Developed as part of AV’s holistically integrated C-UAS strategy, Halo_Shield introduces a unique, tile-based layered defense architecture that is open, scalable, and adaptable to today’s evolving threats. The system is designed to support emerging homeland defense priorities by enabling resilient, area-wide protection of high-value U.S. and allied partner assets, including borders, military installations, and other critical infrastructure. AV is currently demonstrating capabilities and has deployed Halo_Shield tiles at select critical sites.

“The character of the air threat has fundamentally changed,” said Wahid Nawabi, chairman, president, and chief executive officer at AV. “Cheap, massed, and coordinated aerial systems are stressing traditional point defenses. Halo_Shield is our answer—a collaborative, modular approach that brings together the best of AV and a trusted supplier ecosystem to close those gaps.”

At the core of Halo_Shield is a mission-tailored, distributed and domain-specific tile architecture—comprising Sentinel, Terrestrial, Nautical, Aerial and Celestial tiles. Each tile delivers a specialized combination of sensors, effectors, and command-and-control capabilities, drawing on technology from AV and its trusted ecosystem of suppliers. The result is a cost-efficient defense architecture that is offense-ready, extends protection beyond point defense and sustains decisive situational advantage in contested battlespaces across air, land, sea and space.

Designed for plug-and-play integration, Halo_Shield is deployable as portable fly-away kits and integrates seamlessly with existing customer sensors, effectors, and command-and-control frameworks—delivering scalable, resilient, area-wide protection with minimal training and personnel demands. Powered by AV_Halo, AV’s unified software platform, the system is purpose-built yet agnostic, designed to incorporate new capabilities while seamlessly integrating with customers’ existing command-and-control systems.

“Halo_Shield is engineered like an edge processing-capable set of tiles for modern air defense,” said Larry Lloyd, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at AV. “Each tile is a self-contained capability that can operate on its own or snap together to build exactly the defense architecture a mission demands. That modularity lets operators scale, adapt, and reconfigure in real time as threats evolve, without redesigning the system or retraining the force. It’s how you move from static point defense to a living, mission-tailored shield.”

Source: AeroVironment

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USAFRICOM is seeking interested commercial vendors for targeted Industry Sessions to be held in Luanda, Angola. These sessions will take place during a larger, continent-wide conference scheduled for June 30 – July 1, 2026 with up to 300 attendees. While the main conference has its own agenda, these specific Industry Sessions are a separate, USAFRICOM-hosted opportunity focused on showcasing military technologies, supplies or services available for acquisition by African Partner nations.

Selected vendors will be provided with a dedicated space to present their capabilities. They will also be invited to attend the main conference sessions as observers.

Primary Areas of Interest

The U.S. Government is interested in vendors with capabilities in the following fields, though all submissions will be considered:

• Geospatial: Drones (UAV/UAS), Commercial GEOINT, Remote Sensing, and Tracking Systems
• Command and Control: C4ISR and Airborne C2 Systems
• Consulting & Administrative: Systems Integration, Enterprise Architecture, and Acquisition Management
• Drones (UAV/UAS) and Counter-UAS: Platforms as well as Counter-UAS and IED detection technologies
• Big Data & Software: Intelligence Analytics, Social Media Analysis, Open Source Intelligence, and Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber: Cyber/Info Security, Intrusion Detection, and Vulnerability/Threat Assessment

Review the USAFRICOM industry day information.

Source: SAM

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DroneArmor, a Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL‑9) capability with established operational performance, provides operators with real‑time situational awareness, actionable intelligence, and precise mitigation capabilities against unauthorized or malicious drone activity. The C-UAS solution successfully completed rigorous government testing, allowing it to go operational at the southern border.

“Parsons is delivering mission‑critical technology that strengthens national security, protects U.S. infrastructure, and keeps our communities safe,” said Carey Smith, chair, president, and CEO of Parsons Corporation. “As a leading system integrator for national security missions, Parsons is an agile, rapid developer of transformative solutions that can be delivered at the speed of relevance.”

Parsons is a C-UAS systems integrator, drawing state‑of‑the‑art sensor and effector technologies from a range of industry partners to deliver adaptable and scalable C‑UAS capabilities tailored to individual customer operational needs. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are seamlessly integrated to reduce operator cognitive load by allowing the system to autonomously track, identify and mitigate potential threats, accelerating decision‑making and providing superior situational awareness.

Source: Parsons

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As part of the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Blue UAS framework, SpiderOak—an official Recognized Assessor—will conduct vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, and Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) evaluations to support Red Cat’s inclusion of the Black Widow on the Blue UAS Cleared List.

As a DIU Recognized Assessor, SpiderOak delivers a suite of independent cybersecurity evaluation services under the Blue UAS framework—designed to verify and enhance the cyber resilience of unmanned systems before they enter the Department of War supply chain.

For Red Cat’s Black Widow platform, SpiderOak’s team will perform a comprehensive Blue UAS assessment, including vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, and Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) evaluations. These services provide critical validation that the platform meets stringent U.S. Government cybersecurity, supply chain, and compliance standards.

SpiderOak’s methodology integrates advanced threat modeling, secure-by-design analysis, and supply chain forensics to help partners like Red Cat meet or exceed requirements under NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, and Executive Order 14028. Through its role as a Recognized Assessor, SpiderOak supports the rapid fielding of trusted, mission-ready systems that advance U.S. defense and intelligence operations across all domains.

“Red Cat is an industry leader pushing the boundaries of all-domain defense operations, and the Black Widow platform plays a critical role in ensuring our warfighters maintain situational advantage,” said Michael Carlson, senior director of business development for SpiderOak. “Our Blue UAS assessment services are designed to deliver outcomes quickly for the warfighter—helping trusted partners like Red Cat validate cyber readiness, achieve certification, and get critical capabilities into the field sooner. By bringing zero-trust principles and a rigorous, data-driven assessment methodology to the forefront, we’re enabling faster, more secure deployment of mission-critical UAS across the Department of War.”

“Cybersecurity is foundational to trust and mission assurance,” said Jason Gunter, VP of tech and innovation at Red Cat Holdings. “Working with SpiderOak ensures that Black Widow not only meets Blue UAS standards but sets a new benchmark for how defense-grade UAS platforms should approach cyber protection and supply chain integrity.”

Source: SpiderOak

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“By integrating IonQ’s world-leading quantum technologies, Heven AeroTech will deliver a new class of unparalleled UAS capabilities,” said Niccolo de Masi, chairman and CEO of IonQ. “This partnership positions Heven’s drones to tackle missions no other player can with unmatched precision, resilience, and security.”

Founded in 2019, Heven AeroTech is a Virginia-based company that pioneered the use of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion in aerial vehicles, enabling its drones, like the Heven Z1, to fly up to 600 miles for more than 10 hours. Unlike traditional electric or fossil fuel drones, Heven’s systems combine long-endurance flight with advanced autonomy and renewable energy-powered stealth capabilities, positioning the company as a trailblazer in aerial robotics.

The partnership unlocks IonQ’s deployment of quantum technologies in real-world aerospace scenarios while providing Heven AeroTech access to cutting-edge quantum capabilities that further differentiate its offerings in defense, intelligence, and aerospace markets.

“IonQ’s quantum technologies are a natural fit for our hydrogen-powered aerial platforms,” said Ben Levinson, founder and CEO of Heven AeroTech. “This partnership enables us to push the boundaries of endurance, autonomy, and security in ways previously thought impossible. Together, we’re building a new generation of uncrewed systems that can thrive in contested environments and deliver critical capabilities for the missions that matter most.”

As part of the partnership, Jordan Shapiro, president and general manager of IonQ’s Quantum Networking, Sensing & Security division, will join Heven AeroTech’s board of directors. The move reflects IonQ’s growing leadership in applying quantum innovation to next-generation defense platforms.

Source: IonQ

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The Edge Autonomy Stalker is purpose built with a modular open systems approach (MOSA) to meet multiple mission needs. With flexible payload capacity, the Stalker can easily integrate compact drones to support the U.S. Army across multiple echelons including platoon, company, battalion, and brigade. The Black Widow can be mounted under the center wing of the Stalker as a deployable payload, extending mission range with the Stalker acting as a carrier, launch platform, and communications relay.

“Our Stalker is combat proven with exceptional long-range reconnaissance capabilities,” said Steve Adlich, president of Edge Autonomy. “When paired with the well-recognized short-range reconnaissance of Teal’s Black Widow, we provide frontline warfighters with greater mission reach and reliable data for efficient and effective decision making.”

The Black Widow, part of Red Cat’s Family of Systems, is a secure, NDAA-compliant ISR drone designed to deliver real-time intelligence at the tactical edge and is built to meet the mission-critical needs of U.S. and allied forces.

In November 2024, the Army selected the Black Widow for its SRR Tranche 2 program, which provides reliable and efficient intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tools for soldiers in the field.

“This collaboration represents a major step forward in how tactical drones are deployed across multiple echelons,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “The integration of short- and long-range reconnaissance systems answers the Army’s requirements for a rapidly deployable, easily portable tactical situational awareness in even the harshest contested areas.”

Source: Redwire

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This Special Notice is being issued by Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), in support of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering [OUSD(R&E)], and other entities within the Department of Defense (DoD).  This Special Notice is intended to be a Request for Submissions for participation consideration in the Silent Swarm 2026 Experimentation Event.

Silent Swarm is a series of events focused on experimentation with early development Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) capabilities that can be employed on attritable, multi-domain Unmanned Systems (UxS). The Silent Swarm series provides a challenging and flexible experimentation environment to enable rapid development of emerging technology. Selected participants will be able to further develop their technologies while operating in an operationally relevant sandbox environment alongside subject matter experts (SMEs) from joint operational and technical communities.

Given the extraordinary reliance of the DoD on commercial vendors and private sector solution providers, NSWC Crane will require a combined effort of industry and government experts to bring innovative initiatives into the experimentation event to achieve definable specific outcomes.  Small and large businesses, along with University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC), Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) and Government activities are encouraged to submit in response to this request for submissions.

Review the Silent Swarm 2026 notice.

Source: SAM

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After undergoing the Blue UAS program’s rigorous evaluation, this certification validates the SL5200 compliance with DoD standards for cybersecurity, supply chain integrity and operational reliability. Interoperable and NDAA compliant, the SL5200 has been approved for use in conjunction with Blue UAS platforms.  The SL5200 joins the StreamCaster SC4200EP and StreamCaster LITE SL4200 MANET radios on the Blue UAS Framework – exemplifying Silvus’ commitment to delivering robust, secure, and reliable C2 and mesh networked communications solutions for unmanned operations across any domain.

“Silvus continues to push the boundaries of mesh networking for mission-critical unmanned systems applications,” said Jimi Henderson, VP of sales, Silvus Technologies. “With all three of our latest StreamCaster MANET radios now on the Blue UAS Framework – we’re proud to lead the way in secure, resilient communications technology for unmanned systems developers.”

Source: Silvus

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Led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Blue UAS vets and verifies commercial drone technology for the Department of Defense and U.S. government. The Blue UAS List gives users access to a wide range of drone systems that can meet their diverse needs. In February Teledyne FLIR announced that Black Hornet 4 was selected by DoD operators from among more than 35 UAS products, all rigorously tested during DIU’s Blue UAS Refresh event.

“We are honored to see Black Hornet 4 added to the Blue UAS List, knowing that more operators across our military and federal government will be able to benefit from this one-of-a-kind drone and its distinct capabilities,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “DIU is filling a critical national need in meeting mission requirements by executing a more expansive Blue UAS program, and we have valued our partnership with them throughout the verification process.”

Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams Black Hornet 4 can fly for more than 30 minutes, over three kilometers, and function in 25-knot winds and rain. Flight performance is augmented by advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities and other features.

Source: Teledyne FLIR

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AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 will compete with several other vendors in the FTUAS Increment 2 multi-phased effort which will allow the Army to select the best system for its needs. Ultimately, FTUAS Increment 2 aircraft will be fielded to Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) throughout the Army, replacing the long-serving RQ-7B Shadow UAS.

During the early stages of what would become the U.S. Army’s FTUAS program, AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 demonstrated superior competitive performance and was awarded the FTUAS Increment 1 contract to develop a prototype system to field to one Brigade Combat Team (BCT). Its success throughout the demonstrations led to AeroVironment’s contract award for FTUAS Increment 0, in which the U.S. Army fielded the JUMP 20 into an additional Army BCT within the United States Army Europe. AeroVironment is the only company awarded the FTUAS contract for all three program increments.

“The AeroVironment JUMP 20 is the most mature and capable solution in its class,” said Gorik Hossepian, AeroVironment’s vice president and product line general manager for medium unmanned aircraft systems. “We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army to ensure we meet their performance needs both today for an all-environment aircraft system and in the future as requirements evolve to meet changing battlefield demands.”

Source: AeroVironment

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