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Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Former Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller Headline the Launch of the Integrated Warfighter Ecosystem (IWE)

August 21st, 2026

Approximately 150 American companies, many of them veteran-owned, are joining forces to create the IWE to help solve the defense industrial base crisis
PAYSON, Utah, Aug. 21, 2026 — Utah Governor Spencer Cox and former Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller today participated in the launch of the Integrated Warfighter Ecosystem (IWE). The IWE is a coalition of approximately 150 predominantly small to midsized American companies, many of them veteran-owned businesses, that have joined forces to close capability gaps, bridge the defense industrial base’s ‘Valley of Death,’ and deliver integrated solutions to the warfighter faster. CenCore, an Utah-based company, is the integrator and founder of the IWE. 

“For generations, Utah has answered the call to support our nation’s defense,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “The launch of the Integrated Warfighter Ecosystem reflects our state’s continued leadership in bringing together innovators, manufacturers, veterans and national security partners to solve difficult challenges. Utah’s entire defense ecosystem, working alongside collaborators across the country, is helping deliver critical capabilities to America’s warfighters faster.” 

Today’s event took place at the new CenCore 55,000-square-foot global headquarters in Payson, Utah, and gathered IWE CEOs and members, operators, investors, and elected officials in one place. CenCore, a national security company, founded this ecosystem and acts as the orchestrator of the IWE — a persistent, structured pathway that connects industry capability, government demand, and mission need and moves them toward field readiness. 

Roughly 80 percent of IWE members are small, non-traditional businesses, spanning capabilities in autonomy, communications, command and control, counter-UAS, edge AI, ISR, power, and manufacturing.

“This work is personal to me. Small and mid-size companies like mine and many of those in the IWE — working behind the scenes — are the backbone of America. The skill, the commitment, the patriotism, the dedication poured into everything they do is seen and felt out at the edge of the force,” said Chris Miller, former Acting Secretary of Defense, Founder and CRO of FPF Defense.

The intent of the IWE is to create a nationwide network of aligned U.S. companies, run by CenCore, that can deliver at scale and at the tactical edge. By opening participation in the DIB beyond the traditional primes, the IWE draws on the full capabilities of the partner companies to support the warfighter — commercial manufacturers, predominantly small and medium businesses, and veteran-owned firms whose capacity has not historically been counted toward defense production.

“The warfighter is our shareholder. That is not a tagline — it is how CenCore decides where its time and capital go,” said Adam Fife, CEO of CenCore. “The capability to meet the warfighter’s need already exists in this country. What has been missing is the connective tissue between industry, government demand, and mission need. The IWE is built to be exactly that.” 

Founded in 2010, CenCore is a trusted partner in delivering innovative security solutions in an ever-evolving threat landscape. The company designs and builds deployable, containerized, ICD-705-compliant secure facilities — mobile SCIFs and deployable data centers — and delivers U.S.-built, tech-agnostic security platforms that ensure global secure communications. CenCore employs approximately 1,700 people across 27 sites nationwide, is privately held, and takes no outside investors. CenCore prioritizes cost-effective, high-performance solutions over superficial appeal. 

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FirstSpear Friday Focus: General Purpose Pockets

August 21st, 2026

Every loadout has gear that doesn’t fit neatly into a magazine pocket or a radio pouch. The FirstSpear GENERAL PURPOSE POCKET family is built to handle exactly that, providing durable, modular storage solutions that mount cleanly to any 6/9™ or 6/12™ compatible platform and adapt to whatever the mission requires. Whether you are organizing medical supplies, tools, admin essentials, or mission-specific gear, the GP Pocket family gives you a purpose-built solution in three distinct configurations, each designed around a different capacity and use case.

Features

  • 6/9™ AND 6/12™ ATTACHMENT — MOLLE COMPATIBLE
  • THREE SIZE-SPECIFIC CONFIGURATIONS
  • DUAL ZIPPER AND G HOOK CLOSURE SYSTEMS
  • CORDURA MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION — LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE

The Structured GP Pocket, Small is a compact, streamlined solution built for smaller items, featuring a dual zipper closure and a low-profile footprint that minimizes bulk on a tight loadout. The General Purpose Pocket, Medium is constructed from 500D Cordura material and features an elastic daisy chain on both interior sides, with an additional belt attachment option. The General Purpose Pocket, Large is a flat pocket measuring 7″ x 7″ x 2″ with a zippered mesh internal compartment, dual zipper and G Hook closure, and a button hole at the top for routing a hydration tube or communication wire. The General Purpose Pocket, Large is available in Black, Coyote, MultiCam, Foliage Green, and Ranger Green. The General Purpose Pocket, Medium is available in Black, Coyote, MultiCam, and Ranger Green. The General Purpose Pocket, Small is available in Black, Coyote, MultiCam, and Ranger Green.

Built for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and prepared professionals who demand reliable equipment, the FirstSpear General Purpose Pocket family delivers modular, mission-ready storage across three configurations to fit any loadout. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and those who train. To request an estimate, visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. For more information, visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

Department of War Confirms Modular Handgun System (MHS) is Safe and Reliable

August 21st, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, NJ  –

Despite public speculation and online misinformation regarding the pistol’s safety, Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PM SL), the Department of War’s official lead for the Modular Handgun System (MHS), confirms that there has never been a mechanically-caused accidental discharge. All investigated incidents of alleged “uncommanded discharges” have been traced back to the trigger being pulled.

Rigorous Testing and Safety by Design

The MHS, comprised of the M17 (full-size) and M18 (compact) 9mm striker-fired pistols, is a thoroughly tested, safe, and reliable weapon system for the modern Warfighter. Since the first systems were fielded to the 101st Airborne Division in 2017, the MHS has replaced the legacy M9 and M11 pistols and is now in service with over 400,000 pistols across the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy.

The MHS was designed with four internal safety mechanisms (primary sear notch, secondary sear notch, striker safety lock, and a disconnector safety mechanism) and features an external ambidextrous manual safety, bringing the total number of safety mechanisms to five.

Before fielding, the MHS underwent extensive Production Verification Testing, where over 200 pistols fired more than 1.5 million rounds. This testing regimen included evaluations for reliability, durability, accuracy, rough handling, drop safety, and performance in extreme environmental conditions. Early in this process, engineering changes were implemented to address and rectify all initial drop-test concerns, and these updates were applied to every  MHS pistol before it was fielded.

To ensure quality and safety during production, the government performs Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT) for each production lot. During LAT, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Quality Assurance Representatives (QARs) randomly selects a statistically significant number of samples from each production lot to undergo LAT. If any weapon fails LAT, the entire lot is rejected. All lots of weapons produced to date have passed LAT prior to being fielded to warfighters.

Investigating Field Incidents

When a potential uncommanded discharge is reported in the field, the Army follows a stringent investigation protocol to determine the cause. According to the Army Safety Management Information System 2.0 (ASMIS 2.0), reported firearms mishaps account for less than 0.006% of all MHS pistols issued.

When a report is filed within ASMIS, the weapon is promptly shipped to the contractor in the same configuration as it was when the incident occurred. Once the weapon arrives at the contractor’s facility, the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Small/Medium Caliber Weapons Branch Chief is notified. DCMA will have the contractor open the box to verify the serial number.  After the serial number is verified, the weapon is escorted and secured under U.S. Government property control pending the investigator’s arrival. Once the investigator is present, the weapon is brought out of the property cage and the investigation begins.

The investigation process is meticulous:

  1. Visual inspection of the weapon in its current state
  2. Examination of the weapon to check all safeties, internal and external, are functioning correctly
  3. The weapon is taken into the range where it is functionally tested with live ammunition.  At least 1 (One) 21 round magazine is used to verify proper function of all safeties.
  4. After the range, the weapon is moved back to the armorer’s bench where the striker operation is thoroughly tested
  5. Finally, the weapon is broken down to each individual part to ensure all the parts look normal.
  6. After this, the weapon is cleaned and returned to the original unit.

To date, all investigated incidents of alleged “uncommanded discharges” have been traced back to the trigger being pulled, and not due to an issue with the firearm. Investigators have been unable to induce a discharge without disengaging the manual safety and pulling the trigger.

Joint Service Confidence

Most recently, a review of the MHS was initiated after the Air Force reported a potential “uncommanded discharge” involving the tragic loss of an Airman. As the lead for the MHS program, PM SL immediately engaged with our Air Force partners to assist in developing and implementing a Supplemental Inspection Criteria (SIC) as a precautionary action to investigate the incident and validate the weapon’s integrity.

The USAF’s SIC effort mandated a 100% inspection of the DAF’s “in-use” M18 inventory. It is confirmed that of the nearly 114,000 pistols inspected to date, none exhibited any conditions that could have led to an uncommanded discharge. 

PM SL is confident that the MHS pistol continues to meet and exceed that standard for the entire Joint Force. The DAF’s Director of Security Forces, Brig. Gen. Brian Filler, affirmed this, stating, “It can now be stated that the M18 is safe and reliable for DAF missions.”

By CPE Ground Army

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | Comments Off on Department of War Confirms Modular Handgun System (MHS) is Safe and Reliable

Mehler Protection and UF PRO to Showcase Protection and Tactical Clothing Solutions at The Emergency Services Show 2026

August 20th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY, KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (19 August 2026)

Mehler Protection and UF PRO, brands of the Mehler Systems Group, will exhibit at The Emergency Services Show 2026, taking place on 16–17 September at the NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom. Visitors can meet the teams in Hall 5 at Stand G42.

The Emergency Services Show brings together professionals from across police, fire and rescue, ambulance, search and rescue, and other frontline services to explore the equipment, technologies and solutions shaping emergency response, resilience and public safety.

Mehler Protection and UF PRO will present ballistic protection and tactical clothing for a range of applications, from everyday police duties to specialist tactical operations and challenging environmental conditions.

Mehler Protection will present a selection of modular and configurable personal protection solutions, including the HYVE modular vest system and the M.U.S.T. modular protection system. The display will also feature the overt vests, hard and soft ballistic protection, and ballistic helmets, providing an overview of the company’s capabilities across different law enforcement applications.

UF PRO will showcase tactical clothing designed to support mobility, durability and comfort during extended operational use. The selection will include products from the P-40 range for everyday police and response duties, as well as combat clothing from the Striker family for more demanding tactical operations.

Flame-retardant clothing will form an important part of the presentation. The Striker X FR Combat Shirt and Combat Pants are designed for operations where protection against heat and flame must be combined with mobility, comfort and compatibility with tactical equipment.

Visitors will also be able to explore UF PRO outerwear for changing weather and temperature conditions, including softshell, winter and wet-weather solutions from the Hunter, Delta, AcE and Monsoon ranges. Selected garments will be available for try-on, allowing visitors to experience their fit, mobility and functionality first-hand.

By exhibiting together at The Emergency Services Show, Mehler Protection and UF PRO will provide police and emergency-service professionals with an opportunity to explore both individual products and complete equipment configurations developed around different operational needs.

Visit Mehler Protection and UF PRO in Hall 5, Stand G42, at The Emergency Services Show, taking place on 16–17 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »

Denmark Selects Terma to Deliver Nationwide Counter-Drone Defense System

August 20th, 2026

Terma will deliver a sovereign, integrated counter-drone defense system that connects existing and future sensors into one shared drone situational picture. With AI-supported processing of sensor data, the system will give the Danish Armed Forces and other authorities a stronger foundation to detect, understand and act on drone threats in real time.


Per Pugholm Olsen, Head of DALO (Left) and Terma CEO Henriette Hallberg (Right)

Lystrup, Denmark – 19 August 2026 – The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has entered into an agreement with Terma for the delivery of a new, integrated command-and-control system for counter-drone defense. The system will create a shared drone situational picture for the Danish Armed Forces and other authorities.

“I am pleased to sign this agreement, which will strengthen Denmark’s ability to maintain an up-to date drone situational picture. This new agreement with Terma is an important cornerstone in the ongoing effort to build a strong counter-drone capability, both within the Danish Armed Forces and Danish industry,” says Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, Chief of DALO.

From individual sensors to a shared drone situational picture

Denmark already operates sensors across the Armed Forces, civilian authorities and critical infrastructure, but today the information remains in separate systems and at different locations. The solution is built on Terma Helion, Terma’s sovereign multi-domain data backbone. Helion connects existing and future sensors and brings their data together into one shared drone situational picture. The platform integrates distributed systems and transforms large volumes of data into information that supports tactical decision-making at both local and central levels.

“In a security environment where drones represent a persistent and growing threat, the ability to detect, classify and act on threats across domains is fundamental to national security,” says Henriette H. Thygesen, CEO of Terma. “The ability to connect sensors, process data and turn information into timely decision support is essential to effective counter-drone defense. By creating a shared drone situational picture, we give the Danish Armed Forces and other authorities a strong foundation to act faster and with greater confidence. We are proud of the trust Denmark has placed in Terma. It confirms our ability to deliver mission-critical defense solutions that strengthen security in Denmark and across Europe.”

The solution also integrates OSL Technology’s FACE® platform for command and control and data fusion. OSL Technology became part of Terma in 2025. FACE brings together and processes data from Terma’s radar and surveillance technologies as well as third-party sensors and countermeasures. AI supports the processing, classification and prioritization of sensor data, enabling operators to rapidly identify and act on relevant incidents.

The solution builds on OSL Technology’s operational experience from complex civilian and military environments. Since 2019, OSL has been the prime contractor and system integrator for Heathrow Airport’s counter-drone system and also delivers counter-drone systems to the Ørland and Evenes air bases under a multi-year framework agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA). Combined with Terma’s radar, surveillance and multi-domain capabilities, this creates a market-leading, open and modular counter-drone solution.

National control and flexibility for future threats

The solution will ensure national control over operational sensor data while enabling technologies from multiple suppliers to be integrated. It will be delivered in cooperation with other Danish industry partners and draw on expertise from across the Danish defense industry.

The scalable architecture allows sensors, sites, countermeasures and other capabilities to be continuously added over time. The solution can therefore support the management of drone incidents at military installations, airports, ports, energy facilities, government buildings and other critical infrastructure.

Facts

Together, the technologies enable authorities to:

  • Detect, classify and track drone activity
  • Fuse and prioritize sensor data using AI
  • Maintain a shared drone situational picture
  • Coordinate decisions and actions at Danish Armed Forces locations
  • Integrate new sensors and countermeasures as threats evolve

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

Rheinmetall and Hensoldt Demonstrate Successful Integration of Passive Sensor Technology into a Modern Air Defence System

August 20th, 2026

During the German Air Force exercise Timber Express 2026 in Manching, Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt achieved a milestone for future networked air defence. During a German Air Force exercise, the air picture generated by Hensoldt’s Twinvis passive radar was successfully integrated into Rheinmetall’s Skymaster command and weapon engagement system, which was directing the Skynex Air Defence battery deployed in the scenario.

The integration took place under realistic NATO networking conditions and demonstrated the high flexibility and open architecture of the Skymaster system. A common air picture could be generated by fusing and correlating sensor data within NATO’s Link 16 network. The Hensoldt passive radar demonstrated excellent performance in detecting and tracking air targets. This confirms the high operational value of modern passive sensor technology for air defence. Twinvis is a passive radar based on the latest digital technology that can be used for wide-area military airspace surveillance or civil air traffic control.

Particularly noteworthy is Skymaster’s ability to combine active and passive radar sensors with electro-optical sensors into a comprehensive air picture within the air defence network. This creates new opportunities for resilient, low-emission air surveillance in line with a modern emissions control strategy (EMCON), while at the same time improving situational awareness for the protection of high-value infrastructure, critical facilities and mobile military units.

The demonstration highlights the future viability of distributed and interconnected sensor networks and illustrates how passive sensor technologies can usefully extend and complement existing air defence systems. Furthermore, passive systems increase network survivability due to the absence of a distinctive identification. The findings provide an excellent foundation for the integration into stationary Skynex systems, mobile Skyranger solutions and modern counter-UAS systems such as the Skyspotter. 

The success of this trial was possible through the close and constructive cooperation between the participating German Air Force organisations, the exercise management team and the expert teams from Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt. Together, they achieved a NATO-compatible integration of the highest quality in a challenging technical environment, making an important contribution to the continued development of modern integrated air defence capabilities.

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors, weapons | No Comments »

Vortex Adds New Green Dot Version to the Venom Enclosed Lineup

August 20th, 2026

Same range workhorse. Now available with a 3 MOA green dot.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Shooters have strong preferences when it comes to red dots. Some prefer red. Others prefer green, especially in certain lighting conditions. Now, these shooters have another option with the addition of the new green dot model in the Venom ® Enclosed Micro Red Dot lineup.

Range days don’t always come with perfect weather. The workhorse Venom® Enclosed Micro Red Dot family is equally at home on a pistol, offset on a carbine, or piggybacked on an LPVO. Adjustable brightness settings help keep the dot visible in changing light, while its enclosed design shields the emitter from rain, dust, or snow, so changing conditions never have have to cur a range session short.

ENCLOSED ALUMINUM HOUSING – Durable 6061 aluminum, blocks out weather, mud, snow, and debris.

LARGE VIEWING WINDOW – For fast target acquisition and a full sight picture.

ASPHERICAL LENS – For distortion-free sight picture and truer colors.

MOTION ACTIVATION WITH 10 MINUTE AUTO-SHUTOFF – Automatically activates with motion while 10 minute auto-shutoff saves battery life.

TOP BUTTONS – For hassle-free adjustments.

For some shooters, a green dot may be easier to pick up against certain backgrounds, in changing light inside or outdoors, or for those who simply see green better than red. The new model gives those shooters another option while preserving the controls, handling, and protection Venom® users already know.

The Venom® Enclosed Micro Green Dot is now available with an MSRP of $289.99 and a MAP of $199.99. To learn more, compare models, or find a dealer, check out the new Vortex® Store Locator .

Posted in Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Hanwha Wins US Army Mobile Tactical Cannon Contract

August 20th, 2026

Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) announced that it has won a contract from the U.S. Army to deliver prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers (K9MH) for the Army’s new Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program. The agreement provides for the accelerated delivery of six prototype MTC systems, with an option for an additional 12. This award marks HDUSA’s first major contract with the U.S. Army. 

HDUSA will provide a technically superior and rapidly fieldable 155 mm artillery system that supports the U.S. Army’s modernization and long-range precision fires objectives. With more than 2,500 K9 Howitzers already fielded globally, Hanwha is uniquely positioned to partner with the U.S. Department of War (DoW) to establish high-volume industrial capacity centered around the company’s wartime production ethos.

Hanwha’s phased-in localization strategy with domestic production and support means America’s defense industrial base will benefit from advanced manufacturing techniques, demonstrated technology, and good jobs. HDUSA is establishing a Phase I site in Opelika, Alabama, that will serve as the U.S. integration and test facility for Hanwha’s family of K9 Mobile Howitzers. HDUSA signed a three-year lease as part of the company’s strategic commitment to invest in the U.S. artillery system supply chain, enhance America’s combat vehicle industrial base, and serve as a long-term artillery modernization partner to the U.S. Army.

“We’re honored that the U.S. Army has selected Hanwha’s K9 Mobile Howitzer to fulfill its Mobile Tactical Cannon requirement. The K9MH is the total artillery solution and will be the centerpiece of Army Fires’ transformation into a more modern, more lethal force,” said Mike Smith, Hanwha Defense USA COO and President of Land Systems. “The U.S. Army’s selection is a testament to our track record of delivering devastating capability at speed, at scale, on cost, and onshore. As the wheeled variant of the K9, the K9MH provides an expansion path towards a tracked capability with designed-in margin for the future fight. And with such a capability, that fight will not be a fair one.”

Compatible with the Army’s full suite of munitions, the K9MH’s selection means the U.S. has now joined nearly a dozen allies who share a global industrial network and supply chain.

“Hanwha’s global supply chain and local production experience in Australia, Egypt, Poland, and Romania demonstrate a proven commitment to local execution we’re excited to bring to the U.S.,” said Michael Coulter, Hanwha Defense USA CEO. “Localization is central to Hanwha’s global business model, leveraging our global leading industrial technology and process in Korea to create sovereign industrial strength in the U.S., whether it be in shipbuilding, munitions, or combat vehicles.”

“This award reflects Hanwha’s enduring commitment to the United States and to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base,” said Hanwha Group Chief Strategy Officer Alex Wong. “We are not simply delivering a system — we are building an American manufacturing enterprise, transferring technology, and creating a lasting foundation for broad industrial collaboration. Hanwha is invested in America for the long term.”

“We’re focused on creating a U.S.-anchored K9 Mobile Howitzer manufacturing network — with Opelika, Alabama, as the current Phase I launch point — that can deliver advanced Mobile Tactical Cannons at the speed and scale the U.S. Army needs,” said Jason Pak, Hanwha Defense USA Head of Land Systems-Artillery.

HDUSA will continue to evaluate future phases and locations as the company expands its U.S. artillery systems footprint and production capacity. The company is committed to engaging with suppliers and developing the workforce of the future necessary for long-term sustainment and technology insertion activities.

At a time when the U.S. is placing renewed focus on strengthening America’s defense industrial base, HDUSA believes its combination of mature capability and industrial commitment offers both near-term relevance and long-term value.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

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