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Zapata AI to Deliver Real-Time Intelligence for Warfighters

August 14th, 2024

The collaboration aims to enhance real-time intelligence and decision support for USSOCOM’s Hyper-Enabled Operator and Force programs with state-of-the-art AI on the edge

BOSTON, Aug. 13, 2024 — Zapata Computing Holdings Inc. (“Zapata AI”) (Nasdaq: ZPTA), a leading provider of industrial-grade software for enterprise AI, has entered a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Special Operations Command (“USSOCOM”).

Key Highlights of the CRADA include:

• Empowering USSOCOM with advanced AI tools to enhance situational awareness, real-time decision-making, and operational readiness in challenging environments and contested spaces.

• Accelerating USSOCOM’s ability plan, create, and deliver AI-driven advantage to align closely with specific mission objectives and parameters.

• Deepening Zapata AI’s existing relationship across the United States Department of Defense innovation ecosystem.

Under the terms of the CRADA, Zapata AI will leverage its Orquestra® platform to speed up the model development lifecycle (MDLC) and create AI and ML applications that enhance mission performance for USSOCOM’s Hyper-Enabled Force (HEF) initiatives. The decision-support capabilities developed by the partnership will run on the edge in low connectivity environments on ruggedized high-performance computing (HPC) hardware.

“We are proud to support the brave men and women of USSOCOM in defending our national security around the world,” said Christopher Savoie, CEO and co-founder of Zapata AI. “Our battle-tested Orquestra platform, our ability to ingest and process vast amounts of streaming data in real-time, and our experience in rapidly deploying AI solutions in challenging environments will enhance USSOCOM’s operational readiness with cutting-edge intelligence capabilities.”

The collaboration with USSOCOM builds on Zapata AI’s success in supporting Andretti Global’s complex race intelligence and advanced analytics needs. In both cases, Zapata AI deploys an ensemble of small, specialized AI models at the edge, providing real-time analytics and decision support in environments with limited or unpredictable connectivity. Zapata has proven in its production solutions that deploying an ensemble of targeted models, rather than a single large, generalized AI model, delivers superior performance for mission-critical applications where speed and accuracy are paramount.

The CRADA deepens Zapata AI’s existing relationships across the United States Department of Defense landscape. As the only company participating across all tracks of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking program, Zapata AI has led the groundbreaking work to estimate the economic utility and resource requirements for high-value quantum computing applications. In June 2024, Zapata AI and its collaboration partners published the findings from Phase II of the program.

For more information on Zapata AI, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

Posted in AI / ML, Contracts, ISR, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Zapata AI to Deliver Real-Time Intelligence for Warfighters

USSOCOM Selects B.E. Meyers & Co for Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power Contract

August 14th, 2024

Talk about celebrating your 50th anniversary as a company right. Last night, United States Special Operations Command announced this contract:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Redmond, Washington, is being awarded a contract (H9240324D0009) for the acquisition of the Miniature Aiming Systems – Laser (MAS-L) Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP) and associated repairs. This indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is being awarded with a maximum total ceiling of $49,900,000 and a $500,000 minimum ordering guarantee in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This contract will have an ordering period of five years. Fiscal 24 procurement funds in the amount of $11,000,110 are being obligated at time of award on the first delivery order. USSOCOM, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

We believe this contract was won with DAGIR Multi-Platform Advanced Laser System (pictured above) which was announced during SOF Week.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Lights, SOF, Weapon Accessories | 6 Comments »

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Honors 50th Anniversary with Founders’ Day Celebration

August 14th, 2024

On the 26th of July, B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. celebrated a milestone few companies can claim, a half-century of business.

Those 50 years wouldn’t have been possible were it not for the company’s founder and namesake, Bradley Edward Meyers and his bride Nancy. Together, they created a legacy of innovation which currently operates in Washington state and provides critical technology to the United States and allied military and law enforcement activities as well as civilians.

The company celebrated their Founders’ Day* with over 100 family, friends and employees, with games, music and comraderie. In addition to a raffle, party goers were treated to food trucks featuring local favorites. It was also a time to reminisce on where the company had come from, with some considering where it will be in the future. A good time was had by all.

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business with beginnings in day and night long-range optical and digital surveillance systems for law enforcement, a natural path to their current role as a premier Defense Technology Manufacturer.

Everything they do is a Made In America story, from the initial design concept to delivery of the final product, all takes place at their Redmond, Washington headquarters.

Today the company is known for their innovative work in the field of advanced photonics, but founder Brad’s early endeavors were in an entirely different direction. Born in 1941, Brad sprang from humble origins. He worked with his hands his entire life, applying a keen mind to conceive new products and methods in every field he applied himself to. This led to a variety of experiences, one feeding the next, to establish a rich heritage of innovation. Take for example Brad’s company Controlled Dynamics which combined experience as an explosives technician with commercial diving.

Unfortunately, Brad didn’t get to celebrate the 50th anniversary with his company and family, having passed away in 2017. Regardless, his efforts live on as B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. continues to lead industry. His obituary sums this up well.

“Brads legacy is primarily known by many in the Special Operations community through his products such as the IZLID(tm), DIAL(tm), GLARE(tm), MK Ranger(tm), and GRI2P(tm) series of lasers, as well as the B.E. Meyers Flash Hider line. He cited that his special gift was in finding the right people to help him reapply existing technologies in new ways to help the Warfighter. He was terrifically proud of the tremendous team that helped bring his ideas to life, and his legacy will continue on as the company is propelled by his infectious enthusiasm for the new, the different, and the exciting.”

If you never got to meet Brad, this video entitled “The Optics of Optimism” is narrated by him and gives you some insight into the man behind brand.

* The company’s true Founders’ Day is 29 July, Brad Meyer’s birthday, but they celebrated a few days early this year due to the weekend.

Posted in Advertiser, Memorial | Comments Off on B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Honors 50th Anniversary with Founders’ Day Celebration

DoD Updates Requirements for Managing Brain Health Risks from Blast Overpressure

August 14th, 2024

Blast overpressure (BOP) is defined as the sudden onset of a pressure wave, above normal atmospheric pressure, which occurs from blast (e.g., explosions and weapons firing events).

In a memorandum dated 8 August, 2024, the Deputy Secretary of Defense has updated requirements for managing brain health risks from often overlooked sources of overpressure. In addition to BOP from exposure to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) they have taken a look over the past few years at overpressure caused by our weapons during training and operations.

This new directive, which goes into effect immediately, expands the June 8, 2022 memorandum, “Department of Defense Warfighter Brain Health Initiative – Strategy and Action Plan” and rescinds Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness Memorandum, “Interim Guidance for Managing Brain Health Risk from Blast Overpressure,” November 4, 2022.

It further establishes DoD requirements and direction for the management of health risks to DoD personnel from exposures to BOP. However, there’s no intent to preclude or unreasonably restrict commanders from conducting mission-essential weapons training. Rather, this policy establishes requirements for practical risk management actions to mitigate and track BOP exposures across the DoD.

The memorandum states, “Experiences by DoD personnel in training and operational environments demonstrate possible adverse effects on brain health and cognitive performance ( e.g., headache, decreased reaction time, attention difficulty, memory loss) resulting from acute (e.g., single or short-term) and chronic (e.g., repetitive or continuous) exposure to BOP. Brain health effects from BOP exposures are not yet fully understood, but adverse health and cognitive performance impacts have been reported from acute exposures to BOP above 4 pounds per square inch (psi).”

Consequently, DoD is instituting an interim BOP exposure safety guideline of 4 psi will be used as a threshold to require initiation of appropriate risk management actions until further research is complete. Weapons systems known to produce BOP exposures exceeding 4 psi include breaching charges, shoulder fired weapons, 0.50 caliber rifles/guns, and indirect fires.

In addition to increased screening for the effects, units will implement several measures to mitigate the risk of brain injury, including at a minimum:

– Stand-off distances for personnel involved in training (e.g., instructors, range safety officers) The “DoD Blast Overpressure Reference and Information Guide” may be used as a resource to support implementation efforts, located at Health.mil/BrainHealthRisk.

– Stand-off distances for non-training audiences that maximize distance from the weapons system to the greatest extent possible.

– Personal protective equipment for firers, trainers, and other personnel at an increased risk of BOP exposure.

– Minimize the number of personnel in the vicinity of BOP generating events (i.e., personnel who are not directly involved in the training or executing tasks associated with the training event) to minimize unnecessary exposure.

The memorandum also contains a rather long list of military specialties which have an increased list of last overpressure exposure but it’s definitely not comprehensive. For example, it lists Army MOS 11A and 11B but ignores 11C and 11Z. Likewise, 19D is listed but not 19A, 19B, 19C, 19K or 19Z. Oddly, on the Air Force portion of the list, someone thought to include the Special Warfare officer codes, but not the enlisted ones.

Download your copy here.

Posted in Medical | 2 Comments »

U.S. Marines with Littoral Craft Company Charlie complete the Colombian Fluvial Operations Course

August 14th, 2024

Apartado, Colombia —

U.S. Marines with Littoral Craft Company Charlie, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, graduated from the Colombian Fluvial Operations Course, at Centro Internacional Excelencia Avanzado Fluvial (CIEF), Aug. 2, 2024.

Littoral Craft Company Charlie is the first group of U.S. service members to participate in the Colombian Fluvial Operations Course as 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion is gradually making the switch from Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) to Littoral Craft, which are maneuverable small boats.

“As we enter the infancy of littoral craft training, we are seeking knowledge and training from any and all sources,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Lance Sutton, the Inspector-Instructor with LCC Charlie.

The Colombian Marine Corps is highly regarded as world class experts in facilitating and executing littoral exercises because their geography and security challenges heavily emphasize maneuverability and quick reaction on the nation’s waterways.

“They are the best in the world at riverine operations and it’s a great match for our training,” said Sutton.

The Fluvial Operations Course consists of multiple training exercises such as swim qualification, classroom lectures, weapons handling and maintenance, and littoral craft maneuvers.

“We came here and trained with the Colombian Marines on gunnery and piloting littoral crafts,” said Sutton. “We learned a lot from them. We hope to take this knowledge back to the United States and implement them into our tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and our standard operating procedures (SOPs).”

“They are the best in the world at riverine operations and it’s a great match for our training”.

– Maj. Lance Sutton, Company C, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion

For the Marines of LCC Charlie, the Fluvial Operations Course was a three-week course. The first week comprised classroom training and familiarization with the different classes of Colombian littoral crafts, the second week comprised isolated training between the gunnery and pilot groups, and the final week comprised integration of all coursework. The Marines of LCC Charlie endured and graduated from the course and are now more knowledgeable and confident in their abilities to maintain, operate, and execute missions with littoral crafts.

Providing expert-level instruction in riverine warfighting was something the Colombian Marines were happy to do.

“For years, the Marines of Colombia have received training from the United States Marine Corps,” said Major General Jorge Federico Torres Mora – Commandant of the Colombian Marine Corps, “and I am pleased that we are now able to provide them with this training, demonstrating reciprocity and strengthening our relations as friendly countries.”

Teniente Coronel de IM (Colombian Marine Corps Lt. Col.) Juan Pablo Lozano Borrero, Head of the Department of Instruction, Training and Doctrine for the Colombian Marine Corps, said of the training: “It fills us with pride and satisfaction to see the Marines of Colombia and United States training together, complementing each other, as if they were the same force. This means that we are getting closer and increasing interoperability between the two Marine Corps.”

The 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion is steadily and efficiently working in accordance with Force Design 2030. With the phasing out of AAVs, Marines of LCC Charlie aim to modernize, compartmentalize and become a more maneuverable and lethal fighting force in order to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving future operating environment.

By Cpl Trystan Taft | Marine Corps Forces South

Posted in Guest Post, Training, USMC | 1 Comment »

French Navy’s Camcopter S-100 Squadron Secures WATERS During the Olympic Games 2024

August 13th, 2024

Vienna, 12 August 2024 – The 2024 Olympic Games were held in France this year with the French Navy CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) Squadron securing the waters around Marseille for the Olympic events.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100 are stationed on board the French Navy’s Flottille 36F in Var, and monitored the vicinity of the Olympic Games, a total of 22,500 nautical square miles. Flying from Saint-Mandrier (Var), the S-100s provided the authorities with real-time data of the maritime area towards Marseille, where a number of sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing events took place.

While conducting these operations, the S-100 was equipped with a high performance EO/IR camera and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) to monitor and detect any suspicious activities at sea.

“It is an honour that the French Navy utilised their S-100 Squadron to monitor the surroundings of the Olympic Games. This is another great use case for the CAMCOPTER® and shows the versatility of applications and capabilities“, said Lubos Sramek, Director of Schiebel Aéronaval SAS in Toulon.

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on French Navy’s Camcopter S-100 Squadron Secures WATERS During the Olympic Games 2024

10th Anniversary of Direct Action at MSPO in Kielce

August 13th, 2024

2024 is an exceptional year for the Direct Action brand, and we are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating a decadeof excellence in the military-tactical industry. This milestoneevent will take place during the International Defence IndustryExhibition (MSPO) in Kielce from September 3rd to 6th, 2024.

Direct Action is a brand forged by experts in modern militaryoperations, providing a deep understanding of the specificneeds of special operations forces. We don’t just design and manufacture our gear—we live and breathe it. With threeproduction facilities located in Poland, we ensure that everyproduct meets the highest standards of durability, functionality, and performance. A decade of experience hasprepared us to face any challenge ahead.

At MSPO, we will showcase our full range of products, including plate carriers with a wide array of customizableoptions. Our booth will also feature the world premiere of the Peripherical Ballistic Set, an enhancement to our lineup thatexpands the versatility of our core products. Visitors will alsohave the opportunity to see the latest 2024 releases, includingthe Curtiss Chest Rig, Flat Elastic Mag Pouches, administrative pouches (such as the Attack Pouch, JTAC Admin Pouch MKII, and Front Flap Admin Pouch), and the Counterweight/Battery Pouch for NVG spare batteries.

Key Events:

• New Product Premiere: Peripherical Ballistic Set

This addition to our lineup enhances the utility of ourflagship products like plate carriers.

• September 4th: Book Presentation by Krzysztof “Puwal” Puwalski

On the second day of the exhibition, join us as Krzysztof “Puwal” Puwalski, author of “Anatomy of a Warrior,”presents his latest work. Meet the author and explore hisinsights.

• September 4th, 3:30 PM: Beer with Direct Action

In the afternoon, take a moment to unwind. Join us in the chill zone at our booth as we celebrate our 10th anniversary with a craft beer tasting, starting at 3:30 PM.

• September 5th: Meet Amadeusz “?elazny” Szyszka

On the third day, we are honored to host our brandambassador and renowned marksman, Amadeusz “?elazny” Szyszka. This is a unique opportunity to meetone of the best in the industry, learn from hisexperiences, and gain insights into the latest gear.

• Special Product Presentation

Are you interested in seeing the gear used by SOF duringreal missions? We’ve prepared a special surprise at ourbooth!

• Gear Configuration Demos by ?wiru

Throughout all four days of the exhibition, JW GROM veteran ?wiru will lead product demonstrations and gearconfiguration sessions. These live showcases willhighlight the modularity and capabilities of our products.

• Daily Meet and Greet with Tomasz “Lasek” Laskowski

Throughout the event, JW GROM veteran Tomasz “Lasek” Laskowski will be at our booth. We encouragevisitors to stop by, meet him, and hear about hisexperiences.

We look forward to seeing you at MSPO 2024 in Kielce!

Direct Action® at the XXXII International DefenceIndustry Exhibition MSPO 2024:

• Hall: B, Booth: H-37

• Date: September 3rd-6th, 2024

Posted in International, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on 10th Anniversary of Direct Action at MSPO in Kielce

Introducing The Benelli Armi S.p.A. M4 A.I. Drone Guardian

August 13th, 2024

Modern warfare scenarios show the massive use of small FPV (First Person View) drones, piloted by quadcopters with individual visors and remote controls, attacking enemy troops on the ground, either directly or by firing anti-personnel grenades from above at squads of soldiers below, causing many casualties.

This new scenario paves the way for the first time for the use of the 12-gauge #shotgun in combination with 4/0 buckshot type #ammunition, creating a large enough swarm at distances of 50m or more to easily shoot down the drone at close range.

This is a ‘last resort’ defense that effectively saves the soldier’s life and is not feasible with pistols or assault rifles.

Benelli Armi S.p.A. – one of the world’s leading shotgun manufacturers whose products are in service with government, law enforcement and military users in more than 90 countries around the world- has developed a specific line for this critical application:

The Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian

A.I. stands for “Advanced Impact” a patented system of larger and longer cone inside the barrel able to improve capability to hit targets at longer distance compared to standard shotguns and with a deeper penetration.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | 8 Comments »