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Reptilia Introduces Q-Sert Versions of TORCH Light Body and SOCKET QD Sling Mount

October 15th, 2026

New mounting options bring two established Reptilia accessories to Q-Sert-equipped handguards.

Reptilia announces the launch of the TORCH™ 6V/18650 Q-Sert Light Body and SOCKET™ Q-Sert QD Sling Mount, expanding its accessory lineup with dedicated options for the Q-Sert mounting system.

Both products attach directly to Q-Sert-equipped handguards, providing compact mounting solutions for lights and slings without separate adapters.

TORCH™ 6V/18650 Q-Sert Light Body

The TORCH combines the light body and mounting interface in a single component, keeping the light close to the handguard and reducing unnecessary bulk. Offered in left- and right-side configurations, it allows users to choose the placement that suits their setup.

The TORCH is compatible with Modlite Systems and SureFire® M600DF Scout light heads and tail caps. It is sold as a light body only, not a complete light.

MORE INFO

SOCKET™ Q-Sert QD Sling Mount

The SOCKET brings Reptilia’s low-profile, anti-snag sling attachment design to the Q-Sert mounting system. Originally developed in response to an end-user request for a streamlined QD attachment, the SOCKET provides a compact connection point while minimizing protrusions that can catch on equipment.

The new Q-Sert version extends that approach to users seeking a dedicated sling attachment for their Q-Sert-equipped handguards.

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Availability

The TORCH™ 6V/18650 Q-Sert Light Body and SOCKET™ Q-Sert QD Sling Mount are available through Reptilia. For product details and ordering information, visit ReptiliaCorp.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Reptilia Introduces Q-Sert Versions of TORCH Light Body and SOCKET QD Sling Mount

Army Hosts International Signing Ceremony for UAS and Counter-UAS Marketplaces at AUSA 2026

October 15th, 2026

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army hosted senior defense leaders and international delegates from eight partner nations for a formal signing ceremony, further expanding allied access to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS Marketplaces at the 2026 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Acting Secretary of the Army Hon. Adam R. Telle hosted the event alongside the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Hon. Brent G. Ingraham, and President and CEO of AUSA Gen. (Ret.) Robert B. Brown.

Partner representatives from Albania, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, Japan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Panama, including defense ministers and general officers, joined U.S. leaders on stage to formalize their participation through signing Statements of Intent (SOIs).

The signing solidified increasing multinational commitments to participate in two secure U.S. Army online platforms — one dedicated to UAS and one to Counter-UAS capabilities.

“Today’s Statement of Intent signing marks a critical milestone in transforming warfighting procurement at the speed of business,” said Acting Secretary Telle. “These digital marketplaces tear down legacy bureaucratic barriers and help rapidly equip our Soldiers with every competitive advantage to remain the most lethal and capable fighting force the world has ever seen. We are building open architecture at the tactical systems level and open architecture at the strategic national level. By bringing our allies and partners onto a unified, online purchasing platform, we are delivering lethal, decisive capability at scale while strengthening the collective defense industrial base.”

Through a streamlined procurement pathway known as the “FMS Fast Lane,” partner nations can order pre-cleared, standard-configuration drone and counter-drone systems directly through pre-established contracts. By proactively completing key exportability requirements (including technology transfer approvals, marketing licenses, and foreign disclosure clearances) the Army compressed traditional FMS case development timelines from months down to days.

“Our mission with the UAS and Counter-UAS Marketplaces is simple: deliver commercial agility within an accountable, government-to-government framework,” said Hon. Ingraham. “With standardized auto-generated Letters of Offer and Acceptance and pre-negotiated contract vehicles, allied partners can now move from request to purchase in days rather than months.”

This ceremony built upon momentum established in June 2026 at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, where the Army signed initial SOIs with nine European partners (Denmark, France, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom). Since then, 29 partners across the Indo-Pacific, European, Central, and American commands have joined the marketplace framework.

The following partners are currently signatories of the marketplaces:

Albania
Argentina
Australia
Canada
Croatia
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Latvia
Lithuania
Mexico
Morocco
Netherlands
Norway
Panama
Poland
Romania
Singapore
South Korea
Sweden
Taiwan
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom

US Army Public Affairs

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Drone, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Arkeus’ Warden Hyperspectral Optical Radar Enters Australian Army Service

October 14th, 2026

Arkeus is pleased to confirm its Warden Hyperspectral Optical Radar (HSOR) will enter service with the Australian Army to provide comprehensive wide-area domain awareness for the Army’s Integrator UAS as a part of the Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System (TUAS) Program, strengthening Army’s ability to generate complete domain awareness across land and littoral environments.

The capability will support Army commanders to detect, understand and respond across larger areas of the battlespace, improving situational awareness and contributing to decision superiority in complex operating environments.

Following down-selection in November 2025, where Warden outperformed advanced sensing technologies from around the world, Arkeus has worked closely with the Australian Army and Insitu Pacific to rapidly integrate, test and validate the Warden on the Australian Army Integrator UAS.

With the completion of that process, the Australian Army is pleased to confirm acquisition of the first tranche of Warden systems for deployment with the Army’s (TUAS), being delivered and sustained by Insitu Pacific.

COL Joel Domigan from Headquarters Army Aviation Command outlined that the acquisition is part of the Australian Army’s TUAS Program to support tactical level intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements of Army’s Combat Brigades.

“The introduction of Warden enhances Army’s ISR posture by providing persistent, wide-area surveillance from the Integrator platform. It enables commanders to extend their situational awareness, shorten decision cycles, and maintain operational advantage across land and littoral domains. This wide-area sensing capability is a key enabler that enhances Army’s ability to operate effectively in a contested environment,” said COL Domigan.

Arkeus CEO and co-founder, Simon Olsen, said: “We’re honoured to deliver Warden to the Australian Army and provide capability that can help Australian soldiers on the ground gain a far more comprehensive understanding of the battlespace, in a much shorter time frame.

“Warden brings together wide-area, real time, hyperspectral optical sensing that is powered by our ARK artificial intelligence orchestration and data fusion software. This combination enables the Integrator to be able to autonomously detect, classify, locate and track objects in real time, and over wide areas, extending the area of coverage from each platform in the land, littoral and maritime domains. Warden delivers a disruptive speed and precision of decision making in the most challenging operating environments.

“During testing and integration, Warden demonstrated its ability to perform in challenging and degraded conditions, by day and night, where conventional optical systems can struggle. It is purpose-built for high-tempo operations, contested operations and the growing role of autonomous systems in modern defence,” said Olsen.

Warden will be mounted on Insitu Pacific Integrator Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Arkeus has been collaborating with Insitu Pacific for a number of years to bring enhanced domain awareness to their Integrator Air Vehicles. Andrew Duggan, Managing Director of Insitu Pacific said: “Integrator’s range, endurance and mission flexibility make it well suited to persistent surveillance across land and maritime environments. Arkeus’ Warden HSOR payload adds a powerful wide-area sensing layer to the platform, combining hyperspectral collection with onboard AI processing to support Army’s ISR requirements.

“As we continue to build sovereign capability here in Australia to sustain and grow Integrator’s capability for Army under the Australian Army’s TUAS program, the successful integration of Warden in partnership with Arkeus has clearly demonstrated how rapidly we can field cutting edge capabilities. The Integrator is a flexible and proven platform, purpose built for complex missions and this effort has clearly demonstrated its readiness to be paired with advanced Australian sensing technology like Warden,” said Duggan.

Warden is the world’s first, real time, wide-area, hyperspectral ISR sensor for Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (TUAS). Whereas current sensing hardware is designed for a human operator, Warden is specifically built for AI. This means it is not restricted by human limitations. Its Hyperspectral Optical Radar can see significantly further than comparable alternatives. Warden employs an edge-based AI orchestration and data fusion engine, ARK, operating on the sensor itself to be able to contextually understand the environment and rapidly detect, classify, locate and track objects within the area of operation, all in real time.

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

Introducing Flymotion AirMesh

October 14th, 2026

TAKE MISSION CONNECTIVITY TO THE AIR

FLYMOTION AirMesh™ is a purpose-built UAS connectivity payload designed to extend communications range, expand network coverage, and strengthen connectivity across dynamic operational environments.

Integrated with the Skydio X10D/X10* and powered by Silvus’ battle-proven MANET technology, AirMesh™ provides secure, high-bandwidth connectivity between operators, sensors, and unmanned platforms, supporting critical video, voice, telemetry, and mission data.

Beyond extending operational reach, AirMesh™ can also enable the aircraft to serve as an airborne mesh relay node, helping teams maintain and expand their network where connectivity is needed most.

EXPANDED COVERAGE

EW-RESILIENT CONNECTIVITY

COMMUNICATIONS RELAY

Support the exchange of video, sensor data, telemetry, and voice between connected teams and systems.

Powered by

AirMesh™ integrates the Silvus StreamCaster® LITE 5200 MANET radio, providing secure, high-bandwidth communications and compatibility across the Silvus ecosystem.

Native Integration with

AirMesh™ uses the aircraft’s native payload interface and integrates with supported Ground Control Stations, with no external batteries, wiring, or aircraft modifications required.

Interested In Integrating AirMesh™

With A Different UAS Platform?

Contact our team to discuss your platform, operational requirements, and potential integration opportunities.

*Configured as an aerial mesh node on the Skydio X10.

Posted in Comms, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

Skapion Unveils the World’s First Native Counter-Swarm Defense System

October 14th, 2026

Purpose-built for simultaneous, large-scale engagements against drone swarm attacks at a significantly lower cost

Washington, D.C. / Ramat Gan, Israel, October 14, 2026 – Skapion, a defense technology company developing advanced counter-swarm solutions, today unveiled what the company describes as the world’s first Native Counter-Swarm defense system, a new class of air-defense capability purpose-built from the ground up to detect, engage and defeat large-scale, coordinated drone swarm attacks, in an affordable cost.

Skapion recently announced a $36 million Seed funding roundled by UP. Partners and Khosla Ventures to accelerate the development and validation of its counter-swarm defense system.

As coordinated drone attacks grow in scale, speed and sophistication, conventional counter-UAS solutions face an increasingly difficult challenge. Most existing air-defense technologies were originally developed to engage individual or limited numbers of threats, creating operational, capacity and cost constraints when confronted with simultaneous mass attacks, as seen in the wars in Ukraine and Iran where legacy air defense systems are being saturated by drone swarms built to exhaust defender magazines and budgets.

Skapion takes a fundamentally different approach. The company’s system has been designed by Skapion’s Founding Architect, General (ret.) Pini Yungman, Architect of Iron Dome and former GM of Rafael Air & Missile Defense and engineered from inception around a native many-to-many architecture, enabling multiple interceptors to engage multiple targets simultaneously and at scale.

The highly mobile, fully kinetic system is designed to simultaneously engage more than 100 targets with an interception rate above 97%, while delivering a significantly lower cost per interception compared with conventional air-defense solutions – creating an economically sustainable defense layer against mass, low-cost aerial threats.

At the center of the system is an AI-native command-and-control architecture that fuses data from Skapion’s own detection and tracking sensors or third-party systems. It evaluates and prioritizes threats, allocates interceptors and manages engagements in real time – allowing full end-to-end autonomy or a single human operator on the loop – per customer policy. An open, sensor-agnostic architecture enables integration with external threat data, existing C2 systems and other counter-UAS systems. This makes the Skapion system relevant both as a standalone air defense battery for critical infrastructure and maneuvering forces and as an easily deployable national air-defense complementary and gap filling system.

Skapion’s fully kinetic approach is designed to engage communication-independent and autonomous threats. Its vertical-launch architecture provides 360-degree engagement capability, while the system is designed for flexible deployment across ground, airborne and maritime platforms.

“The next generation of threats cannot be defeated by simply stacking yesterday’s air-defense solutions,” said Ido Bar-On, Co-founder and CEO of Skapion. “A swarm is not just a larger number of discrete drones. It changes the dynamics of the engagement, the number of simultaneous decisions, the speed at which they must be made and the economies of every interception. Native Counter-Swarm means designing the entire system from day one for simultaneous mass engagement.”

Posted in C-UAS, Press Release | Comments Off on Skapion Unveils the World’s First Native Counter-Swarm Defense System

Uvision Advances Sensor-to-Effect Operations at Scale

October 14th, 2026

Eight-canister HERO 120 MCL combines scalable, distributed launch capability with AI-enabled CORTEX mission management

Washington, D.C., October 13, 2026 – Uvision, a global leader in loitering munition systems and integrated precision strike solutions, is showcasing at AUSA 2026 a scalable approach to deploying and managing distributed effects, orchestrated through its CORTEX AI-Enabled Battle Intelligence and Mission Management System and demonstrated through an eight-canister Multi-Canister Launcher (MCL) configuration for the HERO 120.

Designed for remote operation, the MCL accommodates up to eight HERO 120 loitering munitions and can be deployed in mobile, fixed and containerized configurations, across land and maritime platforms. Integrated with CORTEX, the MCLoperates as part of a broader sensor-to-effect network, connecting sensing, decision-making and precision effects.

One application of this approach is persistent border defense. Across extended border areas, launch nodes can be positioned in mobile and fixed configurations and connected through CORTEX with ISR and other sensing assets, linking persistent surveillance with precision response across multiple sectors.

At AUSA, Uvision is also showcasing the integration of Wayland Autonomy’s IRIS airborne ISR payload with Tactical CORTEX, extending the sensing layer with wide-area ISR and onboard target generation, including in GPS-denied environments. Together with Uvision’s expanding range of launch systems and effectors across the HERO, VIPER and PEREGRINE families, the integration addresses both sides of the operational challenge: expanding the information available to forces while increasing the range and flexibility of effects available for mission execution.

“It’s not just about having more effects in the field. It’s about having them where you need them, when you need them, and giving forces the flexibility to use the right capability for the mission,” said Dr. Ran Gozali, CEO of Uvision. “That’s what we’re focused on: bringing sensing, mission management and a broader range of effects together in a way that gives forces more options and greater operational flexibility.”

Posted in AUSA, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

IAI and SIG SAUER Announce Successful Firing Test of FIRE STORM 250 Airborne Machine Gun

October 14th, 2026

Washington DC. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and SIG SAUER have completed a firing test of FIRE STORM 250, an innovative tactical unmanned system (UAS) equipped with a SIG SAUER MICROLIGHT Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) mounted with a M250 machine gun. The successful test demonstrated the system’s ability to combine airborne surveillance, target identification and precision firepower in a realistic battlefield scenario, providing tactical forces with an organic airborne capability for missions including Close Air Support (CAS), border security, suppressive fire and homeland security.

Guy Bar Lev, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), stated, “The future of the battlefield will be determined by the power of weapons systems, and by the ability to integrate intelligence, technology, and operational capabilities into a single, precise, and effective solution. The successful test demonstrates our vision of developing integrated solutions that provide forces in the field with an operational advantage, expand their capabilities, and enable them to address the evolving challenges of the modern battlefield. Our collaboration with SIG SAUER reflects the importance we place on strategic partnerships with leading companies worldwide, bringing together complementary capabilities to deliver innovative solutions to the market. We will continue to lead the next generation of unmanned systems, driven by our commitment to strengthening Israel’s security and meeting the needs of our customers and partners around the world.”

Moshe Levy, EVP and GM of IAI’s Military Aircraft Group,said, “The next generation of unmanned systems will be defined not only by autonomy, but by how effectively they integrate sensing, decision-making and action within the operational environment. FIRE STORM 250 brings these capabilities into a single operational loop, enabling tactical forces to extend their reach and maintain continuous awareness while retaining human control over engagement decisions. The firing test demonstrates the potential of this approach in a realistic operational scenario.”

During the test, FIRE STORM 250 system hovered over the simulated battlefield, identified targets using its onboard camera and engaged them in both single-shot and semi-automatic firing modes. Firing was conducted from varying distances and altitudes, demonstrating the system’s operational flexibility, integrated safety and accuracy under different conditions.

FIRE STORM 250 is designed to put persistent surveillance and firepower directly in the hands of tactical forces. The system can remain airborne for up to three hours while carrying 200 rounds of ammunition, and its VTOL configuration enables takeoff and landing from forward areas without requiring a runway or dedicated aviation infrastructure.

The system integrates the SIG SAUER RCWS, the world’s lightest aerial RCWS. With a complete combat-ready weight of only 53 pounds, including the RCWS, the M250 machine gun, and 200 rounds of ammunition, the system delivers stabilised precision fire. Sensor information and fire-control data are combined into a unified targeting solution, giving the operator a continuous operational picture and supporting a rapid sensor-to-shooter cycle.

Sali Okanin, Israel General Manager for SIG SAUER, commented, “FIRE STORM 250 brings together the most advanced technologies in the world including IAI’s drone platform and SIG SAUER’s MICROLIGHT RCWS mounted with the M250 machine gun to deliver a new level of operational flexibility. We’re proud of the new SIG SAUER M250, which is combat-proven technology. It is a belt-fed platform with greater range than legacy systems and weight savings that not only provide squad-level benefits but also make drone capabilities possible.”

FIRE STORM 250 maintains a human-in-the-loop fire-control architecture, with the operator receiving real-time sensor imagery, target-tracking data and engagement options, while retaining control of the engagement process and authorising the use of fire. This combines advanced automation with human judgment and operational control.

Powered by a multi-fuel internal-combustion engine, the system can be refueled in the field using commonly available operational fuel, avoiding lengthy battery-charging cycles or specialised aviation infrastructure. The platform is rapidly deployable and designed to accompany tactical units with limited manpower and support requirements. It can support various missions including persistent overwatch for manoeuvring forces, intelligence gathering, force protection, border defence, protection of strategic sites and special operations.

Multiple systems can operate simultaneously to provide persistent day-and-night surveillance. At the same time, the system can also provide advance observation, identify threats along movement routes and maintain overwatch during operations and extraction.

FIRE STORM will be on display at the IAI booth (HALL C, Booth #3525) and the SIG SAUER booth (Hall E, Booth #8015) at AUSA 2026 in Washington, DC.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Drone, weapons | 2 Comments »

Future Focused: Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Details Army Autonomy Advancements

October 14th, 2026

WASHINGTON — General Christopher LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and Acting Chief of Staff of the Army, has selected U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Command for redesignation as U.S. Army Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM).

Gen. LaNeve’s decision follows the release of Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle’s Army Autonomous Initiatives memo on October 1. “This goes beyond drones,” said Gen. LaNeve. “FASCOM will pioneer operational concepts that harness autonomous capabilities across all warfighting functions.”

Led by a three-star general officer, FASCOM will consolidate, integrate and ultimately accelerate the work of the Combat Capabilities Development Command, Medical Research and Development Command, 75th Innovation Command, Joint Modernization Command and the Transformation Decision Analysis Center. This change unifies expertise that the new Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Autonomy will depend on to meet Acting Secretary Telle’s directive to rapidly integrate autonomous technologies across the Army.

One of the first challenges Gen. LaNeve issued to FASCOM was to develop corps-level autonomous capabilities. Each of the Army’s five corps will test equipment, evaluate tactics and make recommendations on accomplishing autonomous mission sets. This approach leverages experimentation to validate concepts that can then be scaled across the Army, according to Gen. LaNeve. As this top-down approach is pursued, the Vice Chief of Staff noted that he will continue “clearing the way for Soldiers to innovate and solve tactical problems with the tools they have on hand.”

The Army’s autonomous development plan includes the testing of an autonomous fires battery and autonomous watercraft company in I Corps, an autonomous armored reconnaissance company in III Corps, an autonomous breaching company in V Corps, autonomous aerial ISR and lift companies in XVIII Airborne Corps, and the pairing of manned and unmanned rotary wing aircraft in 8th Army. This last experiment, initially conceptualized at the Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, gives attack aviation pilots direct control of UAS sensors to enable over-the-horizon targeting and synchronize manned-unmanned fires. “Fort Rucker is unique in that we can bring together warfighting experts and cutting-edge commercial capabilities to test technology the way we intend to fight it. To ensure that we move swiftly to achieve the Army’s autonomy goals, as of today Fort Rucker will serve as our UAS Autonomy Center of Excellence,” said Gen. LaNeve.

The Vice Chief of Staff’s direction to FASCOM also includes the creation of capability-based formations centered on autonomous long-range fires, protection, tanks, logistics and obstacle breaching. These capabilities were specifically selected for their role in enabling operational maneuver and are aligned to the four elements of convergence, strike, close battle, and endurance outlined in the operational warfighting guidance released by the U.S. Army last week.

Notably, these experimental formations will receive some of the Army’s first 390A Robotic Technicians. The move, first announced by Gen. LaNeve at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference in September, expands the assignment of trained autonomy and robotics specialists beyond special operations units to more swiftly proliferate expertise across the force.

“We’ve got to change our approach from bolting on technology to rethinking how we fight,” declared Gen. LaNeve. “Acting Secretary Telle and I see things the same way. Technology doesn’t fight; Soldiers do. Our job is to get them the best kit; theirs is to make it lethal. It’s that magic between industry, leadership, and Soldiers that keeps our Army ahead of anyone looking to do America harm.”

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

Posted in AI / ML, Army, Drone, Guest Post, Unmanned Systems | No Comments »