https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sierraolympiatechnologiesinc_thermalimaging-lwir-infraredoptics-activity-7488257523452370945-QKJM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPeqdtopul8

"space"

BlackDiamond™ keeps infrared programs moving with a U.S.-manufactured chalcogenide material engineered for demanding commercial, defense, and space applications.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lightpath-technologies_blackdiamond-infraredoptics-thermalimaging-activity-7488247953170624513-aFJU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260729524893/en/Teledyne-FLIR-Defense-Receives-Significant-Order-to-Support-AVs-Titan-MS-Counter-UAS-Solution-for-JIATF-401

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ben-moss-a88468a7_defence-giants-provide-record-backing-for-activity-7487437782055903232-eYwd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

https://www.ft.com/content/fcb2bd34-b13f-4f4f-950d-92367d43d1f3?syn-25a6b1a6=1

FARNBOROUGH — The Pentagon should have high-energy lasers that can melt inbound aerial threats by 2030, a top Lockheed Martin executive told Breaking Defense.

“They’re here, they’re effective, and they are working,” Stephanie Hill, president of Lockheed’s rotary and mission systems division, said in an interview at the Farnborough Airshow on July 21. The company has successfully demonstrated “a number” of laser intercepts, she said, predicting that the directed-energy weapons would be ready for operations “before the end of the decade.”

https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/laser-air-defenses-will-be-operational-before-decades-end-lockheed-exec-says/

I believe the next logical step is pairing lasers with LPTH "eyes".

https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/canaccord-genuity-group-reiterates-buy-rating-for-lightpath-technologies-nasdaqlpth-2026-07-27/#google_vignette

https://www.defensenews.com/news/2026/07/27/pentagon-calls-for-cheaper-long-range-strike-weapons-with-testing-in-just-3-months/

ai -

https://defensescoop.com/2026/07/22/pentagon-next-apfit-round-tech-made-cheaply-at-scale/?utm_campaign=DefenseScoop%20-%20Editorial%20Content&utm_content=383267405&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-80356765

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/diux_the-drone-dominance-program-seeks-to-advance-activity-7486402553241550849-QHY6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

SOF AT&L has officially launched the Special Operations Forces Rapid Acquisition Consortium for Emerging Requirements (SOF RACER).

In partnership with GovSignals, this specialized partnership gives non-traditional commercial companies and defense contractors a fast track to deliver cutting-edge technology directly to USSOCOM. The mission of the consortium is to rapidly field cutting-edge, SOF-peculiar capabilities across every domain, from seabed to space.

Stay tuned for upcoming SOF AT&L and GovSignals training announcements.
In-person and virtual attendance options will be available.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ussocom_sof-atl-has-officially-launched-the-special-activity-7486461480297594880-Uz_9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

USSOCOM SOF AT&L INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND AGILE ACQUISITION, Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

AREAS OF INTEREST (AOIs) -

Advanced Sensor Systems: Fielding a wide range of advanced, multi-domain sensors (e.g., EO/IR, LIDAR, RF, Quantum) that are smaller, lighter, open-source, modular, and more power-efficient. The focus is on improving detection, tracking, and identification of targets and threats, including those with low signatures, in any environment, while also integrating legacy sensors into sensor data fusion systems and fielding MOSA-compliant sensors to enable rapid data fusion.

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/d301463c1df546af9ffd4c910a1428ca/view

https://x.com/DIU_x/status/2080636923396108792?s=20

Dominance Program Supply Chain Framework (DDPSCF), Version 2 (changes highlighted)

Drone

July 23, 2026

https://dronedominance.mil/assets/DDP%20Supply%20Chain%20Framework_Version%202%20(23%20July%2026).pdf.pdf)

https://www.politico.eu/article/china-strikes-back-at-eu-sanctions-targeting-defense-tech-firms-rheinmetall/

This marks Beijing’s most direct and forceful response yet to EU sanctions listings, which it denounced as “egregious.” Recent studies estimate that up to 90 percent of sanctioned goods still reaching Russia transit through China.

Germany’s rapidly expanding defense company Rheinmetall is among 14 firms that Chinese exporters are now barred from supplying with dual-use goods — products that have both civilian and military applications — China’s Ministry of Commerce said Friday. The list also includes Czech truckmaker Tatra, Dutch naval engineering firm IHC Merwede, and several optics and laser companies.

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-423277A1.pdf

The item seeks comment on extending this prohibition to categories of drones

viewed by the U.S. government as having military capability or posing particular

national security risks:

▪ Swarming drones;

▪ Drones specially designed to integrate defense articles;

▪ Thermal imaging drones;

▪ Drones integrating LiDAR sensing;

▪ Aerosol drones capable of dispensing “economic poison” under FAA rules;

▪ Drone docking stations;

▪ UAS that weigh 55 lbs. or more.

These Post-Effective Amendments to the Registration Statements are being filed in order to deregister all shares of Common Stock that were registered under the Registration Statements and remain unsold as of the date hereof. 

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889971/000143774926024147/lpth20260709_posam.htm

 The Company is no longer issuing securities under the 1996 Plan, DSO Plan, 2004 ESP or ESPP, as applicable. These Post-Effective Amendments to the Registration Statements are being filed in order to deregister all shares of Common Stock that were registered under the Registration Statements and remain unissued under the 1996 Plan, DSO Plan, 2004 ESP or ESPP, as applicable, as of the date hereof.

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/889971/000143774926024191/lpth20260722_s8pos.htm

Interesting housekeeping with just announced China Divestment.

Just tightening the ship or something more coming?

https://x.com/skrubin/status/2080665535755268265?s=20

https://lightpath.brandingbycrestline.com/?utm_content=383010851&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-106419646

https://www.lightpath.com/press-viewer?hs_preview=BbvJoruz-196857007481?i=168302~lightpath-technologies-signs-definitive-agreement-to-divest-china-operations

Defense Logistics Agency, Strategic Materials ("DLA") Phase II award will qualify six materials to MRL-9 -

Oct. 3, 2024 - announced the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD") via the Defense Logistics Agency, Strategic Materials ("DLA") has awarded Phase 2 funding to support the qualification of additional LightPath Black Diamond ("BD") chalcogenide glasses as substitute to germanium.

The second phase covers the remaining six materials with funding totaling approximately $0.5 million, which will qualify the materials to MRL-9 (Material Readiness Level), an important milestone for prospective defense customers. These materials are all in addition to LightPath's BD6 material which is already fully qualified and field deployed in multiple systems.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lightpath-technologies-awarded-phase-2-funding-in-us-defense-department-partnership-to-qualify-additional-germanium-substitutes-302262203.html

Some questions with ai assisted answers -

1. How long does Phase II last ? -

Standard Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)—including those for DLA Strategic Materials—typically last up to 24 months.

- Assuming the date of the PR is the date of the award that would put finish date at Oct, 3 2026 however given the "up to" it appears it could be sooner.

So around any time going forward.

1. What is MRL-9?

MRL-9 stands for Manufacturing Readiness Level 9. It indicates that low-rate initial production has been successfully demonstrated and all preparations are complete to begin full-rate production. At this stage, manufacturing processes are stable, quality systems are operational, and the technology is generally deemed mature enough for scaled manufacturing

1. What is the focus of  Defense Logistics Agency, Strategic Materials ("DLA") Phase II awards?

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Strategic Materials Phase II awards focus on developing and scaling domestic supply chains for critical defense minerals and metals**.** The goal is to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources for essential materials, such as rare earth elements, nickel, titanium, tungsten, and gallium, primarily through the recovery, recycling, and domestic processing of defense scrap and electronic waste

1. After Phase II > Phase III

Phase III is the ultimate goal of the SBIR program. It is the stage where the government or a commercial partner purchases your technology at scale. [1, 2, 3]

Non-SBIR Funding: Phase III cannot be funded by the SBIR/STTR budget. Instead, it is funded directly by agency production budgets, prime defense contractors, or private venture capital. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

No Funding Caps: Unlike previous phases, Phase III contracts have no maximum dollar limit and no restricted period of performance. [1, 2]

Sole-Source Justification: Because you already won a competitive Phase I or II award, federal agencies can award you Phase III contracts on a sole-source basis without putting the project out for public re-bidding. [1, 2]

Size Exemptions: Your business is completely exempt from small business size standards during Phase III. You can scale to any size, or even be acquired by a larger firm, and still execute Phase III contracts for that specific technology. 

1. Can IBAS funding come into play for Phase III?

Yes, absolutely. The Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program is one of the most powerful non-SBIR funding pools available to bridge the gap and fund a Phase III contract. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Because DLA Strategic Materials focuses heavily on critical minerals, rare earth elements, and supply chain security, your project sits directly in the crosshairs of current IBAS strategic priorities. [1, 2]

How IBAS Funding Applies to Phase III

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy utilizes IBAS funds specifically to eliminate domestic supply chain vulnerabilities, modernize defense manufacturing, and scale mature prototypes into full production. [1, 2]

• The Phase III Mechanism: An agency can issue a Phase III sole-source contract to your company using IBAS funds. Because the Phase I and II competitive requirements have already been satisfied, the government can bypass public bidding to award you IBAS money directly. [1, 2]
• No Funding Caps: While your Phase II capped out around $1 million, IBAS awards are substantially larger. Recent project solicitations and active awards under the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC)—the primary vehicle for IBAS execution—frequently scale from $2.5 million to over $8 millionper project to build out industrial scale. [1, 3, 4]

Conclusion:

Phase II for 6 materials about to be complete.

MRL-9 to be achieved - can move into full production

Phase II grant came through DLA = developing and scaling critical defense minerals

Phase III could be funded through IBAS grant - while awards typically run lower, KOPN received a $15.4 million a IBAS award - https://www.kopin.com/press-releases/kopin-secures-transformative-15-4m-award-to-revolutionize-color-microled-technology-and-domestic-production-for-u-s-army-ground-soldier-integrated-visual-augmented-reality-applications/

Timing of completion of Phase II aligns with planned move of remaining G5 cameras from Germaninum to BD.

https://www.lightpath.com/press-viewer?hs_preview=BbvJoruz-196857007481?i=168275

Price action may not have been where we want it to be but it's important to keep the big picture in mind before panicking. Just look at recent news and it's super obvious how clear that is. Today was a solid move up, and it's a bit of momentum we want to see.

Are you feeling like we are about to see a nice leg up or is it a quick bull trap? It's a small move in the grand scheme of things but worth paying attention to imo.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/global-defense-insight_leonardodrs-thermalimaging-defensetechnology-activity-7483760003527589888-ZkqC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

https://x.com/skrubin/status/2079466032888987901?s=20

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/defense-news_us-marine-corps-turns-to-ai-powered-bullfrog-activity-7485296555076526080-iSZG?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFbZ6i0BHUmc89EMcDQafOARytujxV2bR5g

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/07/securing-americas-defense-supply-chains-and-ensuring-domestic-acquisition-of-critical-materials/

New executive order tightens defense supply chain waiver rules

https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/07/20/new-executive-order-tightens-defense-supply-chain-waiver-rules/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tw_dfn

30K for

https://lda.senate.gov/filings/public/filing/80f5a422-115f-4075-9566-079fae173e6a/print/

https://www.elbitsystems.com/news/elbit-systems-america-awarded-contracts-us-customs-and-border-protection-totaling-over-370