Example of a ram-air tactical parachute. (Photo: Airborne Systems)
SSK Industries is providing critical safety items for USN SOF users of ram-air parachute systems, under a $12.65 million IDIQ contract from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
The deal includes life support for ‘non-developmental Electronic Automatic Activating Device end items, associated replacement parts, and related original equipment manufacturer overhauls’, the DoD noted on 1 November.
Work will be performed in Lebanon, Ohio, for completion in October 2026.
Ram-air canopies are particularly useful for SOF in High Altitude High Opening parachute insertion operations.
A typical ram-air parafoil employs twin layers of fabric (connected by ribs) for steerability. The spaces between fill with higher-pressure air from vents that face forward on the leading edge of the airfoil. The fabric is shaped and the parachute lines are trimmed under load, so that the ballooning fabric inflates into an airfoil shape.
The 2025 National Strategic Review highlights the importance of readiness against a growing Russian threat and was published days after a speech from the French President Macron who called for an increase in defence spending worth €6.5 billion by 2027.
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
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