Aquaterro

Raft Awarded Contract for Desert Sentry to Accelerate Operator-Centric AI for CENTCOM Missions

January 24th, 2026

Raft’s AI Mission System empowers CENTCOM operators with on-demand computer vision tailored to real-world missions – broad-area satellite search, distributed maritime monitoring, and counter-UxS threat detection.

MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 22, 2026 — Raft, a leading defense technology company, powering the software-driven foundation of modern warfare, has been awarded a highly competitive Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), in partnership with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), following a five-day vendor bake-off. Hosted last fall by CENTCOM, the evaluation sought cutting-edge solutions to operationalize AI on the battlefield. Raft’s win underscores its ability to rapidly deliver deployable, operator-ready technology that meets the evolving demands of the modern fight.

Raft’s AI Mission System ([R] AIMS) delivers a no-code machine learning system that puts the power of computer vision directly into the hands of operators. Raft built and deployed a fully containerized, Agentic AI platform that enables operators to train, evaluate, and deploy new Computer Vision models with confidence and verifiability—no data science background required.

“This wasn’t about building another tool,” said Shubhi Mishra, founder and CEO of Raft. “This was about rethinking how AI gets built for mission-critical environments and how we empower operators to adapt when the mission demands it. Raft exists to turn operators into super-operators, and that starts by putting AI creation directly in their hands.”

By integrating seamlessly with NGA Maven workflows, [R]AIMS enables model refresh in days—supporting key use cases like:

Satellite Broad Area Search: Quickly train gap-filler models on-the-fly to support large-scale overhead imagery tasks

Distributed Monitoring: Enable task forces like TF-59 to deploy and adapt CV models across maritime environments

Counter-UxS Threat Detection: Build computer vision to detect, label, and characterize optical threats without waiting on centralized updates

Built with Raft’s agentic AI principles at its core, the system features built-in guardrails via [R]AIMS and machine-assisted feedback loops for Responsible AI—ensuring every model is traceable, adaptable, and aligned with mission intent.

“[R]AIMS Vision enables something we’ve been chasing for years: COCOMs building their own AI at the speed of the mission,” said Bhaarat Sharma, CTO at Raft. “This is how you scale intelligence across the force—by putting tools in the hands of operators and giving them the autonomy to iterate in real time.”

[R]AIMS validates what is possible when Agentic AI moves beyond conversational interfaces to deliver autonomous, operator-controlled computer vision that adapts at mission speed. Operators rapidly created new gap-filler models for unplanned ISR scenarios—without needing data scientists on call. The system even handled optical threat detection and object tracking in real time, including NITF and other complex formats. [R]AIMS is now positioned for rapid expansion across combatant commands, supporting faster intelligence cycles, better decision-making, and real-time adaptation on the battlefield.

For more information about Raft, visit www.teamraft.com.

Streamlight Launches the ProTac Rail Mount VIR Pro

January 24th, 2026

Multi-Fuel Long Gun Light Provides Both White and IR Illumination

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 23, 2026Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac® Rail Mount VIR PRO, a gun-mounted tactical light featuring up to 1,100 lumens of visible white light and an infrared (IR) LED. The new light is designed to securely fit all long guns with MIL-STD-1913 or M-LOK® and M-LOK compatible rails.

The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO enables users to easily toggle between bright white and IR light via the head-mounted switch, allowing first responders to illuminate a target for identification while remaining undetected. A built-in cutoff prevents accidental visible light activation while in IR mode, guaranteeing stealth and control.

The light’s Jack-Cap® tail cap switch provides switch redundancy, offering a choice between push-button or remote pressure switch operation. A TEN-TAP®programmable switch allows users to select one of three different programs: white light high only/IR high only (default); white light medium only/IR high-low; or white light low-high/IR low-high.

“The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO provides shooting enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel and tactical users alike with a flexible lighting tool that has both visible white light and IR illumination,” said Streamlight President Michael F. Dineen. “It’s an essential tool for both covert and overt operations.”

The new light is powered by two CR123A lithium batteries or a single Streamlight SL-B26 lithium ion USB rechargeable battery pack that recharges in five hours. Featuring high, medium and low settings, the white LED provides up to 1,100 lumens and 40,000 candela over a 400-meter beam distance on high and 120 lumens, 4,200 candela and a 130-meter beam distance on low. For IR lighting, the ProTac Rail Mount VIR Pro uses a 940nm IR LED, which emits 2,300mW on high and 600 mW on low.

Run times range from 1.5 hours (high) to 11 hours (low) when using CR123A batteries, and from 2 hours (high) to 14 hours (low) with the SL-B26 battery pack. The IR light runs up to 7.25 hours using CR123A batteries and up to 9 hours with the SL-B26 battery.

The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO has an ambidextrous momentary/steady on-off switch. Its rail clamp securely attaches to rifles, carbines, and submachine guns with a MIL-STD-1913 rail or with the included M-LOK mount, allowing for alternative mounting options to M-LOK and M-LOK compatible rail systems.

The light is constructed from 6000 Series machined aircraft aluminum, with a black anodized finish. It measures 5.65 inches in length and weighs 8.2 ounces with two CR123A batteries and 8.8 ounces with an SL-B26 rechargeable battery pack. The new light uses a high temperature, shock-mounted, impact-resistant BOROFLOAT® glass lens. 

Featuring extensively live-fire tested construction, the ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO is IPX7 rated for waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes with the standard push button switch installed. It is IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation when using the remote pressure switch. The ProTac RM VIR PRO has an MSRP of $400.00, while a USB version of the light has an MSRP of $418.00. Both come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. 

US Army, Polish Land Forces Conduct Operation Winter Falcon 2026

January 24th, 2026

OLESZNO, Poland — Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, conducted an armored live-fire exercise and technology demonstrations during Operation Winter Falcon 26 at the Drawsko Combat Training Center in Oleszno, Jan. 13.

The event demonstrated how modern military operations rely on integrating multiple systems, including unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS capabilities, to strengthen defensive capabilities. The demonstration reflected how the United States and its NATO allies are modernizing to reinforce defenses in Poland and across the alliance.

Polish and U.S. forces fired their M1A2 Abrams tanks side by side on the firing line. This marked the first time Polish forces fired their M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks alongside U.S. forces, demonstrating both the platform’s firepower and the coordination among partner nations. The commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, Army Col. Matthew Kelley, emphasized the importance of communication when building relationships to deliver interoperability.

“We train to be ready for anything that might happen in the future,” Kelley said. “There is no way you could do that on your own.”

The commander also spoke about the importance of training in Poland and the value it brings to his troops.

“The strength of our allies together is how we demonstrate that resolve, that commitment, and you’ve [got to] do that in the place you may have to defend,” he said.

“After the live-fire exercise, a static display of UASs featured drones that can provide reconnaissance for ground and armored forces and engage enemy vehicles while the pilot remains in a secure position.

Polish vehicles, such as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the AH-64D Apache helicopter, were displayed alongside U.S. technology systems to counter opposing UAS.

The static display illustrated how both UAS and counter-UAS systems complement armored platforms such as the Abrams by providing reconnaissance, identifying potential threats at a distance and preventing adversaries from locating friendly forces.

When presented together, the systems demonstrated the growing role of UAS and counter-UAS technologies in reinforcing NATO’s defensive posture along Poland’s eastern region.

Operation Winter Falcon 26 underscored the importance of innovation for NATO’s armed forces in modern military operations. By linking armored elements, such as the Abrams tank, with UAS, U.S. and NATO forces demonstrated how coordinated technologies enhance readiness and strengthen overall defense.

PFC Andre Gremillion Jr

DryStick Launches Practical, Reusable Dryfire Targets

January 23rd, 2026

DryStick™ Targets announces the release of a new line of reusable adhesive dryfire targets built for shooters who value simplicity, consistency, and foundational skill development.

Designed without unnecessary features or tech, DryStick™ gives firearm owners a clean, reliable way to practice sight alignment, transitions, and trigger control in any environment.

Each DryStick™ target uses a repositionable adhesive that sticks to most smooth surfaces and removes cleanly without residue. Shooters can build a functional training setup in seconds using doors, cabinets, walls, garages, or other flat surfaces, making meaningful dryfire practice accessible regardless of space or experience level.

“The mission of DryStick™ is to promote safety and proficiency for all firearm users,” said Joe Thomson, founder of DryStick™.

“Dry fire has played a huge role in my own development as a shooter, and I created DryStick™ so others can get the same effective reps without needing complicated equipment or a tedious set up process.”

As DryStick™ continues to grow, the company plans to offer custom target options including high-resolution photo targets, wholesale programs for organizations, agencies, and retailers, and full-size shoot-house targets that function just like the current dryfire line.

Key Features:

  • Repositionable & reusable — adheres cleanly and removes cleanly
  • Scaled silhouettes for realistic visual processing
  • Fast, no-hardware setup on almost any smooth surface
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Purpose-built for foundational dryfire principles

DryStick™ Targets are available now at DryStickTargets.com.

CTOMS Launches X-Belt Padding System Gen III

January 23rd, 2026

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – January 22, 2026 – CTOMS Inc. is excited to announce the launch of the X-Belt™ Padding System (PS) Gen III, the latest advancement to their classic low-profile, high-performance battle belt.

The X-Belt PS Gen III is a streamlined outer duty belt with laser-cut MOLLE, designed for maximum comfort under full operational loads while being lighter and more durable than previous generations. Its low-profile padding is hook-and-loop adjustable, allowing a precise fit across a range of waist sizes and seasonal/operational clothing layers.

The X-Belt PS Gen III integrates seamlessly with CTOMS’ mission-adaptive MGTD™ belt and harness systems. As the outer belt, it pairs with either the M3 Inner Belt or M3 Rigger’s Belt, enabling rapid donning of the M3 Harness Assembly without removing the belt. This allows operators to quickly upscale from a standard duty belt to a fully integrated harness for vertical operations.

Configure your complete MGTD™ system using the kit builders:

Rigger Belt System Kit Builder

M3 Belt System Kit Builder

For more information and to order, visit www.ctomsinc.com.

SHOT Show 26 – Crye Precision G3 Cut Resistant (CR) Combat Shirt & Pant

January 23rd, 2026

Developed for the British Prison Service, the CR variant of the G3 uniform offers ISO 13997 Level D/EN 388 Level 2 cut resistance using high-performance, Dyneema-blended jersey material in key areas such as groin, thighs, chest. and underarms. Additionally, the ensemble integrates the new AIRFLEX pads.

Offered in sizes:

Shirts: XS – 3XL in short – x long lengths

Pants: 26 – 46 in short – x long lengths

Black and Grey colors.

SHOT Show 26 – SureFire XC3 Sub Weapon Light

January 23rd, 2026

The SureFire XC3 Sub weapon light is powered by an included SFRCR123 rechargeable lithium battery, generating 1,000 lumens of white light and 13,000 candela shaped by a parabolic reflector for positive target identification up to 228 meters in low-light environments.

www.surefire.com/xc3-sub-weaponlight

SHOT Show 26 – Arc’teryx PRO Tactician Uniforms

January 23rd, 2026

Arc’teryx PRO gave us a preview of the upcoming Tactician series of combat uniforms.

They will be offered in non melt/no drip AR weight as well as an SV version for severe weather.

Details coming this spring.