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Burlington Celebrates Commissioning of State-of-the-Art Dyehouse at Raeford, NC Manufacturing Facility

July 9th, 2026

Demonstrating Significant Investment in Domestic Manufacturing and Support of the U.S. Military

RAEFORD, N.C. — July 7, 2026 — Burlington Industries (“Burlington”), a leading U.S. manufacturer of advanced textile solutions, today celebrated the commissioning of its newly modernized dyehouse at its manufacturing operation in Raeford, NC, marking a significant investment in the future of domestic textile production and the continued support of the U.S. military.

The commissioning ceremony brought together company leaders, employees, community partners, and elected officials to recognize the completion of the project and the important role the Raeford operation continues to play in America’s textile manufacturing base.

“Our Dyehouse investment demonstrates our confidence in the Raeford operation, our employees, and the critical role this facility plays in supporting those who protect our freedoms, ” said Jeffrey P. Pritchett, Chief Executive Officer of Elevate Textiles, the parent company for Burlington.

“We are proud to continue a legacy of serving the military while strengthening American manufacturing capabilities right here in North Carolina. ”

The Raeford facility produces the specialized fabrics used in military dress uniforms and remains the only U.S. manufacturer producing these fabrics domestically. The Raeford operation currently supplies fabrics supporting dress uniform programs for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and Space Force.

“As we celebrate this investment, we also celebrate the employees whose dedication and expertise have made the Raeford operation an industry leader for more than 70 years,” said Guy Lucas, President of Burlington. “Their commitment to excellence has helped ensure that military personnel across all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces receive the highest-quality uniform fabrics. This new state-of-the-art dyehouse is an investment in our future, but it is also an investment in our people, giving them the tools and technology needed to continue that tradition well into the future.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring company leaders and attending officials formally marked the commissioning of the new dyehouse. Burlington extends its sincere thanks to U.S. Representative Richard Hudson, NC Representative Garland Pierce, Raeford Mayor John K. McNeill III, Hoke County Board of Commissioners Chairman James Leach, and Hoke County Commissioner Mary Blue McCollum for their attendance and continuing support.

As Burlington looks to the future, the company remains committed to investing in its employees, supporting the communities in which it operates, and preserving critical domestic manufacturing capabilities that serve both national defense and the U.S. textile industry.

Posted in Industry, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Burlington Celebrates Commissioning of State-of-the-Art Dyehouse at Raeford, NC Manufacturing Facility

Tilak Military – Bivy Bags

July 9th, 2026

Tilak has just completed a run of their new bivy bag. These are definitely on the heavier side and designed to be reliable and durable.

Made of a three-layer material with an ePTFE-based membrane, the bottom section is seamless and shaped like a tub. It is designed for a sleeping bag, but in a pinch, it can also accommodate a sleeping pad. There is also space at the foot end for a small backpack, shoes, or spare clothes.

Left had opening with a two-way zipper covered by a flap along its entire length, so rain can’t get in.

The face section of the upper part can be fastened using three Velcro panels, or hung on a loop so it doesn’t rest on the face.

Offered in Khaki.

migbytilak.com/en-global/products/bivy-bag

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Warfighter Milestone: Soldiers Successfully Remote Fire Next Generation Obstacle Emplacement Capability Autonomous Volcano

July 9th, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Marking the latest milestone in its history, the Army has expanded the capabilities of the M139 Volcano System with the first remote firing of the Autonomous Volcano next generation obstacle emplacement capability.

The demonstration took place at Camp Grayling, MI on May 19 during three days of hands-on training and included distinguished visitors from the United Kingdom’s Assistant Head Ground Maneuver Directorate – Col. James Fern, the Engineer Commandant, Col. Tim Hudson, and Future Capabilities Director, Col. Hector Montemayor.

The Autonomous Volcano system uses the reliable M139 Volcano mine dispenser, which can lay up to 960 mines to create a barrier about 120 meters wide and 1,100 meters long. It is mounted on the Palletized Load System (PLS) A1 truck and operates with an autonomous By-Wire/Active Safety Kit.

Autonomous delivery of obstacles is a massive force multiplier that shapes the battlespace at tempo. The Autonomous Volcano systems preserves combat power by removing engineers from the danger zone and forward line of troops while simultaneously allowing multi-vehicle remote firings that enable friendly forces to disrupt the enemy before they can react. This new technology also provides digital precision by automatically logging and injecting exact obstacle coordinates directly into the Common Operating Picture for seamless joint coordination.

In the first live-fire scenario, four Soldiers from the 576th Combat Engineer Company – Armored, 4th Engineering Battalion remotely fired M88 cannisters from a M139 Volcano for the first time marking a major milestone in advanced autonomous mobility for battlefield shaping.

The second scenario highlighted the robotic autonomy of the system and consisted of emplacing two distinct fix/disrupt minefields autonomously in two separate areas simultaneously. Autonomous Volcano achieved its objective with no human interference necessary.

The M139 Volcano was developed in the 1980s during the latter years of the Cold War and consists of a Volcano dispensing system mounted on the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). The move to an autonomous variant involved integrating the system into a PLS with the Forterra autonomy stack. “Autonomous Volcano leverages low-cost modernization to turn a legacy platform into a high-yield autonomous asset – securing asymmetric overmatch and closing a critical area-denial gap,” said Col. Vinson Morris, Project Manager Close Combat Systems (PM CCS). “It’s an example of how the Army is embracing the ‘fight tonight’ concept where readiness is not a static goal but a continuous process of adaptation and improvement.”

A joint program between the Army and the UK, Autonomous Volcano exemplifies collaboration both with international partners and within the Army. Both the CPE & AE and CPE AS worked together, within PAE AS&A, to support the project by combining their expertise and bringing together vehicles managed by CPE Combat Logistics and munitions developed under the Product Manager Terrain Shaping Obstacles (PdM TSO) team within the PM CCS office.

PdM TSO worked together with U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s (DEVCOM) Armaments Center and Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), and industry partner Forterra to ensure seamless interoperability between platforms and munitions enabling enhanced operational effectiveness and streamlined logistics.

“This joint effort aligns directly with integrated deterrence. Our partnership with the UK on this development ensures seamless allied interoperability and shared Research and Development, strengthening our combined coalition posture,” said Bernie Theisen, Chief Technology Officer, DEVCOM GVSC.

By leveraging the expertise of the PAE AS&A team, the Volcano system demonstrates the Army’s ability to deliver integrated solutions that address complex battlefield requirements. This collaboration exemplifies the power of the Army Transformation Initiative.

After the successful proof-of-concept demonstration at Camp Grayling, the Autonomous Volcano program will demonstrate its capabilities at Project Convergence Capstone 6 at Fort Irwin, CA to transition from prototyping to operational testing. On July 13, Soldiers will operate the system in multiple realistic scenarios; then on 29 July it will be part of the “Best of Breed” demonstration to the Secretary of the Army.

By Michael Chambers

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Warfighter Milestone: Soldiers Successfully Remote Fire Next Generation Obstacle Emplacement Capability Autonomous Volcano

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Move Forward with ATACMS Co-Production in Europe

July 8th, 2026

ANKARA, Türkiye, July 7, 2026 – During the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Rheinmetall announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that addresses the immediate demand for locally produced munitions in Europe.

With the support of the United States and German governments, the agreement marks the next step toward establishing a joint venture to create the first European centre of excellence for the manufacturing, integration and distribution of ATACMS across NATO and allied European forces.

“This partnership marks a watershed moment for European security and allied industrial cooperation. By combining Lockheed Martin’s unmatched missile expertise with Rheinmetall’s manufacturing excellence, we’ll deliver combat-proven capabilities faster and more efficiently to our allies,” said Jay Pitman, president, Lockheed Martin International.

“Bringing ATACMS co-production to Germany is a strong signal for Europe’s defense industry and for NATO’s long-term resilience. This partnership combines proven U.S. technology with European manufacturing strength, creating industrial value in Germany while expanding the capacity allies need to meet growing security demands.” said Dennis Goege, chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin.

Armin Papperger, CEO Rheinmetall AG: “Our aim is to strengthen the defence capabilities of Germany and Europe. Together with our friends at Lockheed Martin, we are now establishing the industrial base in Germany for modern defence systems, which are in great demand by the armed forces of Europe. By establishing ATACMS production at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site, we are creating new capabilities for Germany and Europe, securing supplies for our customers and strengthening our autonomy in defence policy. We are grateful that Rheinmetall has been selected to set up and operate the world’s first and only production facility for ATACMS guided missiles outside the United States.”

Commissioned over 125 years ago, Rheinmetall’s Unterluess facility is one of the company’s most important sites. A total of about 4,000 employees work there. Its core competencies include the production of weapon systems and ammunition, as well as the development, manufacture, and maintenance of tracked vehicles. Unterluess is the largest privately owned firing range in Europe. Last year, the “Werk Niedersachsen”—one of the most modern production facilities for artillery ammunition—was put into operation. A rocket motor factory is currently nearing completion. Production of rocket motors and guided missile components is scheduled to begin as early as 2027.

By co-producing ATACMS missiles on European soil, the partnership supports local capability, increases allied deterrence and contributes to economies on both sides of the Atlantic. Backed by decades of extensive combat employment, ATACMS has consistently proven its operational effectiveness, precision, and mission reliability in high-intensity conflicts. With significant global demand for ATACMS, Lockheed Martin will continue operating its current production line in Camden, Arkansas until transition is complete.

The agreement underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to Europe, forging deep, long-term co-production ties with European industry and customers. Lockheed Martin has been a strategic partner for the defense and security of Europe for more than 75 years and remains steadfast in its support of customers and partners across the region.

Posted in International, Manufacturing, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Move Forward with ATACMS Co-Production in Europe

Prometheus Design Werx Releases the Apex Boonie Hat

July 8th, 2026

A modern refinement of the Vietnam-era RECCE boonie. Custom-milled 2-way stretch NYCO+ Ripstop. Bug-proof NoSeeUm mesh liner. Made in Vietnam, the country where the boonie hat was born.

San Francisco, CA — July 8, 2026 — Prometheus Design Werx announces the Apex Boonie Hat, a modern interpretation of a Vietnam-era field classic built on the RECCE short brim, a custom-milled 2-way stretch NYCO+ Ripstop shell, a bug-proof NoSeeUm mesh liner, and a cinching crown fit system. It’s available now for $59.00 USD, available in three colorways: Universal Field Gray, All Terrain Brown, and Ranger Green.

FROM THE JUNGLES OF VIETNAM TO THE RECCE BRIM

The boonie hat is one of those rare pieces of equipment that transcended its origins so completely that most people wearing one today have no idea where it came from. It started as improvised headwear sewn by Vietnamese tailors from salvaged parachute fabric, made its way into the field with American troops in the early 1960s, and within a decade became standard issue across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. For over half a century the design held. That kind of longevity does not happen by accident, it happens when a piece of equipment solves a problem so well that no one can improve on the core concept.

The Apex Boonie is built on the RECCE cut, a field modification born with Vietnam-era reconnaissance teams who trimmed their brim widths to improve peripheral vision during close-quarters jungle movement. It is a refinement, not a reinvention: identify what works, understand why it works, then apply contemporary materials science without losing the functional DNA that made the original essential.

THE HAT

The shell is a custom-milled 6.8oz NYCO+ Ripstop – 55% cotton, 42% high-tenacity N6 nylon, 3% spandex. The nylon delivers durability, quick-dry performance, and resistance to rot and mildew. The cotton contributes breathability and a natural hand feel. The 2-way stretch, a feature no standard boonie offers, lets the hat conform to the wearer’s head, pack flat without permanent creasing, and return to shape after being rolled into a pack or stuffed into a cargo pocket.

Ventilation runs through soft, low-profile slit vents rather than the stamped, corrosion-prone metal eyelets of the original, each backed by NoSeeUm mesh, the same fine-weave netting used in high-performance backpacking tents, to block insects while allowing airflow through the crown. The interior is finished with a synthetic micro-suede sweatband that wicks moisture and resists odor over all-day wear. A cinching crown system with custom nylon toggle locks dials in fit, and a cinching chin strap secures the hat during active movement and high wind. Classic foliage and accessory loops run the crown, with a rear loop panel for cat eyes, insignia, or reflective tape, and an interior map pocket rounds out the build.

MADE IN VIETNAM

The Apex Boonie Hat is made in Vietnam, the country where the modern boonie hat was born. The sewing workshops that produced the first locally made boonies in the 1960s established a garment manufacturing tradition that today serves the world’s leading technical outdoor and premium apparel brands. Making the Apex Boonie in Vietnam is a direct acknowledgment of that lineage; a homecoming.

SPECIFICATIONS

Materials:

– 6.8oz, 55% Cotton / 42% High Tenacity N6 Nylon / 3% Spandex NYCO+ Ripstop

– 70D Nylon Ripstop

– Poly Synthetic Micro-Suede

– Nylon NoSeeUm Mesh

– Custom Nylon Slotted Buttons and Toggle Locks

– Poly Flat Lace / T40 Nylon Thread

Features:

– Custom-Milled 2-Way Stretch Technical Ripstop Fabric

– Bug-Proof NoSeeUm Mesh Liner

– Soft, Low-Profile Slit Vents for Airflow

– Synthetic Micro-Suede Sweatband

– Cinching Crown Fit System with Chin Strap

– Interior Map Pocket

– Foliage/Accessory Loops and Rear Loop Panel for Cat Eyes, Insignia, or Reflective Tape

Sizing:

– S/M: 6.5″ – 7.375″ head circumference

– M/L: 7.375″ – 7.75″ head circumference

Get yours at prometheusdesignwerx.com/collections/instock/products/pdw-apex-boonie-hat-recce.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Guest Post | Comments Off on Prometheus Design Werx Releases the Apex Boonie Hat

XS Sights Introduces R3D 2.0 Sights for PSA’s Dagger Micro Pistol

July 8th, 2026

Fort Worth, Texas (July 7, 2026) – XS® Sights R3D 2.0 night sights are now available for Palmetto State Armory’s Dagger Micro Pistol.

Designed for self-defense, the R3D 2.0 improves target acquisition speed and accuracy in any light, taking the performance of your Dagger Micro to a new level. A traditional, 3-dot notch and post sight, the R3D 2.0 has two rear tritium dots while the front sight features a self-luminous tritium lamp surrounded by XS’s proprietary Glow Dot ring. The Glow Dot is available in green or orange to accommodate personal color preference. The dual illumination causes the front sight to glow brighter than the rear and, combined with the wide rear notch, provides more visible indexing for increased speed, precision, and accuracy.

“The R3D 2.0 is a great upgrade for everyday carry guns,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager, XS Sights. “They are easy to install, no need for filing and hammering, and the Black Nitride finish provides superior corrosion resistance making this rugged steel sight incredibly durable.”

Retail Price:

R3D 2.0 Green $128.12

R3D 2.0 Orange $128.12

XS sights are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The company also offers a 12-year illumination warranty on all tritium products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

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TacJobs – HUMINT at DIA

July 8th, 2026

Some intelligence can’t be gathered by sensors…it requires human connection.

The Defense Intelligence Agency is recruiting entry-level Human Intelligence Officers. By collecting critical source insights on foreign defense infrastructure, adversary military intent, and emerging threats, you’ll help protect U.S. forces worldwide and prevent strategic surprise.

Apply by July 12

www.dia.mil/dia-careers

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