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Marines Participate in Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course

April 17th, 2026

U.S. Marines participated in the Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course (ARFIOC) 26-1 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, Feb. 26, 2026, led by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command (MARCENT) and sponsored by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). A program focused on advancing signals intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities in support of operational forces.

ARFIOC builds on foundational Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) training by providing intermediate to advanced instruction in electromagnetic spectrum awareness, radio frequency theory, signal identification, signal characterization, and advanced geolocation techniques. The course is designed to refine technical proficiency and prepare Marines to operate in complex and contested electromagnetic environments.

Originally developed during the 2015 Marine Corps SIGINT Strategy Working Group, ARFIOC addresses training gaps identified during pre-deployment cycles and has been hosted by MARCENT since Fiscal Year 2017. In Fiscal Year 2026, CENTCOM adopted ARFIOC as a training platform to support deploying SIGINT units.

The course progresses through foundational instruction, individual skills development, advanced operator training, and culminates in a complex, live radio frequency scenario known as the Culminating Exercise (CULEX). Throughout the evolution, Marines operate in a layered electromagnetic environment replicating pacing threat conditions and are challenged with tactical and operational problem sets.

Training events include multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance, signal reconnaissance target development, static and mobile SIGINT operations, and contingency response scenarios such as Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) missions in contested environments. These exercises require distributed teams to detect, analyze, and geolocate signals while maneuvering and adapting to changing conditions.

“ARFIOC is about sharpening the skills that directly impact operational readiness,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Rafael Alcala, ARFIOC course director. “Our Marines are learning to operate confidently in contested electromagnetic environments and provide commanders with timely, relevant intelligence. That level of technical competence and adaptability is critical to success in today’s operational landscape.”

ARFIOC incorporates both digital and analog signal sets, frequency-agile communications, high-frequency targeting, and advanced direction-finding techniques to mirror modern operational challenges. Written and practical evaluations measure student progression and provide feedback to continuously refine the program of instruction. In addition to strengthening tactical proficiency, ARFIOC serves as a venue to test emerging technologies and inform future SIGINT training requirements. By advancing individual expertise and reinforcing unit readiness, the course prepares Marines to support commanders in competition and conflict across the electromagnetic spectrum.

“This course has honestly been one of the best training opportunities I’ve had,” said Cpl. Coby Prociw, a student in ARFIOC 26-1. “It forces you to think and adapt in real time instead of just going through the motions. The scenarios feel real, and it’s definitely making me more confident and better prepared for when we have to do this outside of training.”

With ARFIOC 26-1 complete, course leadership continues refining the program of instruction based on student performance and operational feedback to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with evolving mission requirements. The next iteration of ARFIOC is tentatively planned for fall 2026, continuing the effort to advance Marine Corps signals intelligence readiness and prepare the joint force for future operational demands.

Story by Ruben Cordero 

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Photos by Sgt. Angela Wilcox 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command

Posted in CEMA, Guest Post, Training, USMC | Comments Off on Marines Participate in Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course

Sapient Perception Secures €2M to Advance 10K Sensor Systems for Mission-Critical UAV Operations

April 16th, 2026

Software-defined cameras and AI framework expands drone coverage 100x, with deployments planned for frontline operations in Ukraine and other contested environments

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 14, 2026 — Sapient Perception ApS, which builds physical AI sensor systems for UAVs, has raised a €2M pre-seed round co-led by Balnord and FORWARD.one. The Danish startup will utilize the capital to accelerate development of the company’s software-defined cameras and AI framework that enable mission-critical decision-making and autonomy through large area perception. The round will also assist in growing its engineering team, and supporting initial deployments with customers across the defense, security, and emergency response industries.

Founded by Anthony Garetto (CEO), Lau Norgaard (CTO), and Michael Messerschmidt (CBO), Sapient Perception is focused on solving a fundamental visibility challenge in modern UAV operations. Drones capture more images and data than ever, but bandwidth limitations force a tradeoff between imaging coverage and resolution. Operators are constantly switching views to compensate.

Sapient addresses this problem with first-of-its-kind 10K sensors that cover up to 100 times larger areas than conventional sensors at the same detailed resolution in a single frame. Meanwhile, its novel edge processing pipeline enables actionable insights from enhanced imaging to be delivered onboard in real-time with whatever AI models are preferred by operators. By overcoming constraints related to bandwidth, latency, and human cognitive overload, Sapient Perception unlocks autonomous operational capabilities that were previously inaccessible in time-critical environments.

“In mission-critical situations, the ability to make fast, informed decisions determines outcomes,” said Anthony Garetto, CEO and co-founder of Sapient Perception. “Our perception layer enables persistent situational awareness through a far wider lens, while delivering the important details to operators in real time. Having this whole picture means decisive action can be taken faster and with a higher level of confidence.”

The company is already working with Dropla Tech to integrate Sapient’s large area perception sensors into UAVs designed to fly low and ahead of military convoys. Sapient’s imaging will feed into Dropla Tech’s Blue Eyes platform, which is being used today by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence to process real-time drone video to detect ambush drones and landmines along supply routes near Ukraine’s front lines. Sapient is also working with partners deploying its sensors on high-altitude platforms, including stratospheric systems for wide-area ISR, highlighting the flexibility of its perception layer to customers, system integrators, and industrial partners across Europe and North America.

The investment from Balnord and FORWARD.one reflects growing demand for edge-based intelligence as operational complexity and the criticality of advanced sensors increase across defense and security domains.

“Modern defense and security operations are not taking advantage of the most advanced sensors and the vast data they generate,” said Jarek Pilarczyk, Partner at Balnord. “Sapient Perception addresses this challenge with a highly differentiated edge AI approach that we believe will become foundational to next-generation systems.”

“In the environments Sapient Perception serves, every second matters. Their technology turns high-quality sensor data into real-time insights at the edge, enabling 100× greater coverage than today’s systems. It’s a clear step change — built by a team that knows how to move fast and deliver,” added Cailin Greiner, Investment Manager at FORWARD.one.

Posted in AI / ML, Drone, International, Press Release, Sensors | No Comments »

US Army Best Ranger Competition Integrates Live Drone Threats in Historic First, Selects Powerus’ Tandem Defense Matrix-T for Targets

April 16th, 2026
  • Elite 75th Ranger Regiment teams train against real one-way attack drone threats using Powerus-backed Matrix-T platforms
  • Powerus recently announced a proposed merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: AGH), positioning Powerus to become publicly traded upon completion

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. and FORT MOORE, Ga., April 15, 2026 — The battlefield has changed, and now, so has the U.S. Army’s toughest competition.

Powerus, through its wholly owned subsidiary Tandem Defense LLC, today announced that the Matrix-Ttarget drone was selected and successfully fielded for the inaugural “Last Line of Defense” training lane at the 42nd Annual U.S. Army David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition (April 10-12, 2026).

This marked the first time live FPV drones were integrated into the competition, introducing a new “Last Line of Defense” scored training lane in which elite Army Ranger teams were forced to detect, track, and destroy fast-moving aerial targets with direct fire from their service rifles. The addition of FPV target drones gave America’s premier Rangers realistic, high-fidelity training against modern one-way attack-drone threats, using an American-made FPV solution from Powerus.

The Matrix-T is a purpose-built small FPV target drone engineered specifically for U.S. military counter-drone training. It accurately replicates the speed, agility, and flight behavior of operational enemy FPV systems, mirroring modern battlefield warfare, and allowing U.S. troops to practice defeating dynamic aerial threats with service rifles when electronic warfare layers are degraded or unavailable. With top speeds up to 130 mph and 2 kg payload capacity, the Matrix-T delivers authentic threat emulation in a rugged, repairable, low-cost package.

Elite Validation and Proven Performance Under Extreme Conditions

The Best Ranger Competition is one of the most demanding tests of soldier performance in the U.S. Army. This year’s winners from the 75th Ranger Regiment demonstrated exceptional adaptability and precision under pressure.

Powerus and Tandem Defense supplied multiple Matrix-T drones to support approximately 40 elite Ranger teams. Only five drones were expended across the entire high-intensity event and rehearsals. Leveraging the innovative solder-free Matrix Architecture (developed by Tandem Defense), downed drones were rapidly diagnosed, repaired, and returned to flight using only a single screwdriver. This field repairability reduces the average cost-per-engagement for U.S. soldiers’ training, offering a dramatically more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable foreign systems.

The Matrix T performance underscores a critical reality: success on tomorrow’s battlefield will depend on the ability to counter drone threats at the individual soldier level.

Advancing American Military Readiness

By integrating the Matrix-T, the Best Ranger Competition set a new standard for counter-UAS training: shifting from static targets to fast-moving, realistic aerial threats that mirror those faced on today’s battlefields. Selecting a domestic, repairable platform reduces reliance on foreign supply chains and empowers soldiers to maintain their own training assets with minimal logistics support. The Matrix-T drones delivered realistic threat profiles, including: High-speed FPV attack runs, unpredictable maneuvering, and real-world engagement distances.

This forced competitors to adapt in real time, just as they would when layered counter-UAS defenses fail, and the individual soldier becomes the final line of defense.

“Matrix-T gives soldiers a low-cost way to train for the real fight,” said Brett Velicovich, founder of Powerus. “If you’re not training against realistic FPV drone threats, you’re not ready for today’s battlefield.”

Powerus congratulates the winners of the 2026 Best Ranger Competition: Sgt. Drew Schorsch and Spc. Caleb Godbold from the 75th Ranger Regiment. Their triumph, which is the Regiment’s sixth consecutive victory, exemplifies the skill and adaptability of America’s elite light infantry. The strong performance across all teams in the new drone defense lane further demonstrates the growing importance of realistic, hands-on counter-drone training.

Availability

The Matrix-T target drones are available for immediate purchase and ready to ship to U.S. military and allied units building or expanding counter-drone training programs. Units receive preprogrammed and pre-tuned systems, providing a reliable, fully domestic, and highly maintainable solution for preparing warfighters against proliferating one-way attack drones. Learn more at www.power.us or www.tandemdefense.com.

About Powerus
Powerus builds and scales unified autonomous systems architecture designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-risk environments. The company is building next-generation autonomous drone infrastructure and technologies for defense and critical infrastructure, positioning Powerus to support the rapidly expanding global demand for AI-enabled autonomy, defense systems, and modern battlefield capabilities. Production is scaled through U.S.-based manufacturing and strategic partners to support mission requirements. For more information, visit www.power.us.

Posted in Army, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

Introducing the Legionary 22: A Lightweight .22LR Suppressor

April 16th, 2026

Built for Practical Performance

The Legionary 22 is the newest rimfire suppressor from Warrior Systems Manufacturing. Designed specifically for .22 LR platforms, it focuses on what most shooters actually care about: low weight, effective sound reduction, simple maintenance, and long-term durability.

Designed for .22 LR Platforms

The Legionary 22 is purpose-built for rimfire rifles and pistols. Instead of adapting a larger suppressor design, this model was engineered specifically around the performance and size requirements of .22 LR firearms.

The result is a suppressor that stays compact, performs consistently, and doesn’t add unnecessary weight to lightweight rimfire setups.

Lightweight and Compact

Weight and balance matter on a rimfire platform. The Legionary 22 weighs just 3.5 ounces and features a 1-inch diameter, making it well-suited for both rifles and pistols without affecting handling.

The body is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum and finished with a Type III hardcoat anodized black treatment for strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term wear durability.

Effective Sound Reduction

The Legionary 22 reduces sound levels to approximately 114.10 decibels, providing a noticeable reduction compared to unsuppressed rimfire shooting.

This makes it a practical option for:

  • Rimfire target shooting
  • Small-game hunting
  • Training with .22 LR platforms
  • Low-noise shooting environments

The goal was straightforward: effective suppression without unnecessary bulk or complexity.Built for Easy Maintenance Rimfire suppressors require regular cleaning due to heavy fouling. The Legionary 22 is designed to make maintenance simple and predictable.

The baffle stack is not timed, which allows the suppressor to be disassembled and cleaned without worrying about alignment during reassembly. This makes routine maintenance faster and more straightforward—especially for high?volume rimfire shooters.

Cleaning is recommended after approximately 300 rounds to maintain consistent performance over time. The suppressor ships with everything needed for installation and basic maintenance, including:

  • Direct thread end cap
  • 1/2×28 thread compatibility
  • 7/8 wrench
  • Instruction manual

Specifications

  • Caliber: .22 LR
  • Weight: 3.5 oz
  • Diameter: 1 inch
  • Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
  • Finish: Type III hardcoat anodized black
  • Thread Pitch: 1/2×28
  • Included: Suppressor, direct thread end cap, 7/8 wrench, instruction manual

New Arrival

The Legionary 22 is now available with an MSRP of $189.99.

For shooters looking for a lightweight, purpose-built rimfire suppressor that focuses on performance rather than unnecessary features, the Legionary 22 delivers exactly what it was designed to do.

Posted in Press Release, Suppressors | No Comments »

AV Introduces MAYHEM 10: Multi-Role Launched Effects System at AAAA 2026

April 16th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. — April 15, 2026 — AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced the debut of MAYHEM 10, a groundbreaking, multi-role launched effects system purpose-built for deployment from air, ground, and maritime platforms.  

MAYHEM 10 is an autonomous, multi-role launched effects system that delivers significant operational versatility with a modular payload that supports interchangeable lethal and non-lethal effects—including intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, communications relay, and precision strike—tailored to specific mission requirements and adaptable as operational conditions change. 

“MAYHEM 10 sets a new standard for operational versatility and survivability on the modern battlefield,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “By integrating advanced autonomy, multi-domain payloads, and rapid adaptability, we empower our forces to sense, disrupt, and strike with precision—even in the most contested environments. This breakthrough allows commanders to extend their reach, accelerate decision-making, and maintain superiority without putting crews or high-value assets at unnecessary risk.” 

Developed on the heritage of AV’s Switchblade® family and designed for demanding, contested environments, MAYHEM 10 boasts a 10-pound (4.5 kg) payload capacity, up to 100 km operational range, 50 minutes of endurance, and readiness for assembly and launch in less than five minutes.  

Built using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the system supports seamless upgrades, third-party payload integration, and unified control through AV’s Tomahawk Grip controller and AV_Halo™ COMMAND interface, empowering networked, distributed, and scalable employment alone or in collaborative swarms to execute multiple effects in parallel and adapt quickly to evolving threats and mission needs. 

“MAYHEM 10 changes how forces generate combat power by enabling collaborative swarm operations at scale,” said Brian Young, Senior Vice President of Loitering Munitions at AV. “Operators can employ multiple systems to work collaboratively—expanding coverage, overwhelming defenses, and executing synchronized effects across the battlespace—without increasing platform risk or force concentration.” 

MAYHEM 10 features a removeable forward modular payload for rapid integration of third-party payloads to enhance mission flexibility. Its self-contained launcher supports flexible deployment across dismounted, mobile ground, air-mounted and vehicle-mounted operations.  

Advanced autonomy is powered by an AI-driven processor and enables effective operations in contested and denied environments, with resilience to jamming, spoofing, and navigation-denied conditions. Secure navigation and communication are facilitated by M-Code GPS and Silvus datalink, while a MANET secure mesh network ensures robust command-and-control links with a 25-40 km link range.  

Key features of the MAYHEM 10. 

Multi-Platform Extended Standoff: Deployable from air, ground, and maritime platforms, MAYHEM 10 extends host-platform standoff by enabling threat detection and engagement at range—pushing sensing and effects 100+ km forward while reducing risk to crews and high-value assets. 

One System, Multiple Effects: A single MAYHEM 10 supports configurations for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare/disruption, deception/decoy, communications relay, and precision strike with up to 10 lbs of tailorable nonlethal or lethal payloads—without changing launch concepts.  

Scalable, Coordinated Effects: Employ MAYHEM 10 individually or in collaborative swarms to expand coverage, overwhelm or confuse defenses, and execute multiple effects in parallel—without concentrating forces or crewed platforms. 

Autonomy for Contested Environments: AI-enabled autonomy allows MAYHEM 10 to maintain mission effectiveness through jamming, spoofing, degraded communications, and denied navigation, reducing reliance on continuous operator control and operator burden. 

Built to Adapt and Evolve: A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-based, interoperable architecture enables rapid payload integration, autonomy upgrades, and system employment keeping MAYHEM 10 aligned with evolving threats, networks, and priorities. 

Posted in Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

FN Enters Optic Market with Groundbreaking Red Dot

April 16th, 2026

(McLean, VA  – April 16, 2026) FN America, LLC has announced the launch of the FN PUREVIEW™, a new pistol-mounted red dot sight that uses advanced holographic technology powered by ImageGuide® to improve aiming performance. This system projects the dot in a way that keeps it aligned with the user’s line of sight, resulting in a clearer image with less distortion and more accurate shooting.

“FN is known for delivering innovation and professional-grade products, and the FN PUREVIEW now brings the performance FN is known for to the optics market,” said John Ryan, Director of Product Management for FN America, LLC. “Born from FN’s expertise designing optics-ready pistols and advanced aiming systems under our FN E-NOVATION product line, this new optic allows us to deliver a lighter, clearer, and more rugged solution.”

Unlike traditional optics, the FN PUREVIEW uses this holographic approach instead of standard curved lenses, helping users see a sharper image and aim more confidently, even under pressure or in fast-moving situations.

The optic is also designed to be lightweight and compact, weighing about 25% less than similar enclosed sights. This helps maintain the natural handling of the pistol while still offering strong protection against dirt, debris, and impact.

Built with durable materials such as aluminum and titanium, the FN PUREVIEW is made to withstand tough conditions. It is waterproof, fog-resistant, and able to operate at extreme temperatures ranging from -40°F to 126°F. Even if the lens becomes damaged, the dot remains visible and usable.

The FN PUREVIEW includes several user-friendly features:

  • Automatic brightness adjustment with 14 settings, including options for night vision and bright daylight
  • Motion-sensing technology that turns the optic on when moved and conserves battery when not in use
  • Easy-to-use controls with clear tactile feedback
  • A top-loading battery compartment for quick replacement without removing the optic

“Holographic projection is highly complex to develop, but we’ve successfully adapted it for use on a pistol,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols at FN America, LLC. “The result is a clearer sight picture and improved accuracy, especially at longer distances, giving users real-world performance benefits.”

The sight is compatible with FN pistol models designed for optics, including the FN 509®, FN 510®, FN 545®, and FN Five-seveN®.

The FN PUREVIEW will be showcased at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston and is expected to be available for purchase later this year.

ImageGuide is a registered trademark of Creative Micro Systems Corp. and is used with permission.

Posted in NRA, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4

April 16th, 2026

New open-top magazine pouch combines integrated clamping system with MOLLE compatibility for Rapid Tactical Access.

Knoxville, Tenn. (April 2026) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, a purpose-built open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment. Designed for operators and shooters who demand both speed and reliability, the pouch features an inserted plastic clip that holds M4 magazines firmly in place while allowing rapid insertion and removal under pressure. Elastic side compression and an elastic cord closure provide additional retention and adaptability across varying magazine sizes.

The TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4 is particularly well-suited for belt carry and is compatible with both 2-inch (5mm) belts and MOLLE systems via reverse MOLLE attachment that requires two MOLLE loops, making it a strong option for use as a magazine return pouch. A removable 3D polymer pull tab further streamlines one-handed reloads.

Constructed from CORDURA® 700 den fabric (Multicam in 500 den), the single-capacity pouch weighs 4.2 oz/120g and measures 5.1 x 3.15 x 1 in. / 13 x 8 x 2.5 cm. It is available in black, olive, and coyote for an MSRP of $49.95. Multicam is available at an MSRP of $59.95.

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | No Comments »

Introducing the Reptilia Extendo and AR10 Puller

April 16th, 2026

Hillsborough, NC – Reptilia expands its lineup of purpose-built firearm accessories with the release of two new products: the EXTENDO AUS™ Offset Extension and the PULLER Ambidextrous Charging Handle for AR10-pattern rifles. Both products are engineered to address real-world performance challenges while maintaining the brand’s focus on low-profile design, durability, and system integration.

The EXTENDO is designed to work with all Reptilia AUS Offset Mounts, increasing standoff by 0.4 inches to provide additional clearance for optics with larger windage turrets. This added offset ensures a clear, unobstructed sight picture when running magnified optics that may otherwise interfere with offset red dot visibility. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and weighing just 6 grams, the EXTENDO delivers this added functionality with minimal impact to overall system weight or footprint. Installation is streamlined using the included 0.875” mounting screws, allowing seamless integration into existing AUS™ configurations.

Also launching is the PULLER Ambidextrous Charging Handle for AR10 platforms, a low-profile, high-strength upgrade designed for consistent and reliable manipulation from either side. Purpose-built for larger-frame rifles, the PULLER features ambidextrous geometry that supports a wide range of shooting styles while maintaining smooth, controlled operation under speed or adverse conditions. Its anti-snag profile minimizes interference without sacrificing leverage, ensuring confident, repeatable handling.

Both products are machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with MIL-STD Type III, Class 2 hardcoat anodizing for long-term durability in demanding environments. The EXTENDO and PULLER are available in Black and Flat Dark Earth finishes.

Like all Reptilia products, both are 100% made in the USA and backed by a full lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

The EXTENDO AUS Offset Extension and PULLER Charging Handle for AR10 platforms are available now at reptiliacorp.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

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