Sponsored By Oxley Developments
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17 Feb 26. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, was awarded a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop a domestic production capability for thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) wafers, a material essential to high‑speed, secure communications and advanced sensing systems. TFLN is used in next-generation photonics for many defense applications and a broad set of commercial applications, including AI and computing technologies, data centers, and telecommunications. With supply currently dominated by foreign sources, Raytheon aims to ensure the U.S. has a secure, domestic alternative that will be available to the entire defense industrial base and commercial industries.
“Global access to TFLN has become increasingly constrained, with supply consolidation leaving U.S. companies vulnerable to international disruptions,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. “Through this effort, Raytheon will stand up an independent U.S. supplier of next‑generation TFLN, building an open, third-party source that can serve a broad range of defense and commercial customers.”
Under the contract, Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will leverage its expertise in ion slicing to assist US-based company G&H in developing the process for manufacturing high-quality TFLN wafers. Once the process is established, production will transition to G&H in early 2026, who will manufacture the TFLN wafers at low-rate initial production. Raytheon and G&H will continue to collaborate closely to ensure successful technology transfer and production readiness.
“Establishing G&H as a robust, domestic merchant supplier of thin film lithium niobate is essential for creating next-generation faster and more efficient photonic transmission and sensing systems,” said Dr. Stratos Kehayas, president, Photonics at G&H. “G&H’s vertically integrated crystal and wafer manufacturing capabilities enable the reliable transition of this technology into U.S.-based production, strengthening supply chain resilience for both defense and commercial applications.” (Source: PR Newswire)
16 Feb 26. The sensor house HENSOLDT and Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group, are entering into a strategic partnership to jointly advance the expansion of software-defined defence as well as sovereign, data-driven capabilities for the networked operational area. The aim of the collaboration is to provide fully integrated, sovereign and cloud-enabled solutions for Germany as well as for other nations allied with Germany.
Holistic Protection: From VS Secret to Quantum Resistance
The partnership responds to the urgent need for independent cloud technologyand deployable IT architecture for the defense sector. STACKIT, the cloud provider of Schwarz Digits, provides an end-to-end infrastructure for this purpose: This decouples data processing from stationary data centers and extends it via decentralized nodes to mobile devices directly in the operating room. Thearchitecture is explicitly designed for “air-gapped” operation – i.e. physical isolation from the public Internet – and thus guarantees full data sovereignty and operational capability even in the event of interrupted connectivity. Beyond infrastructure, Schwarz Digits brings specialized security capabilities to the partnership. Highly secure communication stacks will enable data exchange up to the secret protection level VS-Geheim. In order to counter future threats, Schwarz Digits relies on quantum-resistant encryption methods and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. This integrated approach seamlessly protects the integrityof sensitive data streams against digital access.
Modulare Multi-Domain Operations Software-Suite
HENSOLDT is contributing its complete defense technology portfolio. These include, in particular, MDOcore (Multi-Domain Operations Core) – an open, modular and cloud-enabled software suite as a universal translator for disparate, distributed data sources with the ability to AI-powered data fusion and integrate capabilities across multiple military domains. In addition, HENSOLDT will contribute its product range of radar, optronics, electromagnetic signal reconnaissance and active and passive sensor systems. This is complemented by distributed data management and interoperability solutions. Other contributions include simulation and synthetic environments for the generation of data for education, for artificial intelligence training, and for software testing and validation. In addition, HENSOLDT’s extensive expertise in the integration of mission systems across the domains of land, air, sea, cyber, space and overarching multi-domain operations complements the range of services.
Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT, says: “The security policy challenges of our time require confident, efficient and networked solutions that Europe can provide from its own technological strength. The partnership with Schwarz Digits combines leading defense electronics with sovereign digital infrastructure. In this way, we are creating the conditions for implementing software-defined defence holistically and providing armed forces with highly effective and expandable capabilities for the networked operational area.”
Christian Müller, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits, says: “With Schwarz Digits, we are providing the digital foundation for a new era of cybersecurity . In this way, we prove that digital sovereignty offers the necessary speed and security to operate critical systems in a future-proof manner. Our superior cloud infrastructure ensures that highly complex software suites such as MDOcore can deliver peak performance exactly where they are needed: from the highly secure data center to the public and private cloud to the tactical edge in mobile use.”
Sven Heursch, Chief Digital Officer of HENSOLDT, says: “Software-Defined Defence requires sovereign data rooms, high-performance sensor technology and consistent, secure processing from the operational area to the cloud. We share with Schwarz Digits the common understanding that technological sovereignty and operational effectiveness are inseparable. Together, we are creating the foundation for data-driven, resilient defense solutions that meet the demands of modern multi-domain operations.”
For 2026, it is planned to transfer this preliminary work into concrete prototypes and joint offers. Among other things, a joint prototype is planned that combines the superior capabilities of Schwarz Digits with sensor technology, integration software and simulation-based data generation from HENSOLDT. In addition, the Schwarz Digits infrastructure is to be integrated into a sensor solution from HENSOLDT. The presentation of this solution is planned for the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin in June 2026.
16 Feb 26. Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its wholly-owned subsidiary xAI are competing in a secret new Pentagon contest to produce voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. SpaceX, xAI and the Pentagon’s defense innovation unit did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the report. Texas-based SpaceX recently acquired xAI in a deal that combined Musk’s major space and defense contractor with the bnaire entrepreneur’s artificial intelligence startup. It occurred ahead of SpaceX’s planned initial public offering this year. Musk’s companies are reportedly among a select few chosen to participate in the $100 m prize challenge initiated in January, according to the Bloomberg report. The six-month competition aims to produce advanced swarming technology that can translate voice commands into digital instructions and run multiple drones, the report said. Musk was among a group of AI and robotics researchers who wrote an open letter in 2015 that advocated a global ban on “offensive autonomous weapons,” arguing against making “new tools for killing people.” The U.S. Defense Secretary last year outlined a new strategy to accelerate drone development and deployment by aiming to cut bureaucracy and boost domestic drone manufacturing. The U.S. also has been seeking safe and cost-effective ways to neutralize drones, particularly around airports and large sporting events – a concern that has become more urgent ahead of the FIFA World Cup and America250 anniversary celebrations this summer. OpenAI, Alphabet’s Google (GOOGL.O) Anthropic and xAI last year won contracts that are worth up to $200 m each and aimed at scaling up adoption of advanced AI capabilities in the Pentagon. (Source: Reuters)
13 Feb 26. Robins Air Force Base Laser-Focused on Aircrew Eye Protection. Airmen at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, are helping solve a growing problem among American pilots and aircrews worldwide. The Federal Aviation Administration says laser strikes on aircraft have increased by almost 48% since 2020, with more than 10,000 incidents reported in 2025 alone. Pointing a laser at an aircraft became a federal crime in 2012 and can result in up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Violators can also face FAA fines in addition to local and state criminal penalties.
“These strikes can cause serious and, in some cases, permanent eye damage, with health concerns ranging from temporary flash blindness to severe retinal injuries,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski, a bioenvironmental engineering flight chief assigned to the 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron. “Laser exposures can severely disrupt critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, and can have significant psychological effects on aircrew even at distances where ocular damage is unlikely.”
To combat this threat, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Systems Division is pioneering the next generation of protective technology.
The AFLCMC/ROU, based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is working with its operations and support team at Robins Air Force Base on the Aircrew Laser Eye Protection – Technology Insertion program. This evolutionary acquisition program replaces and upgrades laser protection eyewear every five to seven years.
Kevin Frost, AFLCMC/ROU operation and support mechanical engineer, and Eric Miltner, AFLCMC/ROU operations and support equipment specialist, are providing vital sustainment considerations to help develop improved eyewear that reduce the dangerous impacts of laser attacks on aircrews.
They are now working to field a new family of products, the Block 3. It consists of six modular devices, each worn under specific conditions during takeoffs and landings. The kit includes separate day, night and ballistics spectacles, and visors that provide peripheral protection while wearing night vision goggles. Frost and Miltner say the latest changes include a new dye that can filter a wider range of light wavelengths and a new version of the night spectacles that allows more natural light through the lens, increasing visibility for aircrews.
“The main difference is that the Block 3s filter more wavelengths of light and provide more protection than the Block 2s,” Miltner said.
The duo also collaborates with technicians and airmen in the field to ensure that their technical orders and manuals are easily understood by the people who use the equipment every day.
“We go to an actual base where people are going to be using this equipment,” Miltner said. “We show them the manual, and we let them walk through the steps without us assisting just to make sure it all makes sense.”
Frost and Miltner see thousands of airmen using ALEP and the equipment they maintain, which gives meaning to their work, Frost said.
“It helps us make sure that they have everything they need, because a lot of this stuff is critical safety equipment and we want to keep our airmen and aircraft safe while they’re in the air,” he said.
AFLCMC/ROU plans to field more than 45,000 devices to Air Force units by 2029.(Source: U.S. DoD)
13 Feb 26. Shield AI, the deep–tech company building state–of–the–art autonomy software products and aircraft, today announced its selection as a mission autonomy provider supporting the U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Shield AI was selected following a competitive evaluation to support mission autonomy Technology Maturity and Risk Reduction (TMRR) efforts for the program. Under the program, Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software has successfully integrated on Anduril’s Fury (YFQ-44A) aircraft and is supporting system-level testing in preparation for flight demonstrations expected in the coming months.
“Shield AI is proud to be named a mission autonomy provider supporting the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program,” said Gary Steele, CEO of Shield AI. “The Air Force is moving with urgency to explore how autonomy can reshape air combat, and we have spent years preparing for this—building, testing, and flying mission autonomy in the real world. We will work relentlessly to deliver and to help advance the next era of airpower alongside the Air Force and its industry partners.”
Hivemind is Shield AI’s core artificial intelligence software that assumes the role of a human pilot or operator, enabling unmanned defense systems to sense, decide, and act. Unlike traditional autopilots that simply follow preplanned routes, Hivemind can reroute around no-fly zones, avoid or engage obstacles, respond to unexpected conditions, and complete missions safely and effectively without human intervention.
“Delivering mission autonomy in real-world combat conditions is hard, which is why Shield AI has spent more than a decade building Hivemind and the technical and operational foundation to do it right,” said Christian Gutierrez, vice president of Hivemind Solutions at Shield AI. “Our team brings proven experience fielding mission-critical autonomy on complex weapon systems, deep operational understanding across domains, and a development model built for speed. We value the opportunity to work with the U.S. Air Force on the future of mission autonomy.”
Hivemind is Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA) compliant, platform-agnostic, and has demonstrated A-GRA-aligned autonomy across multiple government and industry test efforts, including work with General Atomics’ MQ-20 Avenger, Northrop Grumman’s Talon IQ ™ autonomous ecosystem, U.S. Navy BQM-177 test aircraft, and the Airbus UH-72A Lakota helicopter. (Source: PR Newswire)
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Oxley Group Ltd
Oxley offer a range of Military Marine NVG friendly LED lighting that includes navigation lights and controls, flight deck landing lights and interior compartment lighting. Our lighting products are used by Navies around the world including our own Royal Navy on UK Aircraft Carriers, Canadian Frigates, Swedish Submarines, Australian Surface vessels and Submarines, on board French Naval Carriers and in Naval Gun Turrets.
https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/
The technology is extremely energy efficient and built robustly, with proven long life. The lighting is NVG friendly, dimmable and programmable to allow for operations with aircraft pilots using military night vision goggles. They offer superior design giving high reliability for the most demanding environments with high sealing and the ability to meet the most stringent EMC standards.
https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/
Oxley are proud to say that we are working in partnership with SeaKing to enable a control panel to be offered with our LED Navigation Lighting. All of Oxley navigation lights have been specifically developed for vessels over 50 metres.
Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.
Oxley specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced electronic and electro-optic components and systems for air, land and sea applications within the military sector. Established in 1942, Oxley has manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA and enjoys representation worldwide. The company’s products include night vision and LED lighting, data capture systems and electronic components. Oxley has pioneered the development of night vision compatible lighting. It offers a total package incorporating optical filters, equipment modification, cockpit and external lighting along with fleet wide upgrade services including engineering, installation, support, maintenance and training. The company’s long experience of manufacturing night vision lighting and LED indicators, coupled with advances in LED technology, has enabled it to develop LED solutions to replace incandescent and fluorescent lighting in existing applications as well as becoming the lighting option of choice in new applications such as portable military hospitals, UAV control stations and communication shelters.
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