GORE-TEX PYRAD

Netherlands’ RIOT Police Unit Equipped with Flame Retardant Uniforms from UF PRO

March 27th, 2024

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (22.03.2024)

UF PRO, a leading name in the tactical clothing industry, unveiled its latest flame retardant uniform designed for the Netherlands’ crowd and riot control operations during a public debut at the event held in Ossendrecht, Netherlands.

Over 3,500 Sets Deployed for Enhanced Operations

In collaboration with Gear Point, UF PRO’s distributor in the Netherlands, the National Police Services Agency (Politiedienstencentrum) has equipped their RIOT Police Unit (Mobiele Eenheid) with these advanced uniforms. The initial deployment plan includes 3,500 uniform sets for deployment in 2024.

Innovative Flame Retardant Uniforms

The newly introduced uniform system features several flame retardant (FR) components, including the Striker X FR Combat Pants, Striker X FR Combat Shirt, Delta Eagle Gen.3. FR Jacket, and Monsoon XT Gen.2 FR Rain Jacket.

Darko Radoš Roth, Sales Manager at UF PRO, expressed enthusiasm about the innovative design, stating:

“UF PRO is setting new standards in the development of crowd and riot control uniform systems with its innovative dual-use design. This design allows for a seamless transition between everyday police work and crowd and riot control without the need for changing clothes.”

Crafted for exceptional flame retardancy and breathability, the uniform systems are tailored to meet the distinct needs of crowd and riot control police units. They offer robust protection against flames and intense heat, prioritising comfort, functionality, and ease of movement.

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

UF PRO collaborates with industry leaders W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) and Schoeller Textil AG to ensure the highest quality and innovative flame retardant technology in their garment systems.

The Delta Eagle Jacket and Rain Jacket feature Gore’s innovative flame retardant PYRAD® technology, which effectively reduces heat flow through the fabric and prevents the spread of flames. Additionally, the Rain Jacket offers 100% waterproof capabilities, thanks to the GORE-TEX 3-layer waterproof and breathable laminate.

Schoeller’s pioneering pyroshell technology, found in UF PRO’s Combat Shirts and Pants, revolutionises fire safety. By transforming conventional materials into non-burning layers upon heat exposure, it provides active protection and enhances comfort. Through bonding and mixing processes, Schoeller ensures optimal flame retardancy, shielding wearers from direct flame exposure.

Rigorous Testing

All UF PRO’s FR garment systems undergo rigorous testing, including the Thermo Man test, conducted by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA). This ensures comprehensive evaluation and real-life protection against intense heat and flames. If you’re interested in learning more about the testing process for flame retardant clothing, you can find additional information here.

UF PRO’s collaboration with the Netherlands’ National Police Services Agency (Politiedienstencentrum) signifies a significant advancement in crowd and riot control uniform systems, promoting safer and more comfortable policing.

Army Futures Command Stands Up All-Domain Sensing CFT

March 27th, 2024

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – This week, Gen. James E. Rainey, commanding general of Army Futures Command, announced the stand-up of an All-Domain Sensing (ADS) Cross-Functional Team (CFT). The new CFT arrives on the heels of the successful completion of the Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing/Space (APNT/Space) CFT’s original mission.

All-domain sensing enables synchronized kinetic and nonkinetic capabilities and has been a consistent priority for Army senior leaders. It supports synchronization and optimization of intelligence collection, processing/dissemination activities and sensor-to-shooter activities. The Army must be able to see as far as it can shoot, see after it shoots, access machine-speed analytics to make informed decisions and understand the impacts of multiple effects on the battlefield.

“CFT’s are one of the indisputable successes of AFC,” Rainey said. “We identify a problem and pull a team together to solve it. The APNT/Space CFT did what we asked them to do, and the changes we are making are intended to capitalize on our success.”

The ADS CFT, located at Adelphi, Maryland, and Huntsville, Alabama, will champion four lines of effort for the Army:

• Multi-Sensor Dominance: Prioritizing, integrating and shaping Army sensor technologies, to include counter-intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting; synchronizing sensor integration and experimentation with Joint, Allied, partner and commercial entities; and developing Army sensor requirements in coordination with Army and Joint communities. 

• Sensing Architecture: Developing integrated sensing architecture that facilitates transport and access at optimal pace and scale to enable Army force projection, fires and maneuver; and supporting Joint and Allied fires and maneuver. 

• Advanced Processing and Dissemination: Identifying, shaping and exploiting advanced technologies for data processing and dissemination at the pace and scale required to execute Army Large-Scale Combat Operations and Multi-Domain Operations and enable Joint and Allied operations.

• Operational Enablers: In coordination with Capability Development and Integration Directorates and Army Capability Managers, shaping doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel and facilities (DOTMLPF-P) for sensors, electronic warfare, and positioning, navigation and timing to support and sustain Army fires and maneuver in denied and degraded environments.

“With the evolution of hard Army problems, comes the evolution of talented teams to solve them,” said Mike Monteleone, director of the ADS CFT. “Our team swiftly delivered on our last mission, proving the CFT concept is effective in accelerating capability delivery. We look forward to helping the Army and Joint enterprise converge understanding and deliver all-domain sensing solutions.”

The ADS CFT will partner closely with teams across the Army and Joint Force; requirements and architecture communities; materiel developers; test, training and experimentation facilitators; and more. The CFT is expected to reach Full Operational Capability (FOC) by the second quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Courtesy of All-Domain Sensing Cross-Functional Team.

Saab Receives Order for Carl-Gustaf from NATO Support and Procurement Agency

March 26th, 2024

Saab has received an order for the man-portable, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf® from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The order value is approximately EUR 60 million (SEK 700 million) and the contract period is 2024-2027.

The order is placed on behalf of four NATO member nations within a framework agreement between Saab and the NSPA regarding Carl-Gustaf, including ammunition and equipment.

“We are honoured that the NSPA once again has chosen our trusted, reliable and effective Carl-Gustaf system,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation, whether it is to destroy an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night operations.

The Carl-Gustaf system is supplied to more than 40 countries around the world.
Read more: www.saab.com/products/carl-gustaf-m4

Beretta Defense Technologies Expands in Asia Pacific Region – Establishing BDT New Zealand

March 26th, 2024

Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT), a leading provider of advanced firearms and defence solutions, is proud to announce the establishment of its newest entity – Beretta Defense Technologies New Zealand. This strategic expansion underscores BDT’s commitment to providing cutting-edge defence and law enforcement technology and products to customers worldwide.

BDT New Zealand will offer a comprehensive selection of products, including small arms, ammunition, optics, and support equipment, sourced from BDT’s global alliance of Beretta Holding owned companies and third-party partners. By serving as the gateway to the global BDT alliance, BDT New Zealand aims to ensure that local customers have access to the latest advancements in our defence and law enforcement technology.

“We are thrilled to expand our operations into New Zealand and look forward to bringing our world-
class defence solutions to this important market. This expansion represents an exciting opportunity for us to serve the unique needs of the New Zealand defence and law enforcement community, contributing to the country’s security objectives.”

– Slawomir Wicha, General Manager, Beretta Defense Technologies

To bolster the BDT presence and efficacy in the Australasian region, BDT New Zealand proudly collaborates with BDT Australia, forming a powerful partnership aimed at delivering comprehensive defence solutions across the region. Leveraging the combined strengths and expertise of both entities, this collaboration will ensure coordination and support for defence and law enforcement agencies in Australia and New Zealand. By combining resources, knowledge, and networks, BDT will leverage the joint relationship to benefit all customers in the region.

“BDT recognises the importance of the New Zealand market, and the necessity to understand the nuances of New Zealand requirements, which is best done by New Zealanders. This has been the determining factor in establishing BDT New Zealand.

While Australia and New Zealand are proudly independent, each with a strong culture and identity, we also have much in common, with a very strong history of collaboration particularly in a military context. As such, it makes perfect sense to collaborate, and we are excited about the prospect of working closely together, sharing our experiences for mutual benefit.

This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in the BDT global strategy, and underscores our commitment to supporting our customers throughout the region. Together, we look forward to forging strong partnerships and achieving shared success.”

– Lachlan McKenna, Director, Beretta Defense Technologies Australia & New Zealand

BDT New Zealand looks forward to reaching out to new customers, and establishing meaningful relationships throughout the New Zealand market. By actively engaging with local agencies, understanding their unique challenges, and offering tailored solutions, BDT New Zealand seeks to build partnerships with defence and law enforcement agencies to fulfil their missions effectively.

“I am thrilled to join the BDT New Zealand team, and feel my experiences gained over a couple of decades of uniformed service, both in the NZDF, and in Law Enforcement roles in Australia and New Zealand see me well positioned to have an innate understanding of our customers’ operational requirements.”

– Will Pillow, Business Development Manager, Beretta Defense Technologies New Zealand

BDT New Zealand represents a significant milestone in BDT’s global expansion strategy and reaffirms its position as a trusted partner for defence agencies worldwide. By bringing global BDT alliance products to the local market, BDT New Zealand aims to empower defence and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-challenging security landscape.

PEO Soldier Unveils SPARROW Lightweight Remote Weapon System for Robotic Systems

March 26th, 2024

PEO Soldier just released this image with the following caption:

At a recent visit to Project Manager Soldier Lethality in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, PEO Soldier BG Chris Schneider operated multiple emerging Remote Weapon Systems and Robotic platforms from Product Director Crew Served Weapons and DEVCOM Armaments Center. Pictured below, BG Schneider controls a Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) with the lightweight Remote Weapon System SPARROW. Product Director Crew Served Weapons and DEVCOM AC have been actively supporting the ongoing Human Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) effort which focuses on quickly getting deployable prototypes of autonomous and robotic systems into Infantry Brigade Combat Teams and Heavy Formations.

I’m kind of surprised to see SPARROW out in the open. In the past, it’s been pretty much hushed tones when discussed and no photos allowed. The Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) is a Vision60 by Ghost Robotics which can be used for a wide variety of tasks including reconnaissance and surveillance, communications relay, and even lethality.

Ultimately, the robot is a platform and the various payloads are added based upon the desired effect. Used in Human/Machine teams, the real advantage robots offer is that they go places we don’t want to put humans due to threats.

Developed by the Army, SPARROW is a remote weapon station which allows the mounting of various existing weapons to robots like the XM7. The gimbal-based systems seems to me to still be a bit bulky. Hopefully, they will continue to refine it. Alternatively, perhaps they will develop dedicated weapons which better integrate with the various robot hosts.

ROSE Seminar Series Featuring Lena Miculek Kicks-Off in Ohio at Vance Outdoors

March 26th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 26, 2024) – SIG SAUER will kick-off the popular 2024 ROSE Seminar Series featuring Team SIG professional shooter Lena Miculek at SIG Elite Dealer Vance Outdoors in Obetz, Ohio this Saturday, March 30, 2024.

The ROSE Seminar Series is an in-store experience tailored to women of all skill levels that encourages community and empowerment in your firearms journey featuring Team SIG Professional Shooter Lena Miculek.  The schedule for the ROSE by SIG SAUER in-store experience is as follows:

9:00am – 5:00pm: Try-before-you buy experience hosted by the SIG SAUER Training Team featuring SIG SAUER ROSE series pistols and a broad array of SIG SAUER pistols, rifles, optics, and ammunition available to try.  Additionally, SIG SAUER will host a ROSE pop-up store with exclusive ROSE branded items available for purchase.

9:00am & 1:00pm: Miculek will host two sold-out seminars at Vance Outdoors covering the how-to basics of incorporating red dot optics into your EDC routine with a product walk through of the newly released ROMEO-X COMPACT ROSE.  To join the seminar waitlist please contact the host location directly for details.

4:00pm – 5:00pm: Public in-store meet and greet and autograph session with Lena Miculek.

For specific store event information visit event information at Vance Outdoors.

The next stop on the ROSE Seminar Series is Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Keystone Shooting Center in Mars, Pennsylvania.  Registration for the event is now open.  Visit sigsauer.com for the full 2024 ROSE Seminar Series schedule.

Become a member of the ROSE Community on Facebook for continued information about the ROSE Seminar Series, get exclusive updates about the ROSE program, and be the first to know about product launches.  Access the full ROSE by SIG SAUER training series with Lena on the ROSE YouTube channel and visit sigsauer.com/rose specific product information and additional program details.

New Military Snowmobiles Launch from Polaris Government and Defense

March 26th, 2024

Minneapolis – March, 2024 – Two new military snowmobiles are launching from Polaris Government and Defense: the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155, built off the industry-leading technology and ride-enhancing upgrades of the 2025 Polaris Snowmobile lineup. Warfighters worldwide rely on Polaris Government and Defense to provide off-road, light tactical vehicles for the most austere conditions. Polaris militarized snowmobiles, or over-snow reconnaissance vehicles (OSRVs), are a critical component of the off-road arsenal for winter warfare.

“Many expeditionary forces turn to Polaris for arctic mobility, and we are committed to providing vehicles that continue to meet the ever-changing needs of their missions,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “The all-new 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 snowmobiles are engineered with the input of our longstanding snowmobile customers. Working closely with the operators that specialize in arctic operations helps ensure these next-gen OSRVs meet the standards and requirements of today’s militaries while continuing to provide exceptional maneuver capability, utility and reliable operation during harsh winter operations.”

The 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 have several modifications for the military mission:

–        Blackout Mode – a single switch instantly turns off all lights for discreet operation

–        IR Light – infrared lighting provides visibility to operators while in blackout mode

–        White Body Panels – additional white on military snowmobiles provides camouflage

–        12V outlets – power or charge hand-held electronics and other mission essentials

–        Power Boosting Regulator – automatically provides maximum electrical power at idle and low RPMs to support the 12V outlet as well as any added accessories

–        Handlebar with Mountain Hoop – the added hoop provides better operator ride angle and control

Built on the proven Matryx platform with the quick accelerating 650 Patriot engine, the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 is the most capable widetrack in Polaris history. The two-person workhorse accommodates a passenger and another 125 lbs in the cargo area, as well as a hitch to tow a trailer and an additional 1200 lbs of mission-critical supplies. A powerful winch provides 1500 lbs of capacity for vehicle recovery or to move obstacles. With an all-new, patented BackTrak20 rear suspension, high-clearance independent front suspension and Trailbreaker skis, the TITAN can climb on top of the snow better than any previous model – in forward or reverse. This model also has an articulating rail, allowing the extra-long track to hinge upwards at the back, and a removeable rear snowflap for even greater mobility in reverse. The transmission has high and low gearing for controlled power distribution and added initial engine torque for heavy loads. A cooling system with radiator keeps the TITAN’s engine temp optimized during slow speed operation, while towing heavy loads and in low-snow conditions for more reliable operation and dependability.

The new 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 is a nimble, lightweight snowmobile engineered for superior maneuverability for patrol and reconnaissance. The extended track and tapered tunnel increase the snowmobile’s performance in deep snow while a full-length cooler provides better cooling and greater reliability in marginal snow conditions. High elevation clutch calibration provides optimal operation at increased altitudes for this model, while Velocity shocks provide adjustability for varying rider and kit weight and size for greater control and precise handling.

Both snowmobiles are also equipped with durable, Polaris two-stroke engines and electric start, while also supporting manual, pull-start in extreme cold. Weight reduction and ergonomic upgrades provide added control while the advanced suspension improves handling, enhanced capability and agility. Calibrated shocks and a proven suspension architecture absorb bumps in shifting terrain to add a level of comfort to the ride while a narrow cockpit provides greater control, stability and precise navigation. To increase stealth, these two military snowmobiles are designed to blend in to snowy, arctic environmental conditions. A keyless ignition also comes standard on military models to simplify fleet operation. Orders for these military snowmobiles are open now directly through Polaris Government and Defense with production and deliveries also scheduled for this year.

Providing 70 Years of Winter Mobility

In arctic and mountainous snow-covered environments, Polaris military snowmobiles and tactical vehicles allow operators to move further and faster. The experts in winter mobility, Polaris has been making innovative snowmobiles for seven decades. Today’s snowmobiles are delivered mission-ready to military customers with confidence that all modifications have been validated by Polaris engineers. The dedicated team at Polaris Government and Defense also provides training courses to maximize operator effectiveness and ability for these specialty platforms.

Polaris Government and Defense also provides arctic mobility through its MRZR Alpha light tactical all-terrain vehicle. The MRZR Alpha transitions to cold-weather environments and terrain with the addition of an Arctic Mobility Kit. A fully enclosed cab helps protect occupants from weather conditions and environmental elements while a track conversion kit replaces each wheel with a separate track assembly providing off-road, all-terrain maneuver capability over snow, soft soil and mixed terrain. The full cab and tracks expand the environments the MRZR Alpha can operate in and increase an already wide range of terrain for which it is well-suited.

Polaris’ commercially modified platforms are air transportable, highly capable and a force multiplier for every service in the United States military and more than 60 allied countries. In addition to military snowmobiles, Polaris Government and Defense provides tactical wheeled vehicles like the MRZR, DAGOR and MV850.

Sneak Peek – DOG Leg from Shadow Tech

March 26th, 2024

I ran into HOG Saddle during last week’s vendor day at the USASOC Sniper Competition. Coming soon from Shadow Tech, the Dual Optic Grabbing (DOG) Leg. This thing is ingenious.

Essentially, it’s an erector which allows you to use your NVGs in conjunction with magnified observation devices like a spotting scope. While the DOG Leg is Picatinny and ARCA Rail compatible on one end, the other has a dovetail mount for your NVG. This set up does not require attachment of the NVG directly to the spotting scope, so there’s no threading.