (DoW) is launching the Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay (C-MIP) program, a key effort in the Secretary of War’s Project Patriot Pipeline initiative, and an important step toward hardening our cyber defenses and strengthening our Defense Industrial Base capacity to compete in the cyber domain.

C-MIP fundamentally modernizes how the Department incentivizes its Cyberspace Operations Forces (COF) assigned to U.S. Cyber Command. The C-MIP Framework provides DoW a powerful tool to build and drive an elite corps of cyber warfighters ready to dominate in the digital battlespace. As part of the broader Secretary of War-approved CYBERCOM 2.0 effort, C-MIP is a forward-looking, multi-layered incentive framework that promotes domain mastery within our most critical cyber work roles.

“Cyber domain capabilities are high-demand, low-density skill sets critical to our daily warfighting operations. To incentivize our cyber forces and meet both Department of War and Defense Industrial Base needs, we need to shed legacy incentive models and invest directly in our people serving on the digital front lines. C-MIP does this,” said Anthony J. Tata, Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness. “It is a strategic initiative to attract, develop, and retain the specialized workforce needed to counter threats, deter aggression, and dominate the cyber domain.” The C-MIP program moves beyond one-size-fits-all incentive models to a flexible and cumulative system that directly links pay to certified skill mastery and the performance of exceptionally demanding duties.

“C-MIP fundamentally changes our approach by incentivizing the pursuit of deep, technical, and career-long expertise,” said Katie Sutton, Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy. “By breaking down the bureaucratic norms of government incentives, this framework enables increased lethality by driving the skills, roles, and duties most vital to mission success. New incentive frameworks normally take years to develop, but the CYBERCOM 2.0 team has driven this outcome in 60 days. This framework ultimately sends a clear signal to our cyber warriors that the Department values the skills necessary to outpace and prevail against our Nation’s adversaries by incentivizing Service Members’ commitment to cyber domain mastery.”

The C-MIP program features two distinct and cumulative layers:

Skill Incentive Pay (SIP): The foundational layer that directly rewards an individual’s demonstrated work role skill level — Basic, Senior, or Master — established by U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). This layer creates a clear and compelling path for our cyber warriors to pursue continuous technical growth.

Special Duty Pay (SDAP): A monthly incentive for members performing duties that USCYBERCOM designates as exceptionally demanding. This pay recognizes the specialists who scale their skills across the force by serving as instructors, certified work role trainers, and in advanced cyber duties.

The Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy (ASW-CP) will oversee the execution of the C-MIP framework. The ASW-CP will closely partner with the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness (USW(P&R)), U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), and the Military Departments to ensure the framework remains agile to warfighter requirements. General Joshua M. Rudd, Commander of USCYBERCOM, stated, “I’m excited about what C-MIP represents. Our warfighters take on complex missions that demand extraordinary commitment and technical expertise. We need to ensure that commitment is being recognized, especially when our operators step into our most demanding roles.”

Taking effect October 1, 2026, the C-MIP program launches a new era of cyber talent management. By aligning a competitive incentive model with Secretary Hegseth’s strategic vision, the Department of War begins to unleash our Nation’s potential to build and sustain world-class cyber forces for years to come.