Sponsored by Galvion
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10 Sep 25. MBDA launch AKERON MBT 120, an innovative solution for Main Battle Tanks launched missiles.
- Concept for a gun-launched non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile for 120mm smoothbore tank guns
- Innovation driven by response to learning from current global conflicts coupled with anticipating the future
- Opportunity for an affordable capability at an accelerated pace and with scope for spiral development
MBDA took the opportunity, at DSEI UK 2025, to launch AKERON MBT 120, an innovative solution to provide main battle tanks (MBTs) with an affordable NLOS complex weapon capability to increase efficiency and survivability.
The current global context has seen a return for the need for mass armour in high intensity warfighting with peer adversaries. Therefore, it is critical that platforms such as MBTs are able to fight differently, and for new capabilities to enable their evolution in this context.
AKERON MBT 120 offers operators a fire-and-forget solution that matches dimensions of existing NATO 120mm rounds. This makes it suitable for the world’s most popular tank guns and offers high loadout by utilising existing ammunition stowage with no change to platform signature.
Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “It is pleasing to see our internal innovations transition to an offer for the global market. This latest addition to our AKERON family offers our customers a solution for rapid development to an initial capability, spirally developed to enhance the efficiency of their existing platforms in a new way. It demonstrates MBDA’s ability to do something different in a rapidly evolving marketplace, and in a way that our customers can feel is cost-effective and will not increase logistic burdens.”
The concept is one of MBDA’s very latest, driven by the Group’s drive to ‘Do Different’ and accelerated by its own internal Innovation Awards, an initiative organised to celebrate the expertise that MBDA’s people bring to every area of its business.
The missile leverages ITAR-free, commercial off the shelf components to enable accelerated development. Combined with AI-enabled targeting software, it can deliver a highly effective solution with no need for third party designation. The missile will increase lethality, survivability and reduce the requirement for artillery support, altogether optimising existing MBTs for the new realities of next-generation armoured combat.
AKERON MBT 120 provides a 1-5km NLOS range using a passive seeker, boost rocket motor with low-smoke propellant, and an armour-defeating warhead. It bridges a space in MBDA’s portfolio between solider/infantry-portable battlefield weapons such as ENFORCER and AKERON MP, and anti-tank overwatch capabilities such as Surface Launched BRIMSTONE.
About MBDA
MBDA is a unique multi-national European group, a world-leader in the field of complex weapon systems, playing a key role in keeping nations safe. Created in the spirit of international co-operation, MBDA and its 18,000+ employees work together to support the national sovereignty of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and their allies worldwide. As an accelerator for innovation, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons to meet the full range of current and future operational requirements of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Leonardo (25%) jointly own MBDA.
11 Sep 25. Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK), the champion of the dismounted soldier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading award-winning engineering firm Cambridge Precision. The agreement follows yesterday’s launch of BDT UK’s Land Industrial Strategy, which would see the revitalisation of a domestic UK small arms capability as the business strives for a strategic partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Under the MoU, the two businesses will work together to develop a production plan for future domestic small arms components as part of BDT UK’s bid for Project GRAYBURN to replace the British Armed Forces rifle, the SA80. BDT UK will use the company to manufacture the components for its rifles, including the foregrip, upper receiver, lower receiver, trigger assembly and bolt carrier group. Should BDT UK’s GRAYBURN bid be successful, the manufactured parts will then be constructed, tested and evaluated at BDT UK’s dedicated facility in Faldingworth, Lincolnshire.
Cambridge Precision is an industry-leading precision engineering company serving clients across a variety of sectors. The business has an extensive range of state-of-the-art precision manufacturing engineering machine tools, Collaborative Robotics (Cobot), all supported with advanced Quality Assurance (QA) technologies and integrated digital control systems.
The partnership announcement follows months of close collaboration between the two businesses and demonstrates BDT UK’s commitment to developing a strategic supply chain in the UK to boost national resilience and ensure the continued supply of rifles to the MoD, without relying on complex international supply chains.
Jack Cadman, Military Group Manager at BDT UK, said: “Our partnership with Cambridge Precision demonstrates our commitment to the UK – we have set out our plan and we are already working to deliver on it. Project GRAYBURN has the potential to inject investment into the UK economy and provide jobs in Lincolnshire, and with our partners across the country. We look forward to working with the team at Cambridge Precision to create high-quality rifles with a UK supply chain.”
Richard Hefford-Hobbs, Chairman at Cambridge Precision, said: “This agreement with BDT UK will allow us to contribute our award-winning experience to develop essential components to keep soldiers safe on the front line. We look forward to building on our existing relationship and will work closely with BDT UK over the coming months to develop an effective strategy to reliably produce components to support Project GRAYBURN.”
12 Sep 25. Department of War Awards $39.6m to Expand Solid Rocket Motor Industrial Base. The Department of War today announced three awards totaling $39.6 m to expand the solid rocket motor (SRM) industrial base via Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA). The awardees are Materials Resources LLC (MRL) in Xenia, Ohio; ICF Mercantile LLC (ICF) in Warren, New Jersey; and SPARC Research LLC (SPARC) in Warrenton, Virginia. These awards support the Department of War’s objectives to expand the munitions industrial base, bolster supply chain resiliency, and increase domestic production in strategic priority areas.
“These strategic investments in our solid rocket motor industrial base are crucial to ensuring the Department of War continues to have access to the munition propulsion systems required for our national security,” said Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey. “By partnering with industry through the Defense Production Act, we are strengthening the resilience of our supply chains and growing domestic manufacturing capacity that is vital to maintaining our technological edge.”
Using DPA Title III funds, the three new awardees will strengthen SRM production capability by modernizing existing facilities and improving manufacturing processes:
- MRL was awarded $25.2 m to demonstrate SRM prototype production capability that will provide the Department with agile production of SRM metallic cases via additive manufacturing using MRL’s scalable manufacturing cells. MRL plans to use a phased approach to demonstrate agile, horizontally scalable SRM case manufacturing. The ability to switch materials and component designs routinely and quickly is a key feature of MRL’s proposed manufacturing capabilities.
- ICF was awarded $9.3 m to establish the first domestic production source of rayon filament cellulose precursor rayon, which will in turn support the production of Carbon Phenolic Ablatives used in SRM and Re-Entry Body (RB) heatshields. ICF’s solution is based on Ionic Liquid (IL) technology that is an environmentally safe precursor for fiber cellulose production. This will also increase the capacity for rayon fibers and lower material costs for SRM production.
- SPARC was awarded $5.1 m to establish a dedicated and affordable supply of rocket motor components for the SRM industrial base. The components produced will support improvements to high performance propulsion systems.
This announcement brings the total number of DPA Title III awards made to the SRM industrial base under a recent Defense Industrial Base Consortium Other Transaction Agreement (DIBC OTA) solicitation to four, for a total of $53.9m.
These are three of 14 investments made by the DPA Purchases Office totaling $777.1 m since the beginning of fiscal year 2025. These investments are complemented by $88 m in total recipient cost shares since the beginning of FY 2025. The DPA Purchases Office is overseen by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) directorate in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (OASW(IBP).
About the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (OASW(IBP)
The OASW(IBP) works with domestic and international partners to forge and sustain a robust, secure, and resilient industrial base enabling the warfighter, now and in the future. OASW(IBP) also utilizes a new Defense Industrial Base Consortium Other Transaction Agreement (DIBC OTA) to solicit new ideas for research or prototype project solutions for critical Supply Chain Resiliency Focus Areas. It underscores the Department’s ongoing dedication to safeguarding the integrity of our crucial supply chain and furnishing our warfighters with materials and technologies promptly. To learn more about the DIBC OTA, please visit: https://www.dibconsortium.org.(Source: U.S. DoD)
10 Sep 25. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) collaborated on the air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition (LM) from a GA-ASI Block 5 MQ-9A unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The flight testing took place from July 22-24 at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds Test Range. It marked the first time a Switchblade 600 has ever been launched from an unmanned aircraft.
“This cooperative effort showcased how combining different unmanned technologies could really provide value and effects to the warfighter,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “By using MQ-9A to carry the Switchblade, the MQ-9A is able to stand off farther from enemy weapons systems and increase the range of the SB600, which will provide greater access and options in contested airspace.”
After successfully integrating the SB600 with the MQ-9A, the team released two LMs: one with an inert warhead and the other with a high-explosive round. After launch, the team transferred control of the Switchblade from a user in the MQ-9A’s ground control station to a user on the ground nearer the operational area.
The test further validated GA-ASI’s ability to integrate and operate a variety of airborne launched effects on the battlefield – including both those built by GA-ASI and by partners such as AV – and how their use in conflict provides risk-tolerant options to commanders in contested operations.
12 Sep 25. Moog and General Dynamics UK Unveil Specialist Air Defence Foxhound with RIwP Turret. Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) and General Dynamics Land Systems UK (GDLSUK) have teamed up to demonstrate a highly capable short-range air defence (SHORAD) variant of the British Army’s Foxhound 4×4 protected patrol vehicle. This specialist vehicle will debut at DSEI 2025, being held at Excel London from 9 Sept – 12 Sept.
The Foxhound 4×4 – an operationally-proven vehicle with over a decade of service in the British Army – will be the latest vehicle to host Moog’s Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP), an innovative modular and reconfigurable weapon system that is currently in service with the U.S. Army in both SHORAD and counter-UAS roles.
Both Foxhound and RIwP are designed to be flexible, giving end users true multi-mission capabilities to suit their specific requirements.
Foxhound is an adaptable, modular design that delivers high levels of protection, reliability, and availability for personnel. RIwP also features high levels of modularity and a common base cupola that can host various effectors and sensors, with integration possible on a range of platforms for both light and heavy forces.
At DSEI, the Foxhound variant will feature the British Army’s in-service HVM/LMM missiles, a 30x113mm cannon (fulfilling a ‘generalist’ CUAS role), 7.62mm machine gun, and an electro-optic sensor.
This specific integration demonstrates how light forces can leverage the significant firepower and lethality afforded by RIwP, combined with the proven capabilities of Foxhound.
The RIwP-equipped Foxhound would give British Armed Forces a world-leading SHORAD and counter-UAS capability. Both technologies are mature and in service, which would accelerate the timeline for entry into service, and both would be made in Britain, assuring UK sovereignty and freedom of action.
With RIwP featuring a common base hub that can be configured for a number of critical missions, the Foxhound could also be leveraged for other key mission sets, including counter-drone operations, and anti[1]armour operations in a mounted close-combat overwatch (MCCO) role.
The latest collaboration between Moog and GDLSUK continues a long-standing relationship between the two companies. Several RIwP integrations have already taken place on leading General Dynamics vehicles, this includes the U.S. Army’s Stryker 8×8 (in service as SGT Stout and in a C-UAS role under the MLIDS programme), the Tracked Robot 10-ton (TRX), and the General Dynamics European Land Systems Pandur 6×6.
Richard Allen-Miles, EMEA Capture Lead, Moog, said: “We’re excited to showcase this highly-capable SHORAD vehicle at DSEI 2025 and highlight even more cutting-edge solutions with General Dynamics Land Systems. The RIwP-equipped Foxhound is one of the most advanced platforms available today for SHORAD and thanks to its reconfigurability and base hub design, can be used for other missions, including C-UAS and MCCO.”
Nick Williams, Head of Strategy and Business Development, GDLSUK, said: “The RIwP-equipped Foxhound is a powerful example of British-led innovation and industrial collaboration. By integrating Moog’s proven RIwP system onto the battle-tested Foxhound platform in just weeks at our Merthyr Tydfil facility, we’ve demonstrated how agile, sovereign capability can be rapidly delivered to meet evolving threats. But this is just the beginning. Foxhound’s modular architecture and adaptability unlock significant untapped potential—not only for SHORAD and counter-UAS missions, but also for a wide range of operational roles. This flexibility makes it ideally suited to meet the British Army’s evolving requirements and opens up exciting opportunities for export customers seeking a mature, multi-role platform that can be tailored to their specific mission needs.” (Source: ASD Network)
10 Sep 25. Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK), the champion of the dismounted soldier, has today announced its Land Industrial Strategy for Project GRAYBURN. The launch, which took place at DSEI UK, marks a clear statement of intent from the business, aiming to replace the British Armed Forces’ in-service rifle, the SA80.
BDT UK’s Land Industrial Strategy sets out the business’ plan for creating a strategic partnership with the MoD, onshoring the required technology to restart a domestic small arms capability – the first time in over 20 years. Within the document, BDT UK sets out a range of industrialisation options, including making 5%, 20% and 100% of the rifles’ components in the UK. Using three different rifle production ranges, BDT UK has demonstrated the change in unit price, domestic investment and UK jobs associated with different MoD demand levels. The contents of the document have been developed over the past year, using the wider BDT group’s deep experience in localisation following contracts such as Baretta’s M9 pistol in the USA and the recent creation of Bindig in Qatar as a joint venture with Barzan Holdings.
The publication of this strategy establishes BDT UK’s aim to redevelop and reinvigorate a sovereign small arms capability in the UK. It also demonstrates the potential of Project GRAYBURN as a vehicle for domestic investment, employment and future exports. But for BDT UK, Project GRAYBURN is the kickstarter for a wider strategic partnership between Defence and industry – offering the potential for the domestic manufacturing of additional small arms capabilities to meet future UK military and Law Enforcement demand, in addition to the export market.
BDT UK is committed to developing the next individual service weapon in the UK that provides increased lethality and confidence amongst front-line personnel. The launch of this Land Industrial Strategy marks an important development in the future of UK small arms.
Jack Cadman, Military Group Manager at BDT UK, said: “Today’s announcement solidifies our commitment to providing a new individual service weapon to the British Armed Forces and highlights the true economic impact that our plans could have for the UK. For us, GRAYBURN is just the start – we are committed to creating a UK strategic partnership with the MoD to ensure we can deliver for now and for decades to come”.
10 Sep 25. MBDA adds SPEAR GLIDE variant to portfolio.
- Lower cost weapon for higher combat mass and enhanced lethal effects
- Designed for high rate production and accelerated entry into service
- A complimentary capability for SPEAR and SPEAR-EW
MBDA used DSEI UK 2025 as a showcase for its addition of SPEAR GLIDE, a cost-effective addition to the SPEAR family of weapons. Building upon existing variants, SPEAR GLIDE extends MBDA’s portfolio with a clear focus on rapidly expanding stockpiles.
SPEAR GLIDE offers a lower-cost option using readily available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and alternative production lines, while using artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain missile performance with image based navigation for GNSS denied environments. The suitability for SPEAR GLIDE for rapid volume production enables production surge should the need arise.
Developing SPEAR GLIDE using MBDA’s digital twin capabilities with real life SPEAR performance data has enabled accelerated development programme through Concept and Assessment phases. Leveraging existing infrastructure, loader systems, storage, test equipment, facilities and integration solutions for 4th and 5th generation platforms, SPEAR GLIDE has reduced risk and acquisition costs, and the opportunity for accelerated entry to service.
Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “SPEAR GLIDE embodies MBDA’s commitment to a comprehensive, efficient, integrated weapons portfolio. By offering a lower-cost, higher mass option that fits seamlessly into our family of systems, we are enhancing flexibility and value for sovereign capabilities.”
An integral member of the SPEAR family, SPEAR GLIDE offers a versatile, adaptable solution for precision strike and SEAD. It is capable of engaging a wide range of static and mobile targets in the most challenging operational environments, including soft and moderately hardened fixed sites. A fire-and-forget capability with multiple engagement modes, it provides a high platform load-out, for mass and saturation effects.
About MBDA
MBDA is a unique multi-national European group, a world-leader in the field of complex weapon systems, playing a key role in keeping nations safe. Created in the spirit of international co-operation, MBDA and its 18,000+ employees work together to support the national sovereignty of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and their allies worldwide. As an accelerator for innovation, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons to meet the full range of current and future operational requirements of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Leonardo (25%) jointly own MBDA.
12 Sep 25. L3Harris Fiber-Optic Cable Delivering Real-Time Torpedo Guidance to US Navy. L3Harris recently cleared a critical milestone for a new fiber-optic torpedo cable, a cutting-edge technology designed to provide the U.S. Navy with real-time guidance capability for its next-generation submarine-launched weapon system, the MK-48 (Mod-8) torpedo.
L3Harris’ development of a state-of-the-art torpedo cable for the Improved Post-Launch Communications System (IPLCS) cleared Proof of Design (POD), transitioning from development to manufacturing phase, formally preparing the advanced technology for operational deployment.
“Providing accurate targeting data to torpedoes is a critical advantage in submarine warfare,” said Dave Kornick, President, L3Harris Intelligence and Cyber. “This technology will give U.S. and partner nations the ability to steer advanced MK-48 torpedoes using real-time data, a significant advantage that leaves enemy ships with less time to react and no room to evade.”
IPLCS is a fiber-optic guidewire that connects the submarine to the torpedo, providing real-time data and communication. IPLCS replaces older copper wires, giving these torpedoes thousands of times more bandwidth and a greater range.
Despite being about as thick as 20-pound fishing line, L3Harris’ fiber-optic cable offers higher strength and greater reliability than its copper predecessor. It has now been through rigorous testing, including sea trials, proving its performance in inhospitable marine environments. The testing regimen mimicked the high-speed and full-range maneuverability the tether will experience when connected to an active torpedo to ensure a U.S. advantage during conflict.
These new fiber optic cables will be delivered to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Program Executive Office Undersea Warfare Systems (PEO UWS). The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is a partner on the IPLCS program and works within the Undersea Weapons Joint Program Office (PMS 404), with the cable system set to be incorporated into RAN Colins Class submarines in addition to U.S. Navy submarines.
IPLCS began as a DARPA-funded program in partnership with the University of Central Florida pursuing ultra-small, highly-integrated optical fiber cable. Now, IPLCS is one step closer to providing U.S. and allied navies superior technology as they secure one of the most important arenas in potential future conflicts – the undersea maritime domain. (Source: ASD Network)
10 Sep 25. MBDA unveils STRATUS for future cruise and anti-ship capabilities.
- STRATUS the new name for the Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW)
- New missile design as the programme moves on towards Development Phase
- Programme maturity the result of strong European cooperation to deliver decisive capabilities for protecting sovereignty
On 10 September on the MBDA booth at DSEI UK 2025, UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, Luke Pollard MP and Armament General Engineer Gaël Diaz De Tuesta of France’s DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) unveiled STRATUS as the new name for FC/ASW.
The unveiling took place at a model of the brand new design for STRATUS LO (Low Observable) – formerly known as TP15 – and a model for STRATUS RS (Rapid Strike) – formerly known as RJ10 – highlighting the significant progress of the programme.
Through one programme, MBDA is developing two complementary, adaptable and interoperable missiles that will deliver decisive capabilities for deep strike, anti-ship, suppression & destruction of enemy air defences and defeat of high value assets.
The missiles are for use across the air, sea and land domains, from multiple platforms, and are able to operate in denied areas. Together, they combine the survivability benefits of high speed/manoeuvrability and low observability needed for optimal flexibility and performance in tomorrow’s contested battlespace and high intensity conflicts.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “These new advances on STRATUS are the result of France, UK and Italy’s strong commitment to develop Europe’s present and future critical capabilities. Maturing such a large portfolio of technologies in such a short amount of time has required a massive effort between the nations, and has again demonstrated the value of the MBDA cooperation model. MBDA will continue to deliver on the next phase, bringing together France, the UK and Italy to meet the armed forces needs and protect European citizens for the years to come”.
MBDA continue at pace for the next phase of the programme. The successful conclusion of the programme’s Assessment Phase endorsed the maturity of the advanced technologies and systems required to launch the full Development Phase.
STRATUS is leveraging the full strength of MBDA co-operative DNA with more than 750 engineers working on the programme across the Group.
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About Galvion:
Galvion designs, develops, and delivers mission critical head, face, and torso protective solutions as well as intelligent power and data management systems for the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. Founded in 2002 as Revision Military, a foundational belief in calculated investment and capability expansion led to a strategic refocus, resulting in the divestiture of the protective eyewear business, along with the Revision name, in 2019. Rebranded as Galvion, the company’s products and technology continue to evolve beyond purely passive protection, focusing instead on active systems that enhance performance and survivability, with an eye to the ever-changing demands of the modern battlefield. Through advanced design, keen end-user insight and intelligent integration, Galvion engineers uniquely customized solutions that go beyond what was once thought possible.
Privately owned with ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, Montreal in Canada and Bristol in the UK, Galvion’s team of 400+ employees work proactively to solve the problems left unsolved by others.
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