Archive: News & Articles

Thales has unveiled a new lightweight, compact night vision goggle (NVG) system called Panoramic at the 2025 Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar (SOFINS), held near Bordeaux in France from 1 to 3 April. Equipped with four light intensification tubes instead of two to provide an extra-wide field-of-view, the Panoramic NVG system allows soldiers to […]

Ballistic protection specialist Dyneema has unveiled new hard ballistic protection materials that enable a 45% weight reduction in protective armour systems, parent company Avient Corporation announced on 20 January 2025. Known as Dyneema HB330 and Dyneema HB332, the unidirectional (UD) materials are engineered with third-generation Dyneema fibre technology and, according to Avient, “set a new […]

On the eve of SHOT Show 2025, taking place in Las Vegas from 21 to 24 January 2025, head protection and power/data management specialist Galvion previewed two additions to its head systems portfolio: the commercial Batlskin Hellbender TE (Tactical Edition) helmet and the new Batlskin Caiman SAR (Search and Rescue) helmet. The Batlskin Hellbender is […]

Slovenian tactical clothing manufacturer UF PRO announced the launch of a new line in battle dress uniform (BDU) on 7 November 2024 that the company is billing as its lightest BDU yet, specifically designed for the challenges of tropical environments. The Striker TT BDU combines fast-drying materials with ergonomic design features to ensure maximum comfort and […]

Optronics specialist Theon International announced on 7 November 2024 a boost in its order intake for the month of around USD 50 million across the US, European and Middle Eastern markets. The company attributed this uplift in sales to its most successful product families of night vision goggles and particularly the NYX binocular family, as […]

Head protection and power/data management specialist Galvion has delivered the first order of its Nerv Centr MAX-8 mission adaptive charging stations to US tactical uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer AeroVironment (AV), Galvion announced on 7 November 2024. The initial order of 400 units will be followed-up with an additional 800, to be delivered during 2025 […]

ESD is happy to announce the magazine received 13 nominations and secured two awards at the 2024 Defence Media Awards (DMAs), held in Washington, DC, on 13 October, along with a further win at the 2024 European Military Press Association (EMPA) awards in Vienna. ESD Editor-in-Chief Mark Cazalet won the DMA for ‘Best Defence Electronics Submission’ with his article ‘Silent Struggle: […]

Northrop Grumman has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature to help warfighters make real-time, informed decisions on the move, the company announced on 7 October 2024. The Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Advanced Battle Manager (ABM) system addresses the growing complexity of threats in the counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) mission space. The ABM’s AI […]

Head protection and power management specialist Galvion has received further orders from the US Department of Defense (DoD) for its MAX-8 Mission Adaptive Charging Station and Squad Power Manager (SPM), the company announced on 10 October 2024. The company’s Nerv Centr power management solutions have been selected as a part of a System Modernization Program […]

Thales Canada announced on 9 October 2024 that the Canadian government has awarded it a contract for the acquisition of its Sophie Ultima Handheld Thermal Imager (HHTI) as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Night Vision Systems Modernization (NVSM) project. It is the first contract to be awarded under the NVSM project. The Sophie Ultima […]

Israeli electro-optical system specialist Meprolight unveiled its MMX3/MMX4 micro magnifiers for assault rifles on 1 October 2024. The compact and lightweight magnifiers, which provide either ×3 or ×4 magnification for any red dot sight respectively, are designed to significantly enhance a soldier’s accuracy, range and observation capabilities. “In today’s conflict scenarios, the perception of assault […]

Allen-Vanguard, an Ottawa-headquartered specialist in providing customised solutions for defeating radio frequency (RF)-based security threats, announced on 11 September 2024 that it has received a significant follow-on order for Scorpion electronic countermeasure (ECM) systems, accessories and spares from a NATO ally it supplied 68 systems to at the beginning of the year. The name of […]

The Swedish government presented its 17th military support package for Ukraine on 9 September 2024. The package, worth SEK 4.6 billion (EUR 0.4 billion), “meets Ukraine’s military needs and creates freedom of action for the future”, the government stated in a press release, adding that it “includes donations of materiel, direct procurement, material units and […]

Head protection and power/data management specialist Galvion has recently received an order from the US Marine Corps (USMC) for 5,000 of its SoloPack II lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and a USD 1.5 million (EUR 1.38 million) order for additional ancillary cables to further support the USMC’s in-service Portable Power Scavenger Systems (P2S2), the company announced on […]

Head protection and power/data management specialist Galvion has received a follow-on order from Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) for its Batlskin Caiman ballistic helmet systems, the company announced on 8 July 2024. The Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme contract was awarded in February 2023 for 2,100 helmets and 4,200 helmet covers, all […]

On 15 July 2024 Colt CZ Group announced the continued global expansion of its small arms manufacturing network to include the Colt CZ Hungary facility, where the group owns a majority share and fully controls all production activities. This newly built firearms manufacturing plant will provide additional manufacturing capacity to support the increasing worldwide demand […]

Rheinmetall announced on 14 June 2024 that is has entered into a partnership with Austrian company QUS Body Connected with a view to introducing the tracking of vital biomonitoring data onto its Gladius 2.0 soldier system. “Live tracking of vital data allows training units to be adjusted during training to ensure optimal fitness development,” Rheinmetall […]

The FN Evolys ultralight machine gun has been given some modified features based on feedback from in-depth testing by potential customers during their evaluation of the weapon, FN Herstal announced on 4 June 2024. Chambered in 5.56×45 mm or 7.62×51 mm calibre, the FN Evolys is designed for mobile infantry or special forces units to […]

Rheinmetall has been commissioned by the Bundeswehr to supply around one million DM45 smoke hand grenades, the company announced on 27 May 2024. Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Information Technology and In- Service Support (BAAINBw), and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition signed a framework agreement for the manufacture and supply of the grenades […]

Belgian small arms manufacturer FN Herstal has launched a new variant of its widely adopted Minimi light machine gun (LMG) with a long rail feed cover, the company announced on 23 May 2024. Explaining that it constantly adapts its products to align with evolving user requirements, FN stated in a press release, “One requirement that […]

Avon Protection has won the tender for the continued supply of the General Service Respirator (GSR) and associated service support for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), the company announced on 9 May 2024. The contract, which covers four years with five further 12-month option periods, is valued at up to GBP 38 million (EUR […]