Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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18 Feb 26. Galvion Unveils Hellbender™ UL, Building on Its Leadership in Ultra-Lightweight Helmet Systems. Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, unveils the Batlskin Hellbender™ UL (Ultra-Light) helmet — a new ultra-lightweight ballistic head system developed to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces operating at scale and seeking force-wide standardization without compromising performance. Galvion’s Hellbender™ UL launch coincides with EnforceTac 2026, taking place in Nürnberg, Germany, from 23–25 February. The new Hellbender UL, along with Galvion’s wider range of head systems and power and data solutions, will be on display at booth 9-556. Galvion’s Hellbender™ platform has been fielded across multiple international programs to meet a variety of requirements. Notably, in August 2025, Galvion announced the award of a USD 130 m contract by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), having selected a variant of Galvion’s Hellbender platform for their Integrated Helmet System (IHS) program. This latest variant, the Hellbender UL, benefits from insights and feedback from a broad range of users over multiple years of development and in-field use across a wide range of operational theatres. Engineered as a complete head system, the Hellbender™ UL is designed to deliver superior protection through enhanced shell geometry. Using an innovative manufacturing process that offers increased ballistic performance while reducing overall weight, the design results in exceptional structural rigidity and impact resistance. The helmet is available in four sizes (S–XL) and two cuts, including a Mid/Full cut that provides the ideal balance between maximum coverage and effortless communications integration. Featuring a low-profile, rattle-free shroud, ballistic hardware, and integrated cable channels and pass-throughs to minimize snag hazards, the helmet is designed to provide optimized coverage and stability while maintaining compatibility with face shields, night-vision devices, chem/bio masks, and other mission-critical systems. With Galvion’s best-in-class Apex™ liner system, which combines full-coverage impact protection with a highly adjustable fit architecture, Hellbender UL offers stability, comfort, and endurance over extended wear. Designed with future integration in mind, Hellbender™ UL provides a scalable foundation capable of supporting Galvion’s Cortex™ advanced computing and digital capabilities as operational requirements evolve.
Galvion’s approach to helmet system development is underpinned by proven regional production and delivery at scale. The company has invested significantly in localized manufacturing and supply-chain capability in Europe, including the establishment of its European Production Hub in Poland to support the delivery of 250,000 Caiman® helmets ordered to date through its NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. As European forces continue to modernize their soldier systems, Galvion is committed to extending this regionalized model to support expanded adoption of its helmet platforms, including Hellbender™ UL.
Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of Galvion, said: “The Hellbender UL is an ultra-lightweight platform that is a high-performing solution aligned with the evolving needs of NATO and European forces, particularly those who require a full cut system. This is a milestone addition to our lightweight helmet portfolio, complementing our widely fielded Caiman® system, and exemplifies our system-level approach that considers not only protection, but also integration, sustainment, and future capability growth. This helmet is designed for forces that expect their equipment to evolve with them, without compromise.”
18 Feb 26. Germany won’t build nukes but could flash French, UK weapons to deter foes, Merz says. Germany does not want to pursue nuclear weapons of its own, but is interested in incorporating French and British atomic bombs in a deterrence arrangement reminiscent of NATO’s U.S.-based nuclear umbrella, according to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“I don’t want Germany to consider developing its own nuclear weapons,” Merz said in the Machtwechsel podcast, published online on Wednesday. It was the first major interview the chancellor gave this year.
Instead, Merz suggested seeing whether France and the U.K. could be elevated to the same level as the U.S. nuclear umbrella to shield Europe and ensure NATO’s territorial integrity.
“As with the Americans, the final decision in this case rests with the French and the British,” Merz said, describing employment scenarios for such weapons.
France and the U.K. both field submarine‑launched ballistic missiles as the core of their nuclear deterrents. Paris additionally maintains upwards of 50 air-launched cruise missiles that can be loaded onto its Rafale fighters, which are both land- and carrier-based.
NATO’s current nuclear-sharing doctrine prescribes that German Tornado and forthcoming F-35A aircraft are kitted with the gear needed to deliver U.S. nuclear bombs that are stored in Germany, though Berlin cannot make the call to drop them on its own.
French President Emmanuel Macron has previously offered Germany the option of extending Paris’s own nuclear deterrence to the eastern neighbor.
France has kept its nuclear forces separate from NATO’s command-and-control and decision-making process to retain what the country calls strategic autonomy.
“Times have changed now, and I would like us to at least discuss the offer from the French,” Merz said. “In times like these, an offer like this from the French government cannot simply be left unexamined.”
Macron said in Munich on Feb. 13 he will deliver a speech clarifying France’s nuclear doctrine “in a few weeks’ time,” with local media reporting the talk is expected by the end of February. He repeated a reference to comments by former President Charles de Gaulle that the “vital interests of France” have a European component.
The French president said his country has engaged in a strategic dialogue with Merz and several other European leaders to see “how we can articulate our national doctrine,” including through “special cooperation, common exercises and common security interests with key countries.”
“I think this dialogue is important by itself, but it’s important because this is the way to articulate nuclear deterrence in a holistic approach of defense and security. And this is a way to create convergence in our strategic approach and strategic culture between Germany and France,” said Macron.
France is also in discussion with Sweden, though that is a “very specific discussion, with a very specific approach,” according to the French head of state, who didn’t provide further details.
In light of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the breakdown of relations between European capitals and Moscow, the nuclear debate has gained steam across the continent. Germany is managing a balancing act as it reimagines its military role on the continent and sheds a longstanding pacifist defense and foreign policy.
Berlin is constrained by its own laws and international commitments in what types of nuclear deterrence it can consider, Merz pointed out, citing the 2+4 contract between West and East Germany and the Allies of World War II, and the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, which bans the spread of nuclear weapons to those who did not yet possess them prior to 1967.
Merz described a French-German nuclear weapons partnership as a longstanding option going back to former French President de Gaulle in the 1960s, with discussions springing up now in earnest.
“We are at the very beginning,” the German chancellor said. “The only thing that has happened so far is that the German chancellor has said to the French president, ‘Let’s talk about it,’ nothing more.” (Source: Defense News)
18 Feb 26. DARPA LongShot X-68A clears key tests ahead of 2026 flight campaign.
Tests included wind tunnel evaluations and demonstrations of the parachute recovery and weapons-release systems.
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have completed a set of technical milestones in the LongShot programme, positioning the air-launched uninhabited vehicle, designated the X-68A, for upcoming flight tests.
The recent phase included full-scale wind tunnel evaluations and successful demonstrations of the parachute recovery and weapons-release systems on the X-68A.
These outcomes form part of ongoing ground and integration testing, which are aimed at progressing towards a flight test campaign projected as early as late 2026.
The LongShot initiative centres on developing an uninhabited aircraft designed to be deployed from larger crewed platforms. This vehicle would move ahead of other forces to engage aerial targets using its own missiles, thereby enabling crewed fighter aircraft to operate farther from contested environments.
DARPA LongShot programme manager colonel John Casey said: “LongShot burns down significant technical risk and presents a viable path for the military services to increase air combat reach and effectiveness from uninhabited, air-launched platforms.
“With the help of our partners, we’ve completed critical milestones necessary for the integrated flight test campaign, which will validate vehicle performance and lay the foundation for efficient follow-on development.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
19 Feb 26. Successful testing: Rheinmetall demonstrates the FV-014 loitering munition system to a potential NATO customer
Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated its new FV-014 loitering munition system to a potential NATO customer. The demonstration took place on 18 February 2026 at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. During the demonstration, the FV-014 loitering munition system (LMS) simulated various mission scenarios and attack flights. For Rheinmetall, the successful test marks another milestone in its loitering munition activities.
Rheinmetall’s state-of-the-art LMS FV-014 is designed for dynamic combat deployment at ranges of up to 100 kilometres. The system combines high effectiveness against armoured and soft targets with state-of-the-art sensor technology, network capability and deployment options even in GNSS-jammed environments.
The FV-014 is designed as a true LMS, combining reconnaissance and effect in a single system. It supports tactical units in combating high-value point targets, such as combat vehicles, artillery positions or command vehicles, over long distances beyond the line of sight.
The system is launched from a launch container using a booster, but can also be deployed from a multi-launcher. After launch, the FV-014 unfolds its folding wings and transitions to aerodynamic flight. The system has an operational range of up to 100 kilometres with a flight duration of 70 minutes, providing sufficient time for observation, target selection and attack decision-making.
Operation and system integration
The FV-014 is initially designed as a portable system for use at troop level and is controlled via a user-friendly ground station that enables permanent human-in-the-loop control. The operator can identify targets, fly to them, launch a precise attack or abort the mission if conditions change.
Design and survivability
The FV-014 flight body follows a classic wing concept with electric propulsion and faceted structures to reduce signatures and enable high approach speeds in the target area. The system is optimised for low acoustic and thermal signatures and can also be used in electromagnetically demanding scenarios with disrupted satellite navigation.
You can view a video of a demonstration of the FV-014 LMS at the Rheinmetall proving ground Unterluess at the following link: Loitering Munition System FV-014 | Rheinmetall
The FV-014 at a glance
▪ Type: Loitering munition / kamikaze drone
▪ Mission spectrum: Target reconnaissance, target tracking, precise single or swarm attack, deployment in GNSS-denied scenarios.
▪ Launch weight: approx. 20 kg with 6 kg payload.
▪ Range: up to 100 km, (60 km data link range).
▪ Flight duration: 70 minutes.
▪ Warhead: approx. 5 kg HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) with a penetration capacity of more than 600 mm RHA, also effective against unarmoured targets and infrastructure.
▪ Transport and launch container with booster launch for quick deployment.
▪ Operator station with data link for real-time situational awareness and target assignment.
▪ Designed for swarm operations to simultaneously engage multiple targets or saturate enemy defence systems.
▪ Can be used in mobile and scalable launcher configurations on land vehicle platforms and seagoing units.
▪ Electric motor with propeller for quiet approach.
▪ Designed for reduced radar and IR signature.
▪ Robust against GNSS interference, suitable for use in highly contested airspace.
19 Feb 26. Special Report: Leonardo offers air-defence systems derived from naval turrets. A Leonardo spokesperson detailed the air-defence systems her company is offering, derived from naval turrets for its Michelangelo Dome modular, open, and scalable integrated defence system presented at the end of 2025. The systems range from 30 to 76 mm and are part of Michelangelo Domeʼs ‘dead zoneʼ.
Michelangelo Dome has an architecture integrating sensors, effectors, and platforms across all domains through a distributed all-domain command-and-control network. It is designed to create a security dome capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising threats across all operational domains, protecting critical infrastructure, sensitive urban areas, territory, and assets at the national and European levels. (Source: Janes)
19 Feb 26. North Korea showcases 600 mm multiple rocket launchers. North Korea’s state-run Munitions Industry Department (MID) displayed its 600 mm ‘large-calibre’ multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system at a handover ceremony in Pyongyang, state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on 19 February.
Images published by KCNA showed at least 50 MRL systems on display at the ceremony, which was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. KCNA said that during the event MID formally presented the MRL systems to the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), which then handed over the weapons to the Korean People’s Army (KPA).
KCNA also reported that Kim presented the MRLs to the Chief of the General Staff of the KPA, Vice-Marshal Ri Yong-gil.
Janes analysis of the images suggests that the newly presented MRLs are the ‘upgraded’ large-calibre system North Korea’s Missile Administration test-fired in January.
This test firing was conducted to “verify the effectiveness of [the] large-calibre multiple rocket launcher system upgraded with new technology”, KCNA said at the time. “The fired four rockets hit a target in the waters 358.5 km away from the point of launch.”
Citing Kim, who was also present at the test fire event, KCNA reported at the time that the upgraded system features a “self-steered, precisely guided flight system, which can neglect any outside intervention”.
Reference to the self-steered system likely indicates that the weapon is equipped with an autonomous inertial navigation system (INS)-based precision guidance system with in‑flight control. (Source: Janes)
16 Feb 26. Saudi Arabia is buying new C-27 tactical air lifters to use as armed maritime patrol aircraft, manufacturer Leonardo has announced – making it the first nation to use the aircraft in the format.
Saudi Arabia will take delivery of four C-27J’s able to carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges, as well as a dedicated mission suite and sensors for tracking surface and undersea targets, the firm said.
The aircraft will also be used for search-and-rescue missions as well as carrying out air drop missions, the Italian company added.
Deliveries to the Saudi Navy are expected to start in 2029. Last summer Saudi Arabia purchased two C-27Js for firefighting, cargo transport and medical evacuation missions.
Leonardo said that the new aircraft had a flexible format: all the maritime mission consoles can be removed, turning the aircraft into baseline transport aircraft. (Source: Defense News)
13 Feb 26. Hypersonic missiles development accelerated by new contract.
The development of the new hypersonic missiles will speed up thanks to a £12 m contract which will benefit British-based businesses.
A £12 m investment in hypersonic missiles and systems has been made with Warrington-based engineering contractor, Amentum UK.
Supported by Ebeni and Synthetik, based in Wiltshire and London respectively, they will deliver engineering expertise to develop the design for the hypersonic system, which will be demonstrated through flight testing before being adapted into prototype missiles able to operate at extreme speeds and temperatures required for hypersonic flight.
These efforts will build the UK’s sovereign hypersonic missile capability, strengthening our national security and our industrial partnership with NATO allies.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) highlighted the importance of hypersonic missiles to modern warfighting and the advances announced today will help deliver on the SDR conclusions. Building sovereign capability of these long-range, high-speed precision weapons will help protect the UK and our allies, and boost NATO deterrence.
The Government is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:
In this new era of threat, we need a new era for defence. This means moving quicker to develop and buy the cutting-edge technologies our Armed Forces need for modern warfighting.
We are making defence an engine for growth. This contract will accelerate the UK’s development of sovereign hypersonic missile capability, strengthen our national security and back British workers.
This award builds on significant momentum within the hypersonics programme since July 2024. 124 suppliers, of which over 50% are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), have been awarded 22 contracts across a range of different technology and capability areas to progress our hypersonics capability. The total estimated value of contracts awarded since July 2024 is £48 m, with a notable proportion of funds flowing to SMEs.
A proportion of the contract will flow directly to SME partners Ebeni and Synthetik, who have been integral to developing the solution from the outset. The partnership includes reverse mentoring arrangements which will reduce barriers to entry for smaller businesses and promote collaborative working across the supply chain.
Awarding of the contract took only 31 days after the invitation to tender, delivering against the Government’s pledge to speed up lengthy procurement processes. The MOD’s Commercial X team is fulfilling its mission to deliver ground-breaking technology and innovation quickly, by modernising Defence’s approach to acquisition while cutting bureaucracy.
Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, said:
This contract represents exactly the kind of innovative partnership approach that the Defence Industrial Strategy demands, bringing together expertise from across Defence, large companies, SMEs, and academia to deliver at pace.
This Industry Mission Partner model breaks down traditional organisational boundaries and creates the collaborative environment we need to deliver this critical sovereign capability. We are not only advancing our hypersonic ambitions but also strengthening our defence industrial base and supporting jobs across the UK.
Cdr Paul Greason, Team Hypersonics (UK) Programme Director, said: “Successfully launching the Industry Mission Partner contract is a significant achievement for Team Hypersonics (UK). It follows extensive industry engagement across the Hypersonics Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) suppliers to prepare for swift commercial activity to maintain challenging timelines. Delivering against our stated intent was as important for MOD as it is for Industry and I am grateful to my team for meeting this challenge which was fundamental to establishing a successful partnership.”
Armentum and its subcontractors Ebeni Limited and Synthetik Applied Technologies UK Ltd will work as part of a fully integrated Team Hypersonics, established to deliver MOD’s ambition to field a Hypersonic Strike Capability, developing a weapons system demonstrator by the end of the decade. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
14 Feb 26. KNDS and Electro Optic Systems sign teaming deal on remote-controlled weapon stations. KNDS and Electro Optic Systems have signed a teaming agreement to jointly pursue new business opportunities and advance cooperation in remote-controlled weapon stations and weapons. The agreement sets a framework for collaboration across marketing and product development, enabling the companies to combine their expertise in medium calibre weapons, remote-controlled weapon stations, weapon systems and integrated defence solutions, including Counter-UAS capabilities. KNDS, described as a global leader in medium calibre weapons, will propose its ITAR-free 30M781 Multi Purpose Gun in 30×113 calibre for land and naval missions as part of the cooperation.
“This teaming agreement reflects our shared commitment to respond to evolving operational requirements requesting high level medium caliber weapons in 30×113 caliber. KNDS proposes its ITAR-free 30M781-Multi Purpose Gun (30×113) dedicated to land and naval missions,” said Olivier Travert, Chief Sales Executive Officer of KNDS France.
Under the agreement, the companies will work together to identify opportunities in markets and customer segments of mutual interest, including the Middle East and North Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, and to develop joint marketing initiatives. (Source: Google/DIE)
18 Feb 26. Kuwait opens ammunition factory. Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah al-Ahmed al-Sabah inaugurated the emirate’s first ammunition factory on 16 February. The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that Sheikh Ahmed pressed a button to officially launch production at the Naif Light Ammunition Factory, which is the Ministry of Defence’s first such facility. It noted that the Chinese consul in Kuwait and the CEO of China’s Norinco made speeches during the event, with the latter emphasising the defence company’s commitment to continuing to collaborate with Kuwait to produce high-quality ammunition, transfer expertise, and train local personnel. The Kuwaiti Armed Forces released a video showing Sheikh Ahmad and other senior officials touring the factory, which has a test range, and inspecting NATO-standard 9 mm, 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and .50 calibre rounds at the facility, as well as what appeared to be a large cartridge for sniper rifles. (Source: Janes)
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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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