Viking Arms Defence will be attending DVD2026 at UTAC Millbrook, Bedfordshire, on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September.
Visitors can meet our team at Stand C3-G05 to discuss current and future operational requirements, programme priorities and the practical support needed to deliver dependable capability.
Connected for Combat
Jointly sponsored by the National Armaments Director Group and Army Headquarters, DVD2026 brings together Defence industry, delivery teams and users of land equipment for two days of discussion, demonstrations and collaboration.
This year’s theme, “Connected for Combat – Aligning People, Systems and Decisions,” reflects the increasing importance of integrating organisations, technology and operational insight across the Land Enterprise.
The event will provide an important opportunity for suppliers, decision-makers and users to exchange knowledge, understand emerging requirements and explore how capability can be integrated and delivered at the speed of relevance.
Meet the Viking Arms Defence team
At Viking Arms Defence, we work closely with military, police and government customers to understand the operational context behind each requirement.
DVD2026 provides an ideal setting for focused conversations about:
Current and emerging operational requirements
Equipment selection and integration
Training and user education
Procurement and programme timelines
Supply, support and sustainment
Opportunities for future collaboration
Whether you have a defined requirement or are considering options for a developing programme, our team will be available to discuss how Viking Arms Defence can support you.
Pre-book your meeting
DVD is always a busy event. Pre-booking gives us time to understand your priorities, involve the most relevant members of our team and reserve a dedicated time for your discussion.
Funding the people behind Bramble Woods: practical social value in Catterick
August 28, 2026
Viking Arms Defence’s 2026 investment in e50K CIC has strengthened project leadership, supported employment for an Armed Forces spouse and helped Bramble Woods Community Garden maintain momentum during a period of growth.
Meaningful social value depends on more than good intentions. It requires capable people, consistent leadership and the resources to turn plans into sustainable results.
In 2026, Viking Arms Defence allocated investment in e50K CIC to senior project oversight at Bramble Woods Community Garden in Catterick. The funding covers just under 20% of the salary of e50K Projects Lead Rachael Ladd, enabling her to dedicate additional, focused time to the project.
Supporting a place where communities come together
Bramble Woods is a welcoming, community-centred green space for Armed Forces families, veterans and local residents. Its multigenerational programmes use nature-based activities to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation, build confidence and develop practical skills.
The site is part of e50K CIC’s wider work to strengthen resilience and opportunity across the Defence community. As a Community Interest Company, e50K reinvests its income into expanding its impact, developing successful programmes and reaching people whose needs can otherwise be overlooked.
Investing in the leadership behind delivery
As Bramble Woods entered an important period of expansion, the additional oversight funded by Viking Arms Defence enabled Rachael to provide hands-on support to the site team.
Her work helped clarify roles and processes, strengthen day-to-day management and improve coordination across the organisation. It also supported the Communities Lead for the North and gave the wider team greater confidence during a period of change.
The result is a more stable and better-structured project, equipped to deliver sustainable benefits for the Defence community and local residents.
“Senior leadership support is essential in creating stability on site. It allows issues to be addressed early, supports managers to succeed, and ensures delivery remains consistent with our values and long-term objectives. While this work is often the hardest to fund, it is fundamental to sustainable delivery.”
— Rachael Ladd, Projects Lead, e50K CIC
Making the site team feel seen and supported
For a small team working on site, regular access to senior leadership provides an important connection with the wider organisation.
“Having senior leadership present on site gives us someone to communicate with in person, which is so important. It helps senior leaders see what happens day to day, allows us to showcase what we are doing and makes us feel seen and supported.”
— Kerry Anne Saunders
That connection helps operational challenges to be identified earlier and gives senior leaders a clearer understanding of what successful community delivery requires in practice.
Practical social value in action
Alongside strengthening delivery at Bramble Woods, the investment has supported employment security for an Armed Forces spouse and contributed to the stability of a UK micro-SME and voluntary, community and social enterprise.
At the time of publication, the outcome supports the intent of MAC 6a of the Social Value Model: creating employment and training opportunities for people who face barriers to employment. It demonstrates how targeted investment can create value simultaneously for individuals, organisations and the communities they serve.
Building lasting community resilience
Community projects flourish when the people responsible for delivering them have the time, support and stability they need to succeed.
By investing in leadership capacity at Bramble Woods, Viking Arms Defence has helped e50K maintain momentum, strengthen its workforce and prepare the site for more confident, sustainable delivery.
We are proud to support e50K and the people working every day to create stronger, more connected communities in Catterick.
Viking Arms Defence Partner NUE Demonstrates Portable Power Capability During US Army Field Trial
July 14, 2026
Viking Arms Defence works with specialist manufacturers from across the international defence sector to bring proven, operationally relevant capabilities to customers in the United Kingdom.
One of those partners, US-based New Use Energy (NUE), has recently demonstrated its ruggedised portable power technology during a demanding three-week field deployment with elements of the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
The deployment formed part of the US Army’s xTech Adaptive Strike competition, which identifies mature technologies capable of improving soldier effectiveness in contested and austere environments.
Following the successful trial, NUE was selected as a finalist in the competition.
Connecting UK defence customers with international capability
Viking Arms Defence partners with established and emerging manufacturers whose technologies address real operational requirements.
Through these relationships, Viking Arms Defence provides UK customers with access to specialist equipment developed and tested across international military, security and operational environments.
NUE’s progress through the xTech Adaptive Strike competition is one example of how Viking Arms Defence’s global partner network connects the UK market with technologies being assessed against current battlefield challenges.
Portable and resilient power is becoming increasingly important as military personnel rely on communications equipment, tactical awareness systems, sensors, laptops and other connected technologies.
These systems must remain operational without creating unnecessary acoustic, thermal or logistical burdens.
Ruggedised portable power tested in extreme conditions
During the exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, NUE deployed 18 portable power systems alongside soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division.
The systems operated throughout three weeks of field activity in temperatures reaching approximately 46°C, with persistent desert dust, strong winds and demanding vehicle-based operations.
NUE reported that its equipment achieved full performance across the deployment period.
Four models from the company’s SunCase range were tested, together with tactical ultralight solar panels. The systems provided scalable power options for smaller handheld devices as well as larger communications and operational requirements.
The units were deployed within several military vehicle types, including Bradley fighting vehicles, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and Humvees.
Viking Arms Defence Partner NUE Demonstrates Portable Power Capability During US Army Field Trial
Why portable power matters in modern military operations
Modern armed forces depend on a growing range of electronic systems, but charging those systems through a vehicle engine or conventional generator can create operational disadvantages.
Running an engine generates noise and heat, potentially increasing the risk of detection. It also consumes fuel, adds pressure to resupply chains and can reduce situational awareness during night operations.
Portable battery systems allow personnel to operate and charge essential equipment without continuously running a vehicle.
During the US Army exercise, NUE’s systems supported equipment including:
Tactical awareness devices
Laptops
Communications equipment
Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots
USB-powered devices
AC-powered systems
12-volt DC equipment
One US Army captain reported using a SunCase 605 to operate a tactical device, laptop and mobile hotspot for 36 hours before the system required recharging.
Avoiding the need to run the vehicle at night was described as a significant advantage for the unit.
Designed for rapid adoption in the field
The SunCase 1213 proved particularly popular during the exercise.
It combines approximately 1.3kWh of energy storage with a weight of around 13.6kg, providing a practical balance between capacity, portability and size.
According to NUE, soldiers could be trained to operate the systems in less than five minutes.
The compact design, straightforward controls and range of AC, USB and DC connections allowed personnel to integrate the power stations quickly into existing vehicle and operational configurations.
The systems’ ruggedised cases and filtered ventilation also continued to perform in the high temperatures and heavy desert dust experienced during the trial.
Informed by operational experience
NUE’s approach to the US Army exercise was informed by its experience supplying portable power equipment for use in Ukraine.
The company says that approximately 99% of its systems deployed there remain operational, excluding units captured or destroyed during combat.
Paul Shmotolokha, Chief Executive Officer of New Use Energy and a US Army veteran, said the trial provided an important opportunity to test the equipment alongside regular Army personnel in realistic and demanding conditions.
He said:
“It is an honour to be selected to move forward in the competition, but more importantly, I was pleased to see how well our systems performed alongside regular Army units in extreme heat, dust and wind.
“There is no substitute for real field trials alongside soldiers. Technology is changing rapidly, and personnel need direct experience of the capabilities that can help them respond to emerging threats.”
Bringing global defence innovation to the UK
For Viking Arms Defence, the significance of NUE’s achievement lies not simply in the competition result, but in what it demonstrates about the company’s technology and the wider Viking partner network.
Viking Arms Defence identifies specialist capabilities from trusted international manufacturers and helps make them accessible to UK defence and security customers.
This includes technologies designed to support:
Dismounted personnel
Communications teams
Vehicle crews
Command posts
Remote and austere deployments
Training and operational exercises
Resilient energy requirements
By working closely with global partners such as NUE, Viking Arms Defence can offer access to equipment informed by frontline experience, international military trials and evolving operational requirements.
Supporting the future of deployable military power
As military operations become increasingly dependent on digital communications, sensors and connected systems, reliable access to energy is becoming a critical component of operational effectiveness.
Portable battery and solar power systems can help reduce fuel consumption, lower detectable signatures and maintain essential equipment for longer periods in environments where conventional power may be unavailable or unsuitable.
NUE’s successful field deployment with the US Army demonstrates the growing role of these systems and reinforces Viking Arms Defence’s commitment to bringing relevant international defence technology to the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Who is New Use Energy?
New Use Energy is a US manufacturer of ruggedised mobile battery and solar power systems designed for demanding military, commercial and industrial applications.
What is Viking Arms Defence’s relationship with New Use Energy?
Viking Arms Defence is New Use Energy’s UK partner, helping bring its ruggedised portable power technology to customers in the UK defence and security sectors.
What is the xTech Adaptive Strike competition?
xTech Adaptive Strike is a US Army prize competition that identifies ready-to-deploy technologies capable of improving soldier effectiveness in contested environments.
Why is portable power important for military personnel?
Portable power allows military users to operate communications equipment, tactical devices, laptops and other electronic systems without continuously running vehicle engines or fuel generators. This can reduce noise, heat, fuel use and logistical demand.
Are NUE power systems operationally tested?
NUE systems have been used in Ukraine and were recently deployed during a three-week US Army field exercise at the National Training Center in California.
About Viking Arms Defence
Viking Arms Defence supplies specialist equipment and capability to the UK defence and security sectors.
Through partnerships with international manufacturers, Viking Arms Defence connects UK customers with dependable technologies developed to meet demanding operational requirements.
To discuss New Use Energy portable power systems or Viking Arms Defence’s wider range of international defence partners, contact the Viking Arms Defence team.
Viking Arms Defence is proud to confirm its attendance at Close Combat 2026, taking place from 30 June to 2 July 2026 at Cranfield University at Shrivenham, including activity at the Cranfield Ordnance Test and Evaluation Centre (COTEC) on Salisbury Plain.
Close Combat is one of the UK’s key forums for those focused on the future of close combat, dismounted technologies, small arms, optics, soldier systems and battlefield integration. The symposium brings together the military, academia and industry to discuss current and future developments in close combat capability, procedures and equipment pipelines.
For Viking Arms Defence, the event provides an important opportunity to engage directly with end-users, procurement teams, partners and industry colleagues on the capabilities that will shape the future effectiveness of the dismounted soldier.
Supporting the Future of Dismounted Close Combat
The 2026 theme asks a vital question: has technology altered the nature of conflict to the point that success in dismounted close combat is now driven as much by information dominance as by traditional close-range firepower?
Modern close combat is increasingly defined by the ability to sense, decide, move and strike within a contested digital environment. The battlefield is more transparent, more connected and more demanding than ever before. For dismounted soldiers, survivability and lethality are now influenced by a complex mix of weapons, protection, sensors, power, networks, software, training and signature management.
This is where Viking Arms Defence’s role is especially relevant.
As a specialist defence supplier, Viking Arms Defence works closely with military, police and government customers to provide proven equipment, expert product knowledge and practical support. The team’s focus is not simply on supplying equipment, but on helping users understand how capability performs in operationally relevant contexts.
Why Close Combat 2026 Matters
Close Combat 2026 will examine some of the most pressing questions facing the future force, including:
What capabilities most directly improve survivability and lethality for the dismounted soldier?
How should soldiers operate on an increasingly transparent battlefield?
Is the dismounted soldier now also a mobile sensor, decision-maker and targeting node?
What limits dismounted effectiveness: physical load, cognitive burden, power, bandwidth, training or trust in systems?
What skills and behaviours must soldiers master to fight effectively in an information-dominated close battle?
These questions are central to the development of modern soldier systems and close combat capability. They also reflect the need for industry to remain closely aligned with the realities of the end-user.
Live-Fire and Practical Capability Demonstration at COTEC
A major part of the symposium will take place at COTEC, Cranfield’s test and evaluation facility on Salisbury Plain. The range day gives delegates the opportunity to see live-firing demonstrations, engage with small arms and associated technologies, and explore autonomous and remote systems in a practical environment.
For Viking Arms Defence, this hands-on element is particularly important. Demonstrations and direct engagement allow military and security professionals to assess capability in a more realistic setting, while giving industry valuable feedback from those who understand operational need.
Close combat capability cannot be assessed through specification sheets alone. It must be handled, tested, questioned and understood in context.
Bridging Industry, End-Users and Operational Need
Viking Arms Defence has long supported the UK defence and security community through specialist product knowledge, trusted supplier relationships and direct engagement with operational users.
Events such as Close Combat 2026 are essential because they bring the right people into the same conversation: those defining future requirements, those developing and supplying capability, and those who will ultimately rely on equipment in the field.
As the demands placed on the dismounted soldier continue to evolve, industry must be agile, informed and responsive. Capability must support the realities of modern close combat, where lethality, survivability, information dominance and integration are increasingly interconnected.
Meet Viking Arms Defence at Close Combat 2026
The Viking Arms Defence team will be attending Close Combat 2026 across the three-day symposium and welcomes the opportunity to speak with military, police, government and industry delegates.
Whether the discussion is focused on small arms, optics, soldier systems, counter-UAS, signature management, training support or future equipment pipelines, Viking Arms Defence will be on hand to discuss practical solutions and operational requirements.
Event: Close Combat 2026 Date: 30 June – 2 July 2026 Time: 0900hrs – 1600hrs Location: Cranfield University at Shrivenham and COTEC, Salisbury Plain Audience: Military, academia, government, law enforcement, defence industry and close combat specialists
To speak to the Viking Arms Defence team about close combat capability, dismounted soldier systems or future defence requirements, get in touch ahead of the event or meet the team at Close Combat 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Close Combat 2026?
Close Combat 2026 is a defence symposium hosted at Cranfield University at Shrivenham. It brings together the military, academia and industry to discuss current and future developments in close combat, dismounted technologies, procedures and equipment pipelines.
When and where is Close Combat 2026 taking place?
Close Combat 2026 takes place from 30 June to 2 July 2026 at Cranfield University at Shrivenham. Day 2 includes activity at COTEC, Cranfield’s range facility on Salisbury Plain.
Why is Viking Arms Defence attending Close Combat 2026?
Viking Arms Defence is attending to engage with military, police, government and industry delegates on the future of close combat capability, including small arms, optics, soldier systems, counter-UAS, survivability and battlefield integration.
What is the theme of Close Combat 2026?
The 2026 theme focuses on whether technology has changed the nature of conflict, with particular emphasis on information dominance, transparent battlefields, distributed sensing, signature management and multi-domain kill webs.
How does Close Combat 2026 support the future dismounted soldier?
The event explores the capabilities, skills and technologies needed to improve dismounted soldier effectiveness, including weapons, protection, sensors, networks, power, software, training and trust in systems.
Viking Arms Defence Supports e50K CIC Training for Armed Forces Families
June 11, 2026
Viking Arms Defence has supported e50K CIC with a £3,600 investment to help deliver two days of in-person education, training and team development for a workforce made up largely of military spouses and partners.
The funding removed the financial barrier that had prevented e50K CIC from running its annual training programme in person for the last three years. It enabled all 10 members of the e50K team to come together for two full days of immersive learning, practical training and shared development.
For a team that works flexibly across the UK and overseas, this time together was more than a training event. It strengthened relationships, supported collaboration and helped build the internal capability needed to continue delivering meaningful outcomes for Armed Forces families, veterans and the wider Defence community.
Who is e50K CIC?
e50K CIC is a Community Interest Company that works to strengthen the resilience, wellbeing and long-term opportunities of Armed Forces families, veterans and the communities they live within.
Its work is built around five key pillars:
Engagement
Employment
Education
Enterprise
Environment
Through place-based delivery, practical support and evidence-led programmes, e50K CIC helps create opportunities for those who are often overlooked within the Defence community. As a CIC, all income is reinvested into expanding impact, scaling effective programmes and supporting the people and communities it serves.
Why Viking Arms Defence supported the programme
At Viking Arms Defence, supporting the military community goes beyond equipment supply. As a business that works closely with police, military and government customers, we understand the importance of resilience, capability and practical support across the wider Defence ecosystem.
e50K CIC’s work directly supports Armed Forces families, spouses, veterans and local communities. Its model provides practical, measurable social value and helps people build confidence, skills and opportunity.
By funding the two-day training programme, Viking Arms Defence helped e50K bring its remote team together in person, covering essential costs including venue, accommodation, travel and catering.
What the funding made possible
The investment enabled e50K CIC to deliver its full creative training model in the way it was originally designed.
Unlike traditional policy training, e50K’s approach asks each team member to take ownership of one policy, understand it fully and then teach it back to the rest of the team using any method they choose, with one rule: no standard PowerPoint presentations.
This format encourages:
Creative thinking
Confidence
Public speaking
Clear communication
Practical understanding of policies
Team learning and peer support
Being together in person made a significant difference. It created space for discussion, problem-solving, informal learning and team connection in a way that online delivery cannot always achieve.
Across the two days, each team member completed 20 hours of learning, including two seven-hour training days and three hours of shared learning and reflection each evening. For a team of 10, this created 200 collective learning hours.
Strengthening capability across the Defence community
The training programme helped e50K CIC strengthen its internal capability, improve team cohesion and build confidence across the organisation.
For a team made up of Defence spouses and partners, many of whom relocate frequently, flexible working is essential. It allows e50K to retain talented people despite the challenges of military life. However, remote working also means that opportunities to meet, collaborate and learn together in person are rare.
Viking Arms Defence’s support made that possible.
The result was a high-impact learning environment that will continue to benefit e50K CIC’s work long after the training days themselves.
Reflections from the e50K CIC team
Speaking about the training model, Quincey Ankrett, Executive Director at e50K CIC, said:
“When I devised this new way of training for e50K, I was clear that I never wanted anyone to come out of our training sessions saying, ‘that was boring — there’s three hours I won’t get back.’ Being in its fourth year now, I can safely say that’s never happened. It’s my favourite time of year.”
Eve Cherai, Financial Officer, said:
“It gave me a platform to be myself, to learn in a way that is comfortable for me, but also to learn about the policies in a way in which I also learnt something about myself, that I can do so much more than I think.”
Hollie Pritchard, Senior Associate, added:
“Delivering in person made everyone push the inclusivity and creativity a bit more. There was definitely more of a competitive edge this year, and there were some amazing presentations.”
Rachael Ladd, Executive Director, said:
“I love the way this allows us to come together and play on the different personalities and strengths of the team in a way in which traditional training does not.”
Investing in people, resilience and long-term impact
For Viking Arms Defence, this partnership reflects a wider commitment to supporting the people and communities connected to Defence.
By investing in e50K CIC’s team development, Viking Arms Defence helped strengthen an organisation that is already delivering practical, community-focused support to Armed Forces families, veterans and Defence communities.
The funding did not simply support a training event. It helped create the conditions for stronger relationships, better collaboration and greater organisational resilience.
That impact will continue through the work e50K CIC delivers every day.
About Viking Arms Defence
Viking Arms Defence supports police, military and government customers with specialist equipment, training and advice. Working closely with end-users and trusted suppliers, the team provides practical solutions that meet the operational needs of those serving on the front line.
Viking Arms Defence is proud to support initiatives that strengthen the UK Defence community and help build resilience across the wider military ecosystem.
Viking Arms Defence supports UK military communities through e50K partnership
May 5, 2026
Viking Arms Defence is proud to support UK military communities through its work with e50K CIC, helping strengthen opportunities, wellbeing and resilience for Armed Forces families, veterans, spouses and the communities around them.
As part of this commitment, Viking Arms Defence supported e50K’s attendance at DPRTE 2026, the UK’s leading defence procurement and supply chain event.
The support helped remove financial barriers to participation, enabling e50K to attend with a strong team presence, build new relationships across the defence ecosystem and champion the importance of social value in defence readiness.
Supporting e50K CIC and the Armed Forces community
e50K CIC works with Armed Forces families, veterans and local communities to improve resilience, wellbeing and long-term opportunity.
Through these pillars, e50K combines community development, practical support and enterprise activity to create measurable social value. As a Community Interest Company, all income is reinvested directly into expanding impact and reaching those most often overlooked within the Defence Community.
This includes projects such as Bramble Woods Community Garden, which provides inclusive, nature-based activities for Armed Forces families, veterans and local civilians. The project helps people build confidence, learn practical skills, reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing.
Why DPRTE matters for defence social value
DPRTE is a key event in the UK defence procurement calendar. Formally supported by the Ministry of Defence, it brings together MOD teams, prime contractors, SMEs and international partners to explore defence acquisition, commercial transformation, emerging technology, infrastructure and supply chain development.
For organisations such as e50K, attendance at DPRTE provides access to decision-makers, procurement conversations, potential partners and wider defence industry networks.
Viking Arms Defence’s support covered travel, accommodation, food and onsite costs for four e50K team members, enabling the organisation to take part fully in the event.
What Viking Arms Defence’s support achieved
By underwriting the cost of participation, Viking Arms Defence helped e50K focus on growth, visibility, learning and partnership building.
The support enabled e50K to:
Attend 12 hours of speeches, briefings and panels by defence and industry leaders.
Deliver a 30-minute panel on social value and war readiness.
Make 41 new contacts across the defence ecosystem.
Hold eight partnership meetings with existing and prospective partners.
Create professional development opportunities for team members, including first-time event attendance for a Site Manager.
This created space for strategic conversations, fundraising opportunities, relationship management and market research that would not have been possible with a smaller team presence.
Social value and defence readiness
Social value in defence is increasingly linked to resilience, readiness and the strength of the communities that support the Armed Forces.
At DPRTE 2026, e50K contributed to the discussion on how social value can support war readiness and local resilience. This reflects a wider shift in the defence sector: social value is not simply a procurement requirement, but a way to strengthen the people, places and networks that form part of the UK’s national resilience.
By supporting e50K, Viking Arms Defence helped amplify that message within the UK defence procurement community.
A practical commitment to UK military communities
Viking Arms Defence works across the police, military and security sectors, supplying specialist equipment and supporting operational users. But its commitment to the defence community goes beyond equipment supply.
Supporting e50K at DPRTE 2026 demonstrates how defence suppliers can contribute to the wellbeing, resilience and opportunities of Armed Forces families, veterans and military communities.
This is practical social value in action: targeted support, measurable outcomes and long-term benefit for the people and communities connected to UK Defence.
Viking Arms Defence is proud to support e50K and the vital work it delivers across the Armed Forces community.
Viking Arms Defence to Attend SOF Week 2026 | Defence & Police Procurement
May 5, 2026
Viking Arms Defence will be attending SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, Florida, from 18–21 May 2026, represented by Rich Fell and Tom Jackson.
SOF Week is one of the most important international gatherings for the special operations, defence, security and law enforcement communities. Bringing together operators, government leaders, procurement teams and industry partners, the event provides a focused environment for discussing current operational requirements, future capability needs and the equipment that supports mission success.
For Viking Arms Defence, attendance at SOF Week 2026 is an opportunity to meet with military, police, security and government stakeholders to discuss specialist equipment, procurement support and practical routes to capability.
Supporting defence, police and security procurement
Viking Arms Defence works with police, military and government customers across the UK, supporting the supply of firearms, ammunition, optics, illumination, accessories, tactical equipment and specialist defence solutions.
The team’s role goes beyond distribution. Viking Arms Defence helps connect end-users, procurement teams and global manufacturers, ensuring that capability conversations are grounded in operational reality, product knowledge and long-term support.
At SOF Week 2026, Rich Fell and Tom Jackson will be available to discuss:
Defence procurement and specialist military equipment requirements
Police procurement and equipment support for armed policing and specialist units
Tactical equipment for operational users
UAS, C-UAS and counter drone capability considerations
Firearms, optics, ammunition, lighting and accessories
Training, armourer support and lifecycle considerations
Routes to market for UK government, defence and law enforcement customers
Meeting the changing needs of specialist users
The operational environment for defence, police and security teams continues to evolve. From counter-UAS and surveillance threats to the need for dependable firearms, optics, night vision, lighting and mission-ready accessories, procurement decisions must balance capability, reliability, supportability and speed of deployment.
Viking Arms Defence is attending SOF Week to strengthen relationships with international partners, identify relevant innovation for UK customers and support discussions around equipment that can be deployed, supported and sustained in demanding environments.
As a specialist defence equipment distributor, Viking Arms Defence works with established manufacturers across firearms, ammunition, optics, tactical accessories, protection, training aids, surveillance, night vision, clothing and specialist equipment.
Meet Viking Arms Defence at SOF Week 2026
Rich Fell and Tom Jackson will be attending SOF Week 2026 and are available for meetings with defence, police, security and government professionals.
If you are attending SOF Week and would like to discuss current or future requirements, procurement pathways, partner brands or specialist equipment support, please contact the Viking Arms Defence team in advance.
SOF Week 2026 Dates: 18–21 May 2026 Location: Tampa, Florida, USA Viking Arms Defence attendees: Rich Fell and Tom Jackson
To arrange a meeting, contact: E: pmd@vikingarms.com T: +44 (0)1423 780810
Passive Drone Detection for UK Military and Police | ThirdEye Meduza X
May 1, 2026
Small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) are now an everyday feature of the modern battlespace
and domestic security environment. Quadcopters and small fixed-wing platforms can provide
adversaries with cheap, long-range eyes in the sky or a delivery mechanism for disruptive and
potentially lethal payloads.
For commanders in the field and law-enforcement leaders at home, this creates a constant
challenge: how do you detect and track small drones early, without increasing your own
electromagnetic or visual signature?
Viking Arms Defence is now bringing a new option to UK military and police users: the ThirdEye
Meduza X, a passive, 360° electro-optical drone detection system designed specifically for
tactical and protective operations.
What is Meduza X?
Meduza X is a stand-alone drone detection system that combines:
● A cooled MWIR thermal camera (1280×1024 array, 10 μm pixels)
● A high-resolution visible CMOS camera (5328×3040)
● A unique rotating mirror assembly that rapidly scans the full horizon
● On-board edge computing analytics for instant recognition and tracking
Housed in a rugged 12 kg main unit mounted on a tripod and supplied with transport case,
power solutions and rugged computing options, Meduza X is built from the outset for
deployment in demanding field conditions.
Because the system is entirely passive, no radar transmissions, no RF interrogation, it is well
suited to covert, contested or sensitive environments where additional emissions are
undesirable.
360° coverage with continuous scanning
At the heart of Meduza X is its rotating mirror, which enables the system to scan a full 360°
around the operator in just a few seconds. In its baseline configuration, Meduza X covers a
vertical field of view of approximately 5.8°, adjustable between –2.5° and 30° above the horizon.
This approach delivers two important benefits:
1. Continuous all-round surveillance – rather than staring at a single sector, Meduza X
is constantly revisiting every azimuth.
2. Gap-filling capability – while other sensors or effectors are focused on a specific
direction, Meduza X keeps sweeping the wider sky, helping to catch threats attempting
to exploit perceived blind spots.
For operators, the result is a persistent visual and thermal “dome” of awareness around the
asset, patrol base, public venue or tactical HQ they are protecting.
Advanced analytics, low false alarms
Detection is only useful if it can be trusted. Meduza X uses on-board analytics tuned for the
shapes, signatures and behaviours of small drones. According to operational testing by leading
users, the system achieves around 90% positive detection on typical quadcopter and fixed-
wing threats, with a false-alarm rate below 1%.
These analytics also enable automatic tracking, so once a threat is detected Meduza X can
continue to follow it across the sky, updating heading and position as the situation develops.
Detection and recognition ranges will vary based on conditions and target type, but the
combination of MWIR and visible channels gives the system the reach needed to spot and
classify a wide range of drone sizes, from small quadcopters to larger fixed-wing platforms at
tactical stand-off distances.
Designed for field deployment
For military and police users, mobility and ease of use are critical. Meduza X is supplied with:
● Tripod for rapid setup
● Li-ion battery options (approx. 19.1 Ah @ 24 V or 40 Ah @ 25.2 V) for untethered
operation
● Power adaptors and harnesses for vehicle or mains power
● Rugged computer options and cables
● Wheeled hard case for protected transport between locations
The system is rated to operate in a wide temperature range suitable for most UK and overseas
deployments, with options for nitrogen purging where required by the operating environment.
Flexible employment and integration
One of the major strengths of Meduza X is its flexibility in how it can be employed. As
described in the system documentation, there are several core modes:
● Stand-alone operation – Meduza X can be deployed independently, providing the
operator with visual and thermal identification and local alerts without needing any
external infrastructure.
● Integration into complex systems – thanks to Ethernet connectivity and a well-defined
software interface, Meduza X can feed its detections and video into existing command-
and-control, jamming or interception solutions, helping to close the detect-track-
defeat chain.
● “Enslavement” to RF and radar – Meduza X can be cued by wider-area RF detectors
or radars, using its optics and analytics to confirm and classify threats within a broader
protection “bubble.”
● Embedded interceptor support – the system’s tracking data can be used to support a
range of mitigation systems.
This makes Meduza X suitable both as a stand-alone capability for smaller units or sites,
and as a high-value sensor within a layered counter-UAS architecture for larger
organisations.
Where Meduza X can help UK users
Potential applications for UK defence and security customers include:
● Deployed bases and tactical HQs – providing early warning of drone activity over OPs,
FOBs and temporary locations.
● Police firearms & CT operations – giving firearms and specialist teams passive
awareness of drones around high-risk sites, cordons and VIP locations.
● Critical national infrastructure and airfields – enhancing existing security measures
around airports, ports, power stations and other key assets.
● Prison and border security – aiding the detection of drones used for smuggling or
reconnaissance.
● Training and experimentation – acting as a realistic detection system in live counter-
UAS exercises.
Talk to Viking Arms Defence about Meduza X
Viking Arms Defence is proud to bring the ThirdEye Meduza X to UK military and police
customers as part of our growing portfolio of specialist defence technologies.
We can support:
● Demonstrations and user trials
● Technical briefings for requirements staff and programme teams
● Advice on integrating Meduza X with existing C-UAS and security architectures
If you would like to explore how Meduza X could support your operations, contact the Viking
Arms Defence team today at pmd@vikingarms.com or speak to your usual Viking Arms
representative.
Viking Arms Defence Division Manager Dan Preston will be attending Future Soldier Technology 2026 in London, UK, taking place 9–11 March 2026 in support of L3 Harris. He’ll be connecting with attendees across the soldier modernisation community.
Future Soldier Technology is positioned as a leading forum focused on dismounted soldier modernisation bringing together senior military stakeholders, programme teams, and industry specialists to discuss how capability is evolving across the close fight and beyond.
The agenda focus areas highlighted by the organisers span the practical challenges that matter most to frontline outcomes, including:
Lethality & weaponry
Dismounted tactical power
Protection & survivability
Night-vision and related sensor-enabled capability
For Viking Arms Defence, it’s a valuable opportunity to listen, compare notes, and have grounded conversations with the people designing, procuring, integrating, and using modern dismounted systems.
Dan will be at the event to connect on themes including:
Soldier modernisation priorities and what they mean in practical, deployable terms
Dismounted capability, how equipment choices affect performance, burden, and interoperability
Enabling kit, where small improvements in integration, usability, and sustainment can make a meaningful difference in the field
If you’re attending Future Soldier Technology 2026 and want to set up a time to talk, we’d be glad to meet.
Arrange a meeting with Dan
If you’d like to connect with Dan at the show, email: pmd@vikingarms.com
We look forward to seeing colleagues and partners in London, and to the conversations that help shape the next phase of dismounted capability.
Viking Arms Defence is proud to announce that we have joined Make UK Defence, the UK’s member-owned, not-for-profit defence trade association within Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation.
The UK defence and security landscape is moving fast, with an increasing focus on resilience, supply chain strength, and getting proven capability into the hands of those who need it. By joining Make UK Defence, we’re backing a network that champions the UK’s innovative defence supply chain and helps members navigate complex defence ecosystems and opportunities.
What Viking Arms Defence brings
Our Police & Military Division supports government customers through:
Direct supply to UK and allied police and defence end users
Training and user education to help teams get the best from the equipment they rely on
Operator feedback loops that help inform product improvement and development
Support at every scale from urgent single-item requirements to major tenders
We’re focused on practical outcomes: reliable kit, informed users, and responsive support.
What we hope to do through Make UK Defence
Membership strengthens our ability to:
Collaborate with peers across the UK defence industrial base
Engage with policy, programmes, and sector initiatives that support UK capability
Share insight from end users to help manufacturers align design with operational realities
We’re looking forward to contributing to the Make UK Defence community and building new partnerships that support the people who serve while strengthening UK defence capability.
If you’d like to speak with our team about a requirement or potential collaboration, please get in touch via pmd@vikingarms.com
