Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Red Cat Introduces Hellcat, a Global Small UAS Configuration Built on the Proven Black Widow Platform

June 18th, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, June 15, 2026 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc.?(Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today introduced Hellcat™, a dual-use small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) built on the proven Black Widow™ platform and designed for rapidly evolving operational environments.

Red Cat is unveiling Hellcat in conjunction with Eurosatory 2026, where defense leaders, government buyers, and industry partners from across Europe and allied nations are convening to evaluate current and future capabilities with a focus on small UAS, contested-environment operations, and interoperable systems. Built on the proven Black Widow platform, Hellcat incorporates extensive feedback gathered directly from warfighters in the field and lessons learned through an ongoing partnership with Ukraine.

Hellcat is designed to support customer-driven configurations, faster integration cycles, and software-defined updates that keep pace with changing mission needs. The platform brings Red Cat’s small UAS architecture to a broader global mission set, supporting coalition partners and customers with varying command-and-control preferences, payload needs, and integration paths.

“Black Widow was purpose-built to meet the rigorous requirements of the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance program, and it remains a cornerstone of our small UAS leadership,” said Jeff Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Red Cat. “For the development of this new platform, it’s been an ongoing honor to work side by side with Ukrainian drone experts in theater, continuously transforming our ISR drones to meet the ever-evolving demands of the battlefield.”

Hellcat is designed around Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) principles, enabling customers to configure command-and-control, payload, software, and integration pathways based on operational needs. The platform is intended to support a broad range of customer requirements, including different government procurement frameworks, coalition interoperability needs, and mission-specific software environments.

“Small UAS programs need to keep pace with how operators are using them in the field,” added Thompson. “Hellcat reflects Red Cat’s approach to working directly with warfighters, incorporating feedback from operational environments, and folding those lessons back into the platform so users can adapt as the mission changes.”

Hellcat’s baseline configuration includes GPS-denied operation from power-on, RTH Azimuth recovery without GPS, WEB™ Standoff Radio support, a low-visibility tactical finish, and a field-repairable, rucksack-portable design. The aircraft offers 50+ minutes of flight time, up to 6.8 miles / 11 km of range with maintained operator line-of-sight, and is available with Red Cat’s Ocellus™ 3CP three-camera payload option.

Hellcat complements Red Cat’s broader Family of Systems, which includes Black Widow, FlightWave Edge 130™, FANG™, Blue Ops Variant 7 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), and command-and-control and autonomy capabilities across air, land, and sea. Together, these systems support Red Cat’s strategy to deliver trusted U.S. and allied robotic solutions that enhance situational awareness, operational effectiveness, and mission safety for defense and national security customers.

For more information on Hellcat, visit redcat.red/hellcat.

Posted in Drone, Press Release | Comments Off on Red Cat Introduces Hellcat, a Global Small UAS Configuration Built on the Proven Black Widow Platform

INEOS Grenadier Delivers for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

June 18th, 2026

We have joined forces with military vehicle specialists SMT Defence and New Military Solutions to form Team Grenadier, a UK-anchored industrial collaboration. The partnership delivers on the core requirements of the MOD’s Light Mobility Vehicle programme, by combining a world-leading 4X4 vehicle platform with deep-rooted special operations and systems integration expertise.

At the heart of the programme is the Grenadier — a purpose-built, highly durable vehicle designed for exceptional reliability and off-road performance. Its ladder-frame chassis, permanent four-wheel drive, beam axles and high payload capacity provide a robust foundation for military adaptation across multiple roles and operating environments.

The Grenadier Multi-Role Light Vehicle is one of nine applications showcasing the versatility of the platform, which is already supporting fire, police and rescue services in highly demanding conditions around the world.

Engineered to be robust, adaptable and easy to maintain, it’s a vehicle designed to keep working when it matters most.

Built to adapt. Built to work. Built for more.

ineosgrenadier.com

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

DAF Updates Uniform Guidance for Chaplain Corps, Air Force Maternity Uniforms

June 18th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force released implementation guidance for the Chaplain Corps uniform and the new Air Force maternity wrap dress, June 15.

Chaplain insignia
As outlined in a Department of War announcement in March 2026, chaplains will now wear the chaplain insignia in lieu of officer rank insignia on the chest of the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform, as well as the patrol cap, tactical cap and outer garments. There is no change to the chaplains’ service dress uniform.

While rank will no longer be worn by chaplains in OCPs, established customs and courtesies should still occur according to DAF Instruction 90-1201. Examples of standard customs and courtesies include:

• Officer-to-Chaplain Interactions (“When in Doubt, Salute”)
When two officers approach each other and the rank of one cannot be visually determined (as will now be the case with chaplains in OCPs), standard military courtesy dictates that they should mutually exchange a salute and a verbal greeting.

• Enlisted-to-Chaplain Interactions
This dynamic remains functionally unchanged. Because all military chaplains are commissioned officers, enlisted personnel and noncommissioned officers will use the chaplain insignia itself as the visual cue to initiate a salute, regardless of the chaplain’s specific grade.

• Prior Knowledge and Unit Familiarity
In most day-to-day operations at the wing or delta level, personnel are expected to know their chain of command and the leadership within their units. Officers and enlisted members will generally know the rank of their assigned chaplains (e.g., knowing that the wing chaplain is a lieutenant colonel). In these instances, the junior member initiates the salute based on prior knowledge rather than visual identification.

• Verbal Introductions and Address
When exact rank must be established for protocol or administrative reasons and is not visually present, it will be established through verbal introduction or title (e.g., “Good morning, Chaplain [Name]” or “Good morning, Major [Name]”). According to standard customs, chaplains may be addressed by their rank or by the title “chaplain.”

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone)

Air Force maternity wrap dress

This new guidance also announces the Air Force maternity wrap dress may be worn as a mess dress, semi-formal and Class A uniform equivalent for Air Force pregnant Airmen, with a mandatory wear date of July 2030.

Name tags are not authorized on the mess or semi-formal configurations, but a metal engraved name tag is required for the Class A configuration.

The wrap dress is currently available in some stateside AAFES store locations, and all stateside locations are expected to be stocked by the end of this month. Overseas locations should expect stock within the next couple of months. The wrap dress will also be available soon on AAFES’s website.

Space Force Guardians are not authorized to wear the Air Force maternity wrap dress. They will continue to wear the Air Force jumper according to SPFI 36-2903. The new Space Force maternity uniform is currently in its prototype phase and set to be available to Guardians in 2027.

CAC-enabled Airmen and Guardians can read more about these policies on MyFSS:

• Chaplain OCP Uniform Reform

• Air Force Maternity Wrap Dress Guidance

– Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Profession of Arms | No Comments »

Reptilia’s New 13IN ARCA Handguard in Black and FDE

June 18th, 2026

HILLSBOROUGH, NC — Reptilia is proud to announce the release of the new 13” ARCA Handguard, now available in both Black and Flat Dark Earth.

Designed for shooters who demand maximum versatility from their rifle, the 13” ARCA Handguard integrates a continuous Arca-Swiss interface directly into the handguard, eliminating the need for bolt-on rails while providing seamless compatibility with modern tripod systems. The result is a cleaner, stronger, and more streamlined solution for precision rifle applications, hunting, competition, and field use.

Built around Reptilia’s patented turnbuckle mounting system, the handguard delivers a secure and repeatable lockup across standard M4 upper receivers while maintaining a lightweight profile and full M-LOK compatibility. Shooters can quickly attach to tripod systems, fine-tune rifle balance through fore-aft adjustment, and configure mission-essential accessories without compromise.

“The 13in ARCA Handguard expands the capabilities of the AR platform while maintaining the simplicity and durability our customers expect,” said Reptilia. “By integrating the ARCA interface directly into the handguard, we’re providing a purpose-built solution that enhances stability, versatility, and overall rifle performance.”

Manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum extrusion and protected by a MIL-STD Type III Class 2 hardcoat anodized finish, the 13” ARCA Handguard is engineered to withstand hard use in demanding environments. Like all Reptilia products, it is proudly made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Key Features

Integrated full-length Arca-Swiss interface
Patented Reptilia turnbuckle mounting system
Compatible with all standard M4 upper receivers
Full M-LOK accessory compatibility
6061-T6 aluminum construction
MIL-STD Type III Class 2 hardcoat anodized finish
Made in the USA
Available now in Black and Flat Dark Earth

The Reptilia 13” ARCA Handguard is available at reptiliacorp.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

B.E. Meyers and Co. Awarded Contract to Deliver DAGIR-V1 Systems in FY27 Supporting US Army Small Arms Fire Control and Night Lethality

June 18th, 2026

June 16, 2026 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. has been awarded a contract for 8,936 DAGIR®-V1 systems by the U.S. Army’s PM Soldier Lethality (PM SL), under the Capability Program Executive – Ground Soldier Systems (CPE-G) to fulfill the US Army’s specific needs in the M7 Surrogate Fire Control Program. The DAGIR® series of infrared and visible aiming and illumination laser systems are advanced VCSEL-based systems and are designed for multi-platform applications. This order will be delivered in GFY2027 through an order via the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) program.

The DAGIR® family of advanced, multi-platform laser systems constitutes B.E. Meyers & Co.’s latest generation of photonic solutions for Near Infrared (NIR) illumination and aiming on weapon platforms. The U.S. Army’s selection of the DAGIR®-V1, following testing, evaluation, and Soldier feedback, further establishes the DAGIR® as the premier advanced multi-platform aiming laser. “Following our deliveries of MAWL®-X1 systems to the DoW in previous years, we are honored to continue our support of the US Army with our DAGIR® laser system. These systems, proudly American Made, ensure that our Warfighters have multi-function laser technology that supports the clarity, speed, and precision of modern night lethality needs” said Matthew Meyers, CEO and second-generation owner of B.E. Meyers & Co.

The DAGIR® series of lasers represents a major advancement in multi-function aiming and illumination technology, combining a Near-Infrared illuminator with both NIR and visible aiming lasers in a compact, ruggedized system. Designed through advanced optical engineering, the DAGIR® series delivers exceptional illumination quality, ergonomic operation, and a refined form factor. USSOCOM previously selected the DAGIR®-V1 under the SAL-UHP program designated the LA-30 with NSN 5855-01-724-3043. The DAGIR®-V2 features an additional visual laser override button, and has also been adopted by USSOCOM under the Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (MAL-UHP) contract.

The U.S. Army selected DAGIR®-V1 is a versatile, weapon mounted NIR/visible pointer and NIR illuminator engineered for demanding operational requirements. Its over-bore 40 mW IR pointer and dual 350 mW VCSEL based IR illuminators deliver consistent performance through dense photonic barriers and in high ambient light environments. The laser system’s best-in-class human machine ergonomic interface enables soldiers to adjust beam divergence and output without removing their hand from the weapon. All optical and electronic components are fully sealed within a compact, durable aluminum housing designed to withstand extreme environmental and mission specific stresses.

At the core of the DAGIR®-V1 is the MINIRVA™ diode system, utilizing advanced VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) technology to achieve exceptional beam precision and clarity. This evolutionary advanced VCSEL core provides sharper beam projection and more defined illumination, improving target identification, situational awareness, and threat assessment across diverse operational environments.

The DAGIR®’s unique capabilities integrate seamlessly with the U.S. Army’s ongoing modernization efforts in visual augmentation systems and next generation small arms programs. As a U.S. Army veteran-operated company, B.E. Meyers & Co. is proud to support the enhancement of U.S. Army Soldiers’ night fighting capabilities and remains committed to delivering the best possible advanced photonic systems for the warfighter.

Who We Are:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is a Defense Technology Manufacturer located in Redmond, Washington. As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 52nd year, we are a global leader in tactical laser systems for combat applications, as well as optoelectronic systems for rotary wing aircraft, fixed wing platforms, and UAVs, along with other integrated systems. We are a true “Made in America” operation, with design, development, production, and final assembly occurring in our Redmond, Washington headquarters. We are proud of our work and who we serve as we evolve critical defense technology and reenergize American Manufacturing.

Who We Support:

Our customers include all branches of US Department of War, US Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies, select US consumer channel partners, international allies in over 50+ countries, as well as defense primes both in the US and internationally. Our key product brands in these spaces include VSLAP®, IZLID®, GLARE®, MAWL®, DAGIR®, BOARS®, MILR®, KIJI®, and others.

Made in America:

B.E. Meyers & Co. operates in multiple market segments as a defense-centric Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) at our core. Our business and our products are:

§ US based

§ US owned

§ Certified SBA Small Business

§ ITAR compliant

§ ISO 9001:2015

§ Made in America

§ Buy American Act compliant

§ Berry Amendment compliant

Strategic Sourcing:

With respect to strategic sourcing amid the U.S.-China trade war, B.E. Meyers & Co. is dedicated to an, “Anywhere But China” supply chain policy wherever possible, and especially for key components.

We continually promote efforts to diversify our supply chain, and we also invest in ensuring critical components are stocked to avoid disruptions.

Product Lines:

The DAGIR® series is currently under contract with various US DoW and other entities.

Please see Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting’s overview of the DAGIR® series here, as well as Steele Industries overview here.

For sales information on the DAGIR®, and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or connect with us at info@bemeyers.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Contracts, Lasers | No Comments »

Department of War Restores US Pacific Command Designation

June 17th, 2026

16 June 2026

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — The Department of War announced today that the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) will officially restore its name to the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM).

Originally established on January 1, 1947, by President Harry S. Truman, the command operated under the USPACOM banner for over 70 years, standing as the oldest and largest of the United States’ unified combatant commands.

Restoring the legacy USPACOM designation honors the command’s deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific. From its critical role in establishing the post-WWII regional security architecture to its coordination of joint forces during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and countless humanitarian operations, the USPACOM namesake carries decades of military heritage and enduring regional partnerships.

USPACOM’s vast area of responsibility—spanning from the waters off the West Coast of the United States to the western border of India—remains exactly the same. The command’s fundamental mission and its unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open theater alongside regional allies and partners are unchanged.

Posted in Press Release, Profession of Arms | No Comments »

Marconi Technologies Selected to Deliver Orion X650 Tactical Radios to Polish Military

June 17th, 2026

Capability will deliver secure, mobile connectivity on NATO’s eastern flank

MONTREAL, Canada —Tuesday, June 16, 2026 — Marconi Technologies and Polish defense integrator Enamor International have been selected to deliver Orion X650 high-capacity MANET radios to the Polish military, providing a survivable, mobile backhaul for 5G-enabled communications. Multi-year deliveries will begin later this year.

The contract directly supports Poland’s defense investment priorities under the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, accelerating the country’s military modernization along NATO’s eastern flank.

The Orion X650 is a sixth-generation software-defined tactical radio built for high-throughput communications in contested environments. It’s designed for missions demanding frequency agility and survivability, whether on the move or at the quick halt. With four RF ports, it can be configured as either two independent radio channels – replacing two networked radios – or a single channel supporting 4×4 MIMO to maximize performance and resilience. Its ruggedized design ensures reliable operation across air, land and sea.

For the Polish defense forces, the X650 will serve as the data transport backbone connecting 5G-enabled C2 nodes, extending mobile broadband capability to forward and dispersed units while maintaining resilience against electronic warfare threats.

“Poland’s commitment to building sovereign, resilient defense capabilities matches our outlook as a Canadian-headquartered company,” said Alain Cohen, CEO of Marconi Technologies. “Selecting our Polish partners Enamor International to deliver the Orion X650 on NATO’s eastern flank is not simply a contract win for both companies; it is a statement that like-minded allies, investing seriously in their own defense, can find real partners across industrial bases.”

The selection follows extensive in-country trials, during which Orion radios operating on drones, vehicles, and fixed positions validated interoperability, throughput, and operational flexibility across dispersed locations throughout Poland.

The partnership between Marconi and Enamor International positions both companies to support Poland’s broader tactical communications modernization as SAFE-funded programs advance through 2030.

Posted in Admin, Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

GM Defense and Lockheed Martin Collaborate to Strengthen America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base

June 17th, 2026

Lockheed Martin, GM Defense Collaborate to Strengthen America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base

BETHESDA, Md., and DETROIT, June 16, 2026 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and GM Defense today announced a new collaboration to strengthen America’s manufacturing and defense industrial base, facilitated by the U.S. Department of War. Working under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Lockheed Martin and GM Defense will explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities and innovation by combining Lockheed Martin’s defense production expertise with General Motors’ advanced industrial capabilities in high-rate commercial manufacturing and engineering.

The collaboration will focus on three areas: strengthening defense supply chains, advancing manufacturing and design capabilities, and evaluating opportunities to expand production capacity through commercial manufacturing expertise and infrastructure. Initial efforts will include exploring ways to accelerate production readiness and apply proven commercial manufacturing approaches to support defense production requirements.

“America’s security depends not only on developing advanced technologies, but on our ability to produce them quickly, reliably and at scale,” said Frank St. John, chief operating officer, Lockheed Martin. “This collaboration brings together two leaders in American manufacturing and innovation to explore new ways to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand production capacity and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities for the United States and its allies.”

“Working together, GM Defense and Lockheed will further strengthen American manufacturing and national defense by driving greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify initial projects to pursue together.”

The collaboration reflects growing demand for greater production capacity, supply chain resilience and manufacturing agility across the defense sector. By combining commercial and defense expertise, the companies aim to identify opportunities that can accelerate production timelines while maintaining the quality, performance and reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.lockheedmartin.com.

About GM Defense LLC

GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.

Posted in Admin, Industry, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »