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FN Awarded Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Contract to Supply M240 and M249 Machine Gun Barrels

March 28th, 2025

(McLean, VA — March 28, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the company has been awarded a firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract, valued up to $39,643,953, to supply the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime with barrels for M240 and M249 machine guns.

“The contract to provide barrels for M240 and M249 machine guns is a testament to our partnership with the U.S. DoD, a partnership that dates to the early 1980s,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “We’re incredibly honored to support the U.S. military with the highest-quality cold hammer-forged barrels. The durability and accuracy of FN barrels provides our servicemen and women with the most effective and highest performing products available.”

FN collaborates with and is a key partner of DLA Land and Maritime, a combat support agency within the U.S. DoD and one of the largest suppliers of spare parts that support land-based and maritime weapon systems. DLA Land and Maritime serves over 20,000 customers throughout all U.S. military branches, civil agencies and other DoD organizations.

The M240 general purpose machine gun, derived from the FN MAG 58, was adopted by the U.S. military in the late 1970s, and has been in continual service since being introduced. FN has created multiple variants of the M240, including the M240 coaxial, the M240B, M240L, M240D and M240H models. The FN® M249 has been a mainstay throughout the U.S. military since 1986 and is currently in service in more than 30 countries.

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to the M240 and its variants, the company currently holds contracts for the FN® M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN® MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM, and various other contracts.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.fnamerica.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Kopin Secures U.S. Army Funding to Develop See-Through Extended Reality (XR) Prototypes for Warfighters

March 28th, 2025

Off-the-visor XR prototypes designed to enhance battlefield situational awarenessWESTBOROUGH, Mass.– Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays for defense, training, enterprise, industrial, consumer and medical products, is proud to announce a new funding award from the U.S. Army, to develop and produce a cutting-edge see-through extended reality (XR) heads-up display (HUD). This innovative XR HUD module aims to deliver visually comfortable performance for use in applications that revolutionize battlefield situational awareness and operational impact.

Kopin’s see-through off-the-Visor (OTV) approach offers a brighter, more energy-efficient display light transmission while ensuring visual comfort, setting a new standard for soldier acceptance and operational superiority. Building on the lessons learned from existing augmented reality headsets, Kopin’s OTV prototypes address critical challenges such as light security, power consumption, eye strain and latency causing nausea.

The first wave of these advanced prototypes is ready to be demonstrated, showcasing not just immediate improvements but also clear upgrade paths for next-gen microdisplays like Kopin’s Color MicroLED, AI enabled NeuralDisplay™, and modular HUDs like DayVAS™ (Daytime Visual Augmentation System) and DarkWAVE™.

“Our off-the-visor approach not only resolves the challenges of current systems but also prioritizes human factors and sets a new standard for soldier-centric design”, said Nic Peterson, Director of Warfighter Vision. “It’s about giving warfighters the tactical advantage — keeping their eyes on the fight, rather than down on a screen. We’re excited to demonstrate our prototypes and work toward full integration of our XR HUD solutions with other companies who have body worn computers, networking, and power management components.”

The funding award underscores the U.S. Army’s dedication to harnessing cutting-edge technology to safeguard its troops against the evolving threats of modern warfare. Kopin’s see-through prototypes mark a substantial leap forward from earlier system designs, aiming to enhance situational awareness, streamline decision-making and most importantly save lives on the battlefield.

For more information, please visit Kopin’s website at www.kopin.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Kopin Secures U.S. Army Funding to Develop See-Through Extended Reality (XR) Prototypes for Warfighters

Black Hills Designs – RANGE-R Protector

March 28th, 2025

Shield your RANGE-R Card with this rugged, impact-resistant cover. Prevents scratches and wear while maintaining a slim, lightweight profile.

Includes an optional Velcro strip for secure mounting. Offered in Green, Brown, and MultiCam.

www.blackhillsdesigns.net/product/range-r-protector

Posted in Load Carrying, TacCraft | No Comments »

Shadow Tech – NCT, a New Carbon Fiber Tripod

March 28th, 2025

Shadow Tech, manufacturers of the HOG Saddle weapon mount, recently showed me a new tripod they’ll be releasing soon.

Although it doesn’t yet have an official name they’ refer to it internally as the NCT for Not Chinese Tripod as it is manufactured in Kansas City using no Chinese parts.

Coming in August, it weighs in at 4.5 lbs and extends to a height of 65″. The carbon fiber legs are four-section and incorporate a new patented shimless tube design. Additionally, they offer an optional, retractable spiked foot.

stores.hogsaddle.com

Posted in Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Rash Guard

March 28th, 2025

The FIRSTSPEAR RASH GUARD is built for performance and protection in training, maritime, and watersport environments. Made in the USA from a high-performance poly/spandex blend, this ultralight top offers a compression fit that conforms to your body for streamlined comfort.

Its quick-drying fabric ensures you stay comfortable even after repeated exposure to water, while the smooth flat seams reduce chafing and skin irritation caused by rubbing or abrasion. Designed for versatility, the Rash Guard provides natural sun and UV protection, making it ideal for extended hours in the sun.

Whether you’re tackling aquatic adventures, training in humid conditions, or seeking extra protection during water-based activities, this Rash Guard delivers. Its durable, American-made construction ensures it can handle the demands of intense use while maintaining its shape and performance.

Perfect for divers, kayakers, surfers, and tactical operators, the FIRSTSPEAR RASH GUARD is offered in both long and short-sleeve varieties and provides the perfect blend of protection, comfort, and reliability. For optimal performance, order your standard t-shirt size for a true compression fit, or size up 1-2 sizes for a more relaxed feel.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Maritime | No Comments »

Army Collaborates with Ride-Share Companies to Improve Transportation

March 28th, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army launched a pilot ride-share access program to improve installation access for over 600,000 military members, their families, retirees and civilians living at six Army installations. Over the next two months, ride-share access will be re-envisioned at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; and Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii.

“This program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our military communities,” said Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army. “Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we’re able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life.”

The ride-share access pilot will standardize access procedures and requirements to safely increase ridership and promote additional transportation options. If successful, the Army plans to expand the program to additional installations across the country.

In accordance with the Army’s strict security standards, all visitors, including taxi and ride-sharing vehicle drivers, will undergo identity proofing and vetting through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center and Terrorist Screening Database. In addition to this credential vetting, drivers will also be required to establish their purpose for each visit by showing the ride-sharing hail on their smartphones and/or identifying the person and building for the pickup.

“This pilot is our response to see if we can safely collaborate with the ride-share industry to simplify transportation options for everyone living on, working on or even visiting our camps, posts and installations,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer. “We heard you and agree, it shouldn’t be so hard to coordinate transportation onto our installations, but also in and around some of our larger ones.”

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Collaborates with Ride-Share Companies to Improve Transportation

GA-ASI Completes First Flight of Belgium’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian

March 27th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 25 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Belgian Ministry of Defence completed the first flight of a new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will be the first SkyGuardian delivered to Belgium as part of a four-aircraft purchase. The flight was based out of GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California and took place on February 20, 2025.

First flight is part of a series of ground and flight tests conducted to validate the performance of the Belgian MQ-9B RPA. The objective of the flight was to prove controllability and safe landing of the aircraft. The flight was successful, and the program will move forward with further development flight tests.

“We’re excited to complete the first flight of SkyGuardian for Belgium,” said Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “Belgium joins the U.K.’s Royal Air Force and will become the second country to take delivery of our MQ-9B in Europe.”

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range—with auto takeoff and landing under pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control—and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, with multiple deliveries made to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force (Protector), as well as orders from Canada, Poland, the Japan Coast Guard, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Belgium also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS).

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Posted in Aviation, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Completes First Flight of Belgium’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Vertx Goes Overt With Siege Bag Series Launch

March 27th, 2025

Sometimes the mission demands more. Siege the Mission. Siege the Day. Siege Life.

CINCINNATI, Ohio (March 27, 2025) – Vertx, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge tactical and everyday carry (EDC) bags and gear, is breaking new ground with the launch of the Siege Overt EDC bag series—designed for those who demand more from their gear. Known for crafting low-profile bags that allow you blend in with ease, Vertx now steps boldly into the overt carry market. The Siege series offers two robust pack sizes: a 25L backpack and a 15L sling. Available in Coyote, Wolf Grey, and It’s Black, these bags are ready to meet the demands of any mission.

“The Vertx customer knows our unmatched covert carry bags and slings,” said Erin Chrostowski, Product Line Manager at Vertx. “The Siege Series is something new our loyal customers have been craving for years. However, we didn’t just want to replicate what’s out there; we aimed to infuse it with Vertx DNA, crafting a top-tier overt bag. Our mission? To introduce Vertx to those who haven’t yet experienced our seamless adaptability, rugged durability, and everyday functionality. And for our current customers? This is the bag you’ve been waiting for.”

The Siege Series is equipped with the Vertx DNA their customers know and trust: light-colored interior that keeps gear visible in low-light environments, high-quality abrasion-resistant materials, mesh pocketing, hook-and-loop interior, and armor compatibility. But that’s just the beginning. The Siege backpack and sling come loaded with their own unique features:

Rapid-access EDC compartments to always keep your gear quickly accessible.

Expandable front pocket faced with tough 500D laser-cut MOLLE to increase your storage capacity without compromising durability.

Spacious main compartment with built-in admin storage and double-layered tech sleeves to keep everything organized and ready for deployment.

Available in three tactical colors: Coyote, Wolf Grey, and It’s Black – these packs are as versatile as they are reliable.

“Our goal when developing the Siege Series was to provide customers with something they haven’t been able to get from Vertx before – an overt pack option – which still provides the same quality our loyal supporters have come to expect thanks to the Vertx DNA,” added Anne Thurman, VP of Product Development at Vertx. “We’re proud of the way Siege is another example of Vertx’s continued industry leadership and innovation in the EDC space.”

Siege the mission and stay Ahead of What’s Next – shop now at www.vertx.com or find the nearest Vertx dealer to experience the difference firsthand.

Posted in Advertiser, Packs, Press Release | No Comments »