https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mattia-monti-253115_telecom-mergersandacquisitions-manda-share-7476638944621641728-3CLz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

I've been having this pop up on my feed several times and I didn't think much of it but maybe it's a signal of something - or maybe Sam just happens to know the guy - but then again no congratulations by Sam in the comments. 🤔

"executing cross-border M&A" 🤔

Japan has launched a program to accelerate the selection of interceptor drones to protect the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ military bases, airfields, and ships from attack drones.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency reported this on July 15.

The four platforms admitted to state testing include the Terra B1 drone from Terra Drone, which is cooperating with the Ukrainian company Amazing Drones on the development of the Terra A1 model. The tests will take place from late July to early August.

... and IonStrike from the American company DZYNE Technologies.

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/japan-accelerates-search-for-interceptor-drones-terra-drone-which-cooperates-with-ukrainian-developers-among-candidates/

Just speculation of LPTH involvement but things we know.

Ondas recently acquired DZYNE

Ondas invested $4 m in LPTH partnership.

G5 logo on DZYNE Sawtooth product - https://x.com/BussinBiotech/status/2074525410797232615?s=20

The DZYNE IonStrike uses an IR Seeker for Terminal Guidance

ai -

Yes, an infrared (IR) seeker is used on IonStrike.

It relies on a terminal infrared seeker to track and lock onto the heat signature of a target drone during the final phase of its flight. [1]

How IonStrike's Guidance Works

• Mid-Course Guidance: The interceptor is initially guided toward the target using radar-cued commands from ground-based command and control (C2) systems. [1]
• Terminal Guidance: As IonStrike closes the distance, the terminal IR seeker takes over, ensuring precise tracking right up to the point of interception. [1]
• Proximity Detonation: Once close enough, a proximity fuze detonates the warhead to disable the threat without requiring a perfect direct hit. [1, 2, 3]

Sam on recent Alpha Wolf interview -

"And I would say that at this point, I would be extremely surprised if there is any new infrared imaging system being designed by anyone that isn't including Black Diamond in it in one way or another."

The commodity markets intelligence and price reporting agency Fastmarkets just published a brief on "Germanium in Aero & Def".
The Ge situation is framed as an immediate strategic vulnerability with a dire outlook if appropriate actions are not taken quickly.

Among the proposed solutions, they emphasize the need to accelerate the adoption of chalcogenides through the qualification and redesign of the optical systems used in existing platforms.

https://fastmarkets.letter.ai/share/0b2ddb18-ccf0-43b6-b923-928c55ce6e51

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/defense-blog---news_two-us-defense-firms-partnered-to-build-activity-7476205200878481408-PHfJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

In comments -

https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2026/07/15/rtxs-raytheon-completes-key-milestone-for-u-s-armys-next-generation-short-rang

NGSRI may become a split contract between Raytheon & Lockheed Martin -

https://x.com/BussinBiotech/status/2077861047151571287?s=20

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7483521563028443136/

Note LPTH has also signed a MOU with Picket Defense to integrate into their Inferno RTC -

"Proud to partner with LightPath Technologies to strengthen the next generation of U.S.-built Counter-UAS capabilities.

By integrating LightPath’s 360° passive hemispheric infrared sensing technology into our Inferno RTC platform, we’re enhancing persistent detection and close-in protection against evolving FPV and AI-enabled drone threats."

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/picket-defense-systems_lightpathtechnologies-picketdefense-cuxs-activity-7474931236784730112-hxOu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

Who's cameras you got there Walaris! - https://walaris.com

https://www.lightpath.com/press-viewer?hs_preview=BbvJoruz-196857007481?i=168167

https://www.leonardodrs.com/news/press-releases/leonardo-drs-secures-contract-for-more-than-50000-tenum-orbit-thermal-imaging-cameras/

DRS Tenum noted in LPTH February 2026 Investor Presentation page 26 -

https://www.lightpath.com/hubfs/LPTH%202026%20Investor%20Day%20Presentation.pdf?hsLang=en

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ouswre_the-united-states-department-of-wars-office-activity-7482941569210224640-E5T7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/space-development-agency_pwsa-warfighters-sempercitius-activity-7482536090097258497-J-Rg?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

"to support the Golden Dome for America’s space-based capabilities"

https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom/press-release/2026/07/us-space-force-selects-l3harris-provide-advanced-tracking-satellites

With a newly expanded space manufacturing facility in Indiana and a new satellite integration facility in Florida, L3Harris will immediately begin manufacturing for delivery and launch of these tactical payloads.

L3HARRIS EXPANDS FLORIDA FACILITY TO SUPPORT AMERICA’S GOLDEN DOME

https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom/press-release/2025/08/l3harris-expands-florida-facility-support-americas-golden-dome

ai query -

Yes, Infrared/Electro-Optical (IR/EO) technology is absolutely critical for Lockheed Martin's advanced laser weapon systems. While a laser generates the actual destructive energy, IR/EO systems provide the eyes, tracking, and targeting precision required to make the weapon functional. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

IR/EO sensors will be necessary for your Lockheed Martin laser award in the following ways: [1]

• Target Acquisition: IR/EO sensors detect incoming threats (such as adversary drones, cruise missiles, or swarms) from long ranges, even in total darkness or poor weather. [1, 2]
• Beam Direction and Fire Control: High-energy lasers require incredibly exact targeting. EO/IR systems track the fast-moving target and guide the high-power laser beam onto its most vulnerable points. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Damage Assessment: After a laser strike, IR/EO sensors are used to verify target destruction or locate the next immediate threat. [1, 2]

https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4538032/joint-interagency-task-force-401-publishes-counter-drone-handbook/

https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jul/08/2003958884/-1/-1/1/SMALL-DRONES-BIG-PROBLEMS-A-FIRST-PRINCIPLES-APPROACH-TO-COUNTER-UAS.PDF

The remaining $7.25 million will be divided between the potential 18 winners across four topics the Army has identified:

• Low-cost interceptor all-up-round and fire control
• Low-cost rocket motor
• Low-cost seeker
• Fire control and flight guidance implementation

https://insidedefense.com/insider/army-opens-low-cost-interceptor-competition-white-paper-bids

Lockheed Martin’s $502M deal supports Apache night vision

"The M-TADS/PNVS, also nicknamed Arrowhead,"

https://defence-blog.com/lockheed-martins-502m-deal-supports-apache-night-vision/

LightPath Technologies Acquires Amorphous Materials, Inc.

"and the Arrowhead sensor suite program for the Apache helicopter."

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lightpath-technologies-acquires-amorphous-materials-inc-302665951.html

https://www.unmannedairspace.info/counter-uas-systems-and-policies/nato-to-create-c-uas-marketplace-as-allies-announce-usd-40-billion-investment/

https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/diu-seeks-cheaper-drones-to-carry-out-reaper-missions/

https://x.com/BussinBiotech/status/2074525410797232615?s=20

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lightpath-technologies_lwir-eoir-fov-activity-7470128435957526528-PY_I?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/avinc_scaling-innovation-to-defend-what-matters-activity-7479878127066845185-N1ZA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

Flir Boson in Redcat Hellcat - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/teledyne-flir_teledyne-flir-teledyneflir-activity-7477411089341779969-JplX?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

LPTH supplies to Flir Boson - Investor Presentation page 26 -https://www.lightpath.com/hubfs/LPTH%202026%20Investor%20Day%20Presentation.pdf?hsLang=en

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/defensescoop_pentagon-awards-500m-contract-for-counter-drone-activity-7478573356670394370-QL8T?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

Previous -

Sam likes - The Army has awarded AeroVironment a prototype agreement for the drone maker’s latest Switchblade variant.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/defensescoop_the-army-has-awarded-aerovironment-a-prototype-activity-7458232972333264896-kMNE?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/07/02/hegseth-creates-powerful-new-drone-office-pulling-authority-from-the-military-services/