Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

US Army Places $52+ Million Order for Skydio X10D, the Largest Single-Vendor Tactical sUAS Order in Army History

March 22nd, 2026

Skydio, the largest U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in flying robots, today announced an order exceeding $52 million for over 2,500 X10D drones from the U.S. Army. The order is the largest small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) procurement from a single manufacturer in the Army’s history and moved from bid to award in less than 72 hours.

This order reflects the decisive role small autonomous systems now play in modern conflict and the Army’s commitment to putting those capabilities in soldiers’ hands. It also shows that the United States can deliver world-class drone capability at the scale and speed required by today’s operational environment.

Mark Valentine, Global Head of National Security Strategy

The Skydio X10D system delivers world-leading intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR) capability at the platoon level, with technologies tested under the most severe conditions, including those found on the modern battlefield. Designed for survivability and resiliency in contested environments, it is capable of flying autonomously, without GPS, using onboard navigation cameras to map terrain in real time and maintain flight in contested environments. Its multiband radio provides seamless connectivity by optimizing frequency use in high-interference areas. With high-resolution visual and radiometric thermal cameras, X10D gives operators persistent situational awareness in day and night conditions from a position of cover.

Skydio is trusted by every branch of the U.S. military and by 29 allied nations. The Army selected Skydio for the SRR Program of Record in both 2022 and 2025, making it the only manufacturer to span both tranches. This order, placed through Atlantic Diving Supply (ADS), reflects sustained operational confidence as the Army rapidly scales autonomous reconnaissance capabilities beyond the constraints of traditional acquisition timelines.

Every X10D is manufactured at Skydio’s facility in Hayward, California, where production workers assemble and test each unit across 550 individual checkpoints before delivery. The Hayward facility has scaled output to support orders of this size while maintaining the reliability standards the most demanding customers require.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial receives no-cost lighting upgrade courtesy of local business

March 22nd, 2026

FRANKFORT, Ky – The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial (KVVM) in Frankfort recently received a significant upgrade courtesy of local business Polymershapes. The Winchester business designed, fabricated and installed brand-new lenses for the bollards at the Memorial at no cost.

For the past 37 years, the Memorial has been illuminated by a ring of bollards, each topped with a light to honor the 1,110 Kentuckians whose names are etched in granite on the plaza. Over time, many of those lights had grown dim, and several lenses needed replacement. Though electrician Mark Wilson has worked tirelessly to repair them through the years, locating the proper replacement lenses became increasingly difficult.

The team at Polymershapes, made up of several veterans, volunteered to not only replace the lenses, but they also engraved the KVVM logo on one side of each lens, reinforcing the powerful image of a soldier respectfully saluting all who served in Vietnam. Each lens was precision-crafted from a single sheet of polycarbonate using a CAD cutter, heat-folded on three corners with one mitered corner that was heat-bonded rather than glued. This high-quality process ensures long-lasting durability and clarity for years to come.

“These generous efforts will help preserve and enhance the Memorial’s beauty and purpose for years to come,” said Jerry Cecil, member of the KVVM Board of Directors. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire Polymershapes team for their craftsmanship, dedication and generosity.”

These upgrades come just in time for National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Sunday, March 29, an annual observance honoring the 2.7 million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam and the families who supported them. In recognition of the day, KVVM will host an observance event on Sunday, March 29 at 1 p.m. The event is organized by the VFW Post 4075 Auxiliary. To learn more, contact Edna Taylor at 502-320-8255.

A POW/MIA recognition will also be held in conjunction with the observance, hosted by Charging Forward for America. To learn more, contact Kelly Shehan at 859-619-8158.

The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located at 365 Vernon Cooper Lane in Frankfort, and is open seven days a week with no reservation required. Learn more by visiting kyvietnammemorial.net.

Posted in Charity, History, Memorial, Press Release | No Comments »

Joint Interagency Task Force Spearheads Contract, Unifies Drone Defenses

March 22nd, 2026

To counter the rapidly evolving threat from hostile unmanned aircraft systems, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has championed a groundbreaking enterprise-level agreement to provide a cutting-edge command-and-control solution through a strategic action.

Awarded by Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the initiative directly addresses the critical interoperability challenge that has hampered joint and interagency counter-unmanned aircraft system operations.

By establishing a common technological backbone, this agreement paves the way for an integrated, multilayered defense network that will allow warfighters and federal agents to seamlessly share data, coordinate responses and neutralize threats faster and more effectively.

“This is a decisive move against a pervasive and growing threat; we are breaking down the hurdles that have limited our effectiveness in the [counter]-UAS fight,” said Army Col. Tony Lindh, task force deputy director of acquisitions. “This agreement provides common air domain awareness through a proven [command and control] platform — Lattice — allowing us to build a cohesive, agile and formidable defensive ecosystem. For the first time, we have a clear path to true interoperability across the [War] Department and our interagency partners.”

The agreement signals a fundamental shift in the government’s approach to acquiring critical software-defined capabilities. Rather than managing dozens of disparate contracts, this single enterprise vehicle allows for rapid procurement and deployment of counter-UAS technology where it is needed most, ensuring the U.S. maintains a decisive advantage.

By centralizing procurement under one $20 billion vehicle, the government will gain a unified tracking point for all related acquisitions, reduce duplicative purchases, minimize dormant procurements and achieve greater pricing transparency and cost savings.

“Based on our testing and evaluation, it became clear that a common command and control system is needed to effectively counter adversary drones. These results were confirmed during my visit to Ukraine, when I saw firsthand how drones have changed the modern battlefield,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, task force director. “It ensures that our operators, agents and allies have immediate access to the best-in-class tools needed to defeat the UAS threat. We are cutting through red tape and delivering top-tier technology to our warfighters at the speed of relevance.”

By Army LTC Adam Scher, Joint Interagency Task Force 401

Posted in C-UAS, Guest Post | No Comments »

What Makes Kitanica Different?

March 21st, 2026

kitanica.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Manufacturing | No Comments »

Frontline Ukrainian Drone Commanders to Brief Washington on the World’s First Drone War

March 21st, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 2026 — The Peace Through Strength Institute will host a high-level Ground Truth Symposium on March 25, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm, at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Auditorium, bringing frontline Ukrainian battlefield commanders to Washington to brief policymakers, defense leaders, and journalists on the rapidly evolving realities of drone warfare.

You are invited to attend a news conference in a separate room at the Capitol Visitor Center following the symposium at 3:30 pm where speakers will be available to answer journalist’s questions.

As the U.S. confronts waves of Iranian Shahed drones in the Middle East, American officials are warning that traditional air defenses may not be able to intercept them all. Recent briefings to Congress have acknowledged that these low-cost drones can overwhelm expensive interceptor systems and strain U.S. missile stockpiles.

Symposium participants will include commanders from elite Ukrainian drone and unmanned systems units such as the 12th Special Forces Brigade and the 414th UAV Brigade “Magyar’s Birds.” (Find a detailed list below.)

Also presenting will be analysts, manufacturers, and defense technology experts involved in the rapid development of counter-drone strategies.

Congressman Don Bacon will open the symposium.

But this is believed to be the first time active Ukrainian drone commanders have traveled to Washington to brief policymakers and journalists directly. They represent the first generation of leaders operating daily in what analysts describe as the world’s first drone-dominated battlefield.

Ukraine’s experience offers critical lessons for the United States and its allies – lessons the United States and our allies need now in the Iranian conflict.

The Ukrainian commanders appearing at the symposium have developed innovative countermeasures, including layered defense networks, electronic warfare, and drone-on-drone interception systems that are already reshaping modern military doctrine.

Event Details

Event: Ground Truth Symposium

Host: Peace Through Strength Institute, Bill Cole, President

Date: March 25, 2026; 11 am to 3 pm

Location: Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Auditorium, Washington, D.C.

News Availability: Immediately following the Symposium, at 3:30 pm, presenters and moderators will be available in a separate room at the Capitol Visitor Center to answer questions from the media.

Audience:

Members of Congress, congressional staff, national security policymakers, defense experts, and journalists.

Featured Speakers Include battle-front commanders, personnel, and industry experts:

The 12th Special Forces Brigade

The Lazar Group

429th UAV Brigade “Achilles”

414th UAV Brigade “Magyar’s Birds”

59th UAV Brigade “Steppe Predators”

93rd Brigade

107th Separate Air Wing (F16 Pilot)

Military experts in electronic warfare and unmanned systems

Defense technology investors and analysts involved in Ukraine’s drone ecosystem

Posted in Drone, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Revival Defense Launches Silencer Resource Center, a Suppressor Compatibility Platform

March 21st, 2026

Revival Defense is proud to announce Silencer Resource Center. This new platform is a free, data-driven system built to solve one of the most persistent issues in the suppressor industry: compatibility.

As modular suppressor systems and HUB-based mounting solutions have grown in popularity, the number of possible combinations between silencers, adapters, and muzzle devices has expanded rapidly. Until now, end users and dealers have largely relied on scattered forum posts, social media discussions, and manufacturer communication to determine what works. This often resulted in inconsistent or incorrect information.

The Silencer Resource Center was developed to bring clarity and structure to that problem. Built from the ground up using in-house physical measurements rather than hypotheticals or manufacturer-provided assumptions, the system evaluates muzzle device dimensions, adapter interface geometry, and blast chamber depth to determine compatibility across a wide range of silencers and mounting systems. Each new component added to the database is automatically evaluated against existing entries, allowing the platform to scale quickly. What began as an internal tool to support retail customers and product development has evolved into a comprehensive compatibility engine designed for the broader industry.

The platform is intended for both dealers and end users. Dealers can use the system to confidently answer fitment questions at the counter or online, while end users can quickly identify viable configurations without relying on outdated or anecdotal sources. In addition to compatibility data, the Silencer Resource Center offers comparison tools and a system builder that allow users to explore complete setups, including overall length considerations for pin and weld builds, and understand how different components interact within a given configuration. The platform is not intended to serve as a review or recommendation site, and instead remains focused solely on planning and compatibility validation.

Future development will focus on expanding the depth and accessibility of data within the system. Planned efforts include integration with other suppressor reference platforms and increased incorporation of open source data to further strengthen coverage across manufacturers and mounting ecosystems. As participation grows, the platform is designed to become more comprehensive while maintaining its core focus on objective compatibility.

The Silencer Resource Center is available now at silencerresource.com. The platform is completely free to use and continues to expand as new products and data are added. Development and ongoing support for the system are made possible through customer patronage of Revival Defense and the broader ecosystem of dealers and manufacturers who support their work.

Posted in Press Release, Suppressors | No Comments »

Barretta Defense Technologies Releases White Paper Calling for Focus on Dismounted Soldier in Europe

March 21st, 2026

Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., founding member of the Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) strategic alliance of Beretta Holding group companies, is launching a White Paper calling for greater consideration of the dismounted soldier in Europe’s defence policy and programming.

The paper, titled “the Enduring Importance of the Dismounted Soldier in Modern Conflict” was presented to Members of the European Parliament, national and EU defence representatives on 5 March. Taking stock of lessons from the war in Ukraine, the paper underlines that the human element remains central to operational effectiveness. To defend Europe, training and equipping soldiers effectively must be a priority.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Beretta Holding Vice-President and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., Dr Franco Gussalli Beretta, said “As warfare continues to evolve through advancing technologies, the soldier remains a vital and irreplaceable element of modern defence. In this context, innovation and the continuous enhancement of individual equipment are essential to strengthening the capabilities and effectiveness of today’s soldiers”.

Although investment in defence at European and national level is ramping up, several challenges remain.

Programmes like the European Defence Fund (EDF), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) have strengthened Europe’s ability to invest together in defence. However, too little of this funding is allocated to soldier-focused capabilities.

A new industrial mindset

The White Paper highlights that Europe’s small arms, ammunition and equipment markets remain fragmented, characterised by different national approaches to equipping soldiers. Many countries are still equipping their soldiers with outdated service weapons or relying on non-European products.

The rapidly changing defence and geopolitical landscape calls for a new industrial mindset to address the challenges to equipping soldiers effectively. This mindset should focus on common requirements, pragmatic solutions and European collaboration.The paper calls on European policymakers to make the dismounted soldier a strategic priority by:

• Investing in modern infantry equipment;

• Harmonising European standards for that equipment;

• Streamlining design and performance criteria;

• Reforming procurement;

• Encouraging industrial cooperation between member states.

Beretta urges faster innovation, better planning, and learning from current conflicts to ensure soldiers are ready to face current and future threats.

Next steps

The White Paper draws on expertise from across Beretta Defense Technologies, a predominantly European alliance of Beretta Holding companies. Each BDT company has a rich history and reputation for excellence in their field: from firearms and ammunition production to precision optics, clothing and accessories.

Through this alliance, Beretta is uniquely placed to offer scalable solutions, designed and manufactured in Europe.

The latest innovations from BDT include specialised anti-drone firearms and ammunition.

This launch is intended as a first step towards the wider goal of a credible and autonomous European defence posture. Beretta stands ready to support decision makers to learn the lessons of today’s conflicts, address market fragmentation, establish key standards and criteria, and facilitate industrial alliances.

About Beretta

Beretta (Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta SpA) is the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world. With roots in Northern Italy going back to 1526, the company remains under the leadership of the Beretta family, making it one of the world’s oldest family-owned and family-run businesses. Beretta is also a founding member of BDT (Beretta Defense Technologies), an alliance of Beretta Holding Group companies that supply leading armed forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide with firearms, ammunition, optics, electro-optics, clothing and accessories.

To access the white paper, visit here.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

US Army Activates Transformation Decision Analysis Center

March 21st, 2026

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The U.S Army officially activated the Transformation Decision Analysis Center during a ceremony held Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. The event marked the inactivation of the DEVCOM Analysis Center and The Research and Analysis Center, combining their expertise to strengthen the Army’s ability to plan and achieve future force capabilities.

Lt. Gen. Michael McCurry, commanding general, Futures and Concepts Command, served as the virtual host of the event, while Brig. Gen. Robert Born, commanding general, Combat Capabilities Development Command, provided local hosting onsite support.

The activation ceremony underscored the importance of TDAC’s role in the Army’s transformation efforts and its alignment under FCC, a three-star command under the Army’s newly established Transformation and Training Command.

“This is about delivering credible analysis, faster, and with greater impact,” said Larry Larimer, director of TDAC. “Together, DAC and TRAC give the Army unmatched ability to evaluate both the systems we build and the ways we will fight with them. By bringing DAC and TRAC together under FCC, we’re creating a single, authoritative source of analysis for the Army.”

DAC, headquartered at APG, has long provided systems-level analysis, modeling, and simulation capabilities to support acquisition and materiel decisions. TRAC, with centers across the country, specializes in formation-based research, combat simulations, and operational scenario development. The activation unites these complementary capabilities, enabling TDAC to connect materiel analysis with operational concepts more directly than ever before.

During the ceremony, McCurry emphasized the critical role TDAC will play in shaping the Army’s future.

“If Futures and Concepts Command is the architect of the future Army, then TDAC is the rational part of our brain,” McCurry said. “You are the scientists, the war gamers, the critical thinkers who will provide the intellectual horsepower and unvarnished truth required to turn our concepts and requirements into combat-credible reality.”

McCurry highlighted TDAC’s mission: “to ensure the Army’s most critical decisions are underpinned by objective evidence-based analysis. They are, in essence, our institutional safeguard against wishful thinking.”

Larimer echoed McCurry’s sentiments, emphasizing the deliberate choice of the word “decision” in TDAC’s name.

“The word ‘decision’ in Transformation Decision Analysis Center was deliberate. You didn’t see that word in any of our historic organizations, but when you boil it all down, that’s what we do. We inform decisions that are made from the Chief of Staff of the Army all the way down to product managers and others on the system side,” Larimer said.

The activation of TDAC marks a significant step in the Army’s transformation journey, ensuring that future force design and operational planning are informed by rigorous and sophisticated analysis.

As the Army continues to adapt to evolving threats and technologies, TDAC will serve as a cornerstone of its transformation efforts, providing the logic and evidence needed to shape the force of tomorrow.

By Kyle Bond, TDAC Public Affairs

Posted in Acquisition, Army, Guest Post | No Comments »