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Iris Technology and Ultralife Pair Power HIVE Mission Power Node with High-Capacity UBI-2590 Battery to Address Tactical Edge Energy Demands

May 15th, 2026

Power HIVE is optimized around Ultralife’s UBI-2590 UBBL13-01 battery while maintaining compatibility with the broader BB-2590 battery family — delivering regulated, field-usable mission power at the tactical edge.

IRVINE, CA, May 6, 2026 — Dismounted and expeditionary teams are being asked to power more from the same limited battery pool. Radios, UAV controllers, counter-UAS systems, sensors, compute, and networking gear are all adding demand at the tactical edge. The problem is no longer just battery capacity. It is how units manage, regulate, recharge, and distribute that energy in the field without adding unnecessary hardware, complexity, or manual power management to already overburdened teams.

THE PARTNERSHIP

Iris Technology is developing its Power HIVE — Hub for Integrated Versatile Energy — mission power node to help close that gap and is optimizing the platform around Ultralife’s high-capacity UBI-2590 UBBL13-01 battery while maintaining compatibility with the broader BB-2590 battery family.

The pairing is straightforward: Ultralife’s UBI-2590 delivers 288Wh of energy, flexible 15V/30V operation, SMBus communication, rugged military construction, and integrated state-of-charge visibility. Power HIVE extends the operational utility of that battery platform by combining multiple BB-2590 class batteries into a regulated, field-usable mission power node — providing reliable 28V distribution, simultaneous load support and charging, hot-swap capability, and real-time telemetry across the full battery stack.

The result is a BB-2590 class power architecture purpose-built for the distributed equipment demands of the tactical edge.

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES

“Power HIVE is built around a simple idea: the BB-2590 should become more than a battery carried in a box. By optimizing Power HIVE around Ultralife’s high-capacity UBI-2590 while maintaining compatibility with other BB-2590 class batteries, we can give military users a smarter, regulated mission power node using a battery format they already understand and trust.”

— Mike Stein, Vice President, Tactical • Iris Technology

“Ultralife’s UBI-2590 battery was designed for rugged military applications where energy density, flexible voltage, and reliable battery communication matter. Power HIVE gives us a practical way to show how high-capacity BB-2590 batteries can support broader tactical power architectures.”

— Mike Manna, President and CEO, Ultralife Corporation

DEVELOPMENT STATUS & SOF WEEK 2026

The initial effort is focused on customer demonstrations and field feedback around BB-2590 class mission power applications. Prototype units are already in test and evaluation, with additional configurations planned as part of Iris Technology’s broader power management roadmap.

Power HIVE will be on display at SOF Week 2026, Booth 755, as part of Iris Technology’s broader portfolio of tactical power management solutions.

ABOUT IRIS TECHNOLOGY

Iris Technology is a 40-year precision engineering firm delivering mission-critical power, data, and control systems for the U.S. military, SOCOM, and DoD prime contractors. CMMC Level 2 certified and AS9100D registered, Iris Tactical products are fielded across Army, SOF, and NATO programs. From 1W dismounted to 10kW vehicle-mounted, Iris builds the power architecture that keeps missions running when the environment is trying to stop them. Power HIVE is optimized around Ultralife’s UBI-2590 UBBL13-01 battery platform.

Posted in Power, Press Release, SOF Week | No Comments »

Safariland Releases the New HOLLE Duty Belt System

May 15th, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –?Safariland® a brand of?The?Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands, has announced the launch of the new HOLLE™ Duty Belt system, a new space-optimizing lightweight load-carrying duty platform.

The HOLLE™ Duty Belt is a next-generation belt that combines a traditional profile, finish and buckle selection with an integrated, precision-mounted load-carrying system. Designed for consistency, stability and long-term wear, HOLLE™ allows duty accessories to be mounted, adjusted or repositioned without the need for keepers or threading pouches onto the belt. While maintaining a professional appearance, the belt’s optimized mounting pattern ensures secure accessory retention, reduced movement and repeatable placement.

“Safariland is proud to introduce HOLLE as an innovative system created for seamless integration between belts and accessories,” said Greg Freeman, vice president and general manager of Safariland Duty Gear. “We developed this platform to deliver enhanced durability and versatility, giving those who wear it the flexibility they demand without compromising uniform standards.”

With minimal unusable space at the belt overlap, improved interaction with liner belts and broad compatibility across Safariland duty and tactical accessories, HOLLE™ offers a versatile platform that supports evolving loadouts. Available in buckled (Sam Browne, Coplok™, Cobra®) and buckleless configurations, HOLLE™ is supported by a growing ecosystem of purpose-built accessories designed for durability, ergonomic setup and operational flexibility.

Features:

Pouch addition and removal without having to unthread other accessories or buckles
Reduced long-term sag on pouches from duty wear
¾” incremental accessory placement adjustment
Compatible with existing Safariland tactical accessories, including ELS, QLS and TQP
All 4-hole HOLLE™ pouches mount vertical or horizontal
Hard-mounted QUBL2, VUBL2 and CUBL2 holster belt mounts, with CUBL2 available in mid and hi-ride, with higher pull strength than traditional mounting
Reduced hook-and-loop interior interference for stronger liner belt engagement
Full accessory line including dump pouch and cantable closed and open top single mag pouches
Existing duty accessories with traditional belt loops can slide onto belt
Specific HOLLE™ belt keepers available that hard mount to belt, helping eliminate lost or dropped keepers
Included spacers and hardware on accessories allows canting pouches away from the body for easier grasp

To explore Safariland’s extensive range of holsters and accessories, visit Safariland.com.

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | Comments Off on Safariland Releases the New HOLLE Duty Belt System

Motorola Solutions Expands Silvus Technologies Production and Fulfillment Capacity to Meet Growth Demand

May 15th, 2026

CHICAGO, SALT LAKE CITY AND LOS ANGELES – May 14, 2026 — Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) today announced a $100 million plan to scale and diversify the manufacturing and supply chain operations of Silvus Technologies, a global leader in advanced tactical networking and electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO).

The investment is anchored by a new, 165,000 square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. This site will serve as a hub for high-volume production, leveraging Utah’s strong technology ecosystem and highly skilled workforce.

The expansion is anticipated to create 200 new roles. This capacity increase will enable Silvus to scale production of its mission-critical StreamCaster MANET radios, while continuing to innovate and uphold the rigorous quality standards that users in the defense, law enforcement and public safety industries depend on.

“As the landscape for defense technology continues to evolve, the need for resilient, high-bandwidth communications has never been more critical,” said Jack Molloy, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Motorola Solutions. “This investment, which is in addition to our expansion in Los Angeles, helps ensure that Silvus is prepared for the growing demand for their industry-leading mesh networking and electromagnetic spectrum operations solutions. This expansion reinforces our commitment to providing the most advanced technology to the warfighter and public safety professional.”

The investment is supported by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Utah Inland Port Authority. The selection of Salt Lake City for the flagship purpose-built manufacturing facility underscores Utah’s emergence as a premier destination for aerospace, defense and technology employers.

“We are excited to welcome this significant expansion of Motorola Solutions’ Silvus Technologies operations to Utah,” said Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox. “Utah has built a reputation for developing top talent and supporting companies that are advancing America’s security and technological leadership. Motorola Solutions’ investment will create high-quality jobs and strengthen Utah’s growing role in aerospace, defense and advanced communications manufacturing.”

The team in Salt Lake City will join Motorola Solutions’ 23,000-strong global workforce focused on developing mission-critical communication technologies to help address the growing scale of safety and security challenges.

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UNITY Tactical Hires MIKE Silva as Vice President OF Global Sales and Business Development

May 15th, 2026

Industry Veteran Brings Experience to Lead Global Sales and Growth Initiatives

May 14, 2026 (Broussard, LA) – UNITY Tactical®, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced the hire of Mike Silva as vice president of global sales and business development. In this role, Silva joins the executive leadership team and is responsible for leading UNITY’s sales and business development efforts across its diverse professional and enthusiast markets worldwide. He will oversee the strategic expansion of UNITY’s global footprint, manage domestic and international partner networks, and direct capture strategy and program management for high-level defense and law enforcement contracts globally.

Silva is an industry veteran who brings more than 10 years of relevant experience. He spent seven years serving as director of business development to the U.S. DOD for Team Wendy® (an Avon Protection PLC company), where he managed sales and business development across all branches of military service. During his tenure, Silva successfully spearheaded strategic initiatives that drove a significant increase in military sales. His leadership there included standing up the NAVAIR HGU-98/P helmet program from its inception to the delivery of over 80,000 helmets for Navy and Marine Corps maintainers.

“Mike will bring an informed perspective to UNITY®,” said Jose Rizo-Patron, president of UNITY Tactical. “His experience leading business development efforts coupled with his deep understanding of the defense market will usher continued growth as we continue to expand our global footprint.”

“UNITY has established an unmatched reputation for innovation, product quality, and a relentless focus on optimizing the human factor,” Silva said. “As an avid hunter, I was a UNITY customer prior to joining the company. I am honored to join this incredibly talented team during such a dynamic period of global growth, and I look forward to delivering UNITY’s cutting-edge solutions to our military, law enforcement, and civilian customers worldwide.”

Prior to joining UNITY Tactical, Silva most recently served as director of business development and strategy for Clandestine Media Group™, leading client strategy and growth initiatives across defense, tactical and commercial markets through integrated media and marketing solutions. Before his time at Clandestine, he was the director of business development for Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc. (OKSI™), where he focused on government and B2B opportunities that aligned with the company’s technology roadmap.

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

Wilcox Industries Unveils the MINI-GL40: An Advanced, Modular 40mm Grenade Fire Control System

May 15th, 2026

NEWINGTON, NH, May 14th, 2026 – Wilcox Industries, a global leader in innovative weapon-mounting solutions and combat?ready technologies, today announced the release of the MINI-GL40™ Grenade Launcher Platform, a fully modernized and highly durable 40mm standalone system engineered for the evolving needs of today’s grenadier. The MINI-GL40 represents a significant advancement over traditional grenade launcher configurations, combining durability, ergonomics, integrated fire?control technology, and mission-adaptive performance in a single, lightweight package.

Re-Engineered for Modern Combat Requirements

At the core of the MINI-GL40 is a unique steel?lined barrel, designed to eliminate the accelerated wear commonly seen with aluminum-barreled launchers, especially when firing breaching rounds. Operators can confidently fire any length, low-velocity 40mm round without compromising barrel life or system reliability. Wilcox has also introduced a streamlined receiver, improved breach-opening controls, and redesigned ambidextrous safety selector switches, resulting in enhanced ergonomics and reduced overall weight.

Integrated RAAM GSS™ M Fire Control System

Every MINI-GL40 comes equipped with the Wilcox Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module – Grenadier Sighting System (RAAM GSS™ M), an advanced fire control suite featuring:

• A built-in ballistic computer and environmental sensors

• User-selectable ballistic tables and a two-position quick-select switch

• Automatic POA/POI adjustment based on ammunition type and target distance

• Day/Night capability with VIS laser, NIR aiming laser, and NIR illuminator

• An easy-to-read OLED display for accurate ranging and impact prediction

This integration dramatically increases hit probability day or night in complex combat conditions, reduces loadout requirements, and eliminates reliance on multiple external accessories that typically add weight, cables, and additional failure points. The MINI-GL40 is sold as a complete system, and Wilcox will retrofit the RAAM GSS to previously purchased units at no cost.

A New Standard in Grenadier Capability

By consolidating what traditionally required multiple accessories, optics, lasers, switches, power sources into one cohesive platform, the MINI-GL40 gives operators more capability with fewer components, reducing weight, complexity, and potential failure points. This enhances fleet readiness and ensures operators can focus on the mission!

More Information

For additional information and product resources, please visit www.wilcoxind.com/MINI-GL40 or call 603-431-1331.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Wilcox Industries Unveils the MINI-GL40: An Advanced, Modular 40mm Grenade Fire Control System

FirstSpear Friday Focus: FirstSpear X ATLAS46 Collection

May 15th, 2026

Atlas46 was founded in 2013 with one mission: to build American-made gear for professionals who can’t afford equipment failure. Now, Atlas46 and FirstSpear are teaming up for the first time with a nine (9) piece collection of MultiCam and Hi-Vis Orange products built for the tradesmen, maintainers, armorers, and technicians who keep America’s infrastructure running.

This isn’t lifestyle gear for social media photoshoots. The MultiCam 500D Nylon Duck Canvas exterior, known for its abrasion-resistance and durable, tactical-grade performance, is built for shipyards, flight lines, forward operating bases, and maintenance facilities where dirt, grease, and hard use are part of the uniform. The Hi-Vis Orange interior exists to help in finding the right tool fast when the clock is running.

The Pouch products use Atlas46’s AIMS and AIMS2 attachment systems, delivering 360-degree rotation in 15-degree increments with no tools or screws required. The MURPHY TOOL SPEED POUCH, COMPACT DOUBLE STACK TOOL POUCH, PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIAN’S POUCH, and 7 POCKET ELECTRICIANS POUCH are built to keep essential tools organized, accessible, and ready for work.

The Yorktown Carry Line includes theSAE, METRIC and MINI Yorktown Tool Rolls. Every piece is designed around the same principle: every tool has a place and wasted movement wastes time.The GEAR CARRY BAG and WIDE MOUTH TOOL TOTE are the ideal solutions for rugged, high-capacity general-purpose bags for professionals or do-it-yourself enthusiasts looking for fast access and reliable storage on the job.

Made in the USA and Berry Compliant, this collection is built for the professionals who build, repair, and sustain the backbone of American capability. Because nobody wants to explain to the boss that the job got delayed because someone couldn’t find a 10mm socket. Visit First-Spear.com/Collections/Atlas46 to explore the entire collection.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. 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, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

NIOA Onboards Hydrix in Counter-Drone Partnership

May 15th, 2026

NIOA has partnered with Hydrix to deliver critical counter-drone capabilities to the Australian Defence Force.

The agreement teams Australian-owned NIOA with Hydrix for support on the design and development of electronic fuzing and kinetic effector payload sub-components for integration on small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS).

Under the agreement, Hydrix will provide electronic design and development support to NIOA for its telemetry capable Inert Proximity?Fuze?and Kinetic Effector sUAS payload?package.

This collaboration will include?electronic design integration of the payload and sUAS host platform utilising a standardised interface plus the integration of payload proximity sensors and Electronic,?Safe?Arm?& Function?(ESAF) device.

The all-Australian partnership combines?NIOA’s?expertise?in?Explosive Ordnance (EO) design, manufacturing and qualification with?Hydrix’s role as?the electronic designer and integrator of the payload subsystems.

NIOA Australia-New Zealand CEO Ben James said: “The onboarding of Australian SME partners to support development of critical technologies is an important step towards establishment of sovereign capabilities to accelerate our asymmetric deterrence.

“NIOA is delighted to be partnering with Hydrix to bring our collective experience, capacity and industry knowledge on electronic fuzing and warhead technologies to bear in order to provide the men and women of the ADF with sovereign, battle-ready counter UAS capabilities.”

Hydrix Executive Chairman Gavin Coote said: “NIOA’s selection of Hydrix demonstrates that our strategy to expand our presence in Australia’s sovereign defence technologies capability is on track.

“The NIOA project builds on our experience in the design, development and integration of critical sub-systems in counter-UAS applications to expand domestic capability.”

With the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East showing how uncrewed aerial systems are increasingly being employed in conflict, the development of sovereign counter-drone solutions and accompanying kinetic effector payloads supporting these solutions are essential to ensure the ADF can deter these threats.

From left – NIOA’s Deputy Chief Engineer David Nink and General Manager Engineering Rudi Bekker with Hydrix’s Director of Engineering Andrew Beal and Director Business Development Peter Riddell at Hydrix’s headquarters in Melbourne. The two companies are teaming up to develop key components for counter-drone systems.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Ranger Class First to Take on Modern Bayonet Assault Course

May 15th, 2026

FORT BENNING, Ga. — The Army’s toughest course just got tougher. On April 21, 2026, the first class of U.S. Army Ranger students tackled Fort Benning’s new Bayonet Assault Course, a rugged addition to the Malvesti obstacle course. Integrated into the grueling Ranger Assessment Phase, the high-stress, obstacle-packed site provides a new way to assess a Soldier’s physical and tactical readiness at the very start of the course.

“The Bayonet Assault Course allows us to introduce a level of grit, a level of violence of action, very rapidly into Ranger school,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Hartung, command sergeant major of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade. “These are qualities they will carry with them as they go into the phases of the course.”

The course officially debuted during the Best Ranger Competition in April this year. The layout features modernized elements, including high-durability silicone targets, immersive smoke machines, walls, trenches and tunnels. Students must navigate the terrain and obstacles, closing with and attacking enemy bayonet targets before transitioning into the original Malvesti track.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Hartung, Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade command sergeant major, and William Walker, Training Support Center contract lead, discuss the development of the Bayonet Assault Course in interviews recorded at Fort Benning, Georgia, April 21 and Feb. 17, 2026, respectively. The quarter-mile course is a recent addition to the U.S. Army Ranger Course and was designed to rapidly instill grit and violence of action, preparing Rangers to close with and destroy the enemy in contested environments where modern technology may fail.

Delivering this newly developed training site in time for the competition required support from across the entire installation. The Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, Fort Benning Directorate of Public Works, Training Support Center and supporting agencies joined forces to move the project from concept to completion in under a year, ensuring the site was fully mission-capable for the first day of the competition.

“From the time the project was awarded to completion was just two and a half months,” said Geoffrey Ray, DPW operations and maintenance division chief. “Considering we were working on undeveloped ground — doing all that clearing, lane marking, and digging — it was all hands on-deck.”

ARTB and DPW pooled resources, labor, and expertise to sustain the rapid construction pace and deliver the site ahead of schedule.

“We are here 100 percent to support the mission and the warfighter,” Ray said. “This enhancement just makes the Soldiers we’re training more lethal, more effective.”

While DPW crews shaped the terrain and built the structural obstacles, Fort Benning’s TSC fabrication shop manufactured the modernized bayonet targets. Adapting early-2000s blueprints, the TSC team engineered resilient silicone bodies capable of withstanding repeated impacts and weather. They also pioneered a completely new design for prone targets, constructing a specialized frame that enables highly realistic engagement.

“Originally, the prone targets were just the silicone body laid on the ground,” said William Walker, the TSC contract lead. “The fabrication shop was asked to devise a way to have it in place with a rifle attached, so we developed a frame that elevates the target, simulating a Soldier in a prone position.”

Walker noted that the facility’s ability to turn ideas into physical training aids isn’t limited to Fort Benning; it serves as an Army-wide asset available to any unit across the force.

“Our mission at the Training Support Center is to provide all the support and training items to the units,” Walker added. “Anything a unit requests that can be built by the TSC is what we are here to do.”

While the rapid installation of the Bayonet Assault Course highlighted Fort Benning’s collaborative approach to mission support, the site itself serves a much larger purpose: forging a warfighting mindset in future combat leaders.

“If all technology fails, [Ranger students] will have the fundamentals,” Hartung said. “This is why we have them navigate terrain, close with and destroy the enemy with a bayonet — so they’re capable of accomplishing their mission with the people to their left and right.”

By Maddy Gonzalez

Posted in Army, Press Release, Training | 2 Comments »