Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Tekto Knives – A3 Delta Mini

March 13th, 2026

The new A3 Delta Mini from Tekto Knives is a more compact version of their popular A3 Delta automatic opener.

It features a Drop Point Titanium-Coated D2 Steel blade and G10 scales. To actuate, there’s a button lock with a safety switch. It also incorporates a an ambi pocket clip and something I think is critical for an EDC knife, a glass breaker.

Measurements:

Blade Length: 1.90” (48mm)

Handle Length: 4.00″ (103mm)

Open Length: 6.13″ (155mm)

Handle Width: 0.44″ (11.19mm)

Weight: 2.54oz (72g)

www.tektoknives.com/products/a3-delta-mini

Posted in Advertiser, EDC, Knives | No Comments »

Mehler Systems Presents Coordinated Group Portfolio at Enforce Tac 2026

March 13th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (6 March 2026)

From 23–25 February 2026, Mehler Systems exhibited at Enforce Tac in Nuremberg, presenting coordinated solutions from its brands Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof, and UF PRO at Hall 7A, Booth 333.

Within its personal protection portfolio, Mehler Protection introduced the Omega Jaw, the first mandible guard engineered to defeat AK-type rifle threats at full velocity in accordance with VPAM 6 requirements. The development addresses a long-standing protection gap in the lower facial area, complementing up-armoured helmet systems to achieve a more homogeneous level of head protection. In parallel, Mehler Protection presented the Omega Core Ultra-Light Combat Helmet, engineered to combine advanced ballistic performance with reduced system weight. Designed for extended operational wear and compatibility with modern accessories, the helmet reflects the brand’s continued focus on weight optimisation, ergonomics, and reliability in demanding environments. Alongside these new developments, Mehler Protection showcased its established personal protection portfolio, including the modular M.U.S.T. system, ultra-light ballistic helmets, and the ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton, a modern military body armour solution currently fielded by European armed forces.

In the area of platform protection, Mehler Protection showcased SCILT, a close-range Counter-UAS system developed to defeat FPV drones, kamikaze drones, and loitering munitions at close and very close ranges. SCILT can operate manually with electro-optical, radar, or image-recognition sensor support, or autonomously, enabling flexible deployment across varied mission profiles. By utilising standard ammunition types, including reduced-hazard, fragmentation, and armour-piercing variants, the system allows operators to adapt to both single-drone and swarm scenarios. The exhibition also included Mehler Protection’s established platform-protection portfolio, such as PROTEC3D lightweight ballistic components for land, air, and naval applications.

Lindnerhof presented further development of its modular load-carriage solutions, including the first models of a newly developed backpack product family focused on scalability and adaptability across operational scenarios. The company also expanded its heavy load-carrying system with additional load carriers and side pouches designed for the ergonomic and secure transport of bulky equipment. In addition, Lindnerhof introduced a new concept aimed at equipping forces in highly dynamic, life-threatening environments with a rapidly deployable, mission-ready configuration that enhances both protection and operational capability. At the same time, Lindnerhof’s proven plate carriers, pouch systems, and load-bearing configurations remained central elements of the presentation. The exhibition also marked 20 years since Lindnerhof’s founding, highlighting two decades of experience in modular, field-proven systems.

UF PRO showcased new developments in tactical clothing designed for multi-environment operations. Highlights included the introduction of the P-40 Responder Shirt for warm-weather patrol and training environments, as well as the next generation of its classic low-profile design, the P-40 Classic Gen.3 Tactical Pants, engineered for unrestricted mobility and everyday operational reliability. Expanded camouflage options, including Woodland and Multicam Alpine, were also presented across selected products. For foul-weather conditions, UF PRO introduced the Monsoon X Jacket and Monsoon X Pants, a lightweight hard-shell system developed for sustained operations in heavy rain and wind, combining waterproof and windproof protection with improved mobility and reduced bulk. Flame-resistant solutions on display included the Delta OL 4.0 FR Tactical Winter Jacket, the Delta Eagle Gen.3 FR Tactical Softshell Jacket, and the new Striker FR Neck Gaiter, addressing operational requirements where flame exposure is a consideration. Complementing these developments, UF PRO also displayed its established combat uniforms, cold-weather systems, rainwear, and low-profile tactical clothing that form the core of its portfolio.

Shortly before Enforce Tac 2026, Mehler Systems was recognised with the TOP 100 Award 2026, reflecting the group’s structured innovation processes and its ability to translate research and development into certified, industrialised protection solutions. This focus on disciplined innovation was reflected at the exhibition itself, where Mehler Systems presented its capabilities across personal ballistic protection, platform protection systems, modular load-carriage solutions, and mission-specific tactical clothing within one coordinated group portfolio.

Posted in Enforce Tac, Press Release | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: HOODLUM HOODIE – ACM MID 400

March 13th, 2026

The FirstSpear HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 is built from ACM-MID 400, a dual-layer knit designed for performance in demanding environments. The interior layer is 100% polyester and pulls moisture away from the skin, while the exterior layer is 100% merino wool that absorbs and disperses that moisture. This system helps regulate temperature and keep you dry during movement or extended wear. The 7.7 oz fabric offers a balance of warmth, breathability, and durability without adding unnecessary bulk.

Designed for operational use, the HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 provides a comfortable, flexible fit with enough stretch to move freely during activity. A full-length front zipper allows for quick ventilation and easy layering. The form-fitting hood adds protection from the elements while maintaining a streamlined profile.

Two zippered front handwarmer pockets provide secure storage and added warmth when needed. Thumbholes integrated into the cuffs help keep sleeves in place and offer additional coverage in cold conditions.

The Hoodlum Hoodie can be worn standalone or integrated into a larger clothing system. Built for reliability in the field, it delivers practical performance with a low-profile design. Made in the USA, the HOODLUM HOODIE™ – ACM™ MID 400 reflects FirstSpear’s commitment to mission-focused gear.

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, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

JIATF-401 Hosts Industry Day to Strengthen c-sUAS Partnerships

March 13th, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) hosted an Industry Day, bringing together representatives from industry and government partners to discuss collaboration and accelerate the development of counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-sUAS) capabilities at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Va., on March 5, 2026.

The event provided a forum for JIATF-401 leadership to outline the organization’s mission, priorities and acquisition approaches while allowing industry partners to engage directly with government stakeholders on emerging technology and operational needs.

“I want you to know what we’re doing to make your products accessible to our customers and what we’re doing to expand that customer base so we can get greater depth in our industrial base,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Director, JIATF-401.

Ross highlighted how the accessibility and low cost of small unmanned systems have changed the security environment. Systems that were once limited are now widely available, allowing smaller groups or individuals to operate capabilities which previously required significant resources.

“What they’re concerned about is the proliferation of small unmanned systems that are inexpensive and give capability that was previously reserved for state adversaries to small groups and individuals,” Ross continued. “It’s not a new thing, but if you give them the ability to conduct some type of attack without fear of attribution or accountability, that changes the paradigm.”

He emphasized that industry feedback is necessary to address gaps in current systems and improve how c-sUAS technologies are integrated across the Department of War and interagency partners. He noted that companies frequently ask what standards or protocols their systems must meet to integrate with existing c-sUAS ecosystems.

“One of the things we want to do is change the way the department is thinking about counter-sUAS,” Ross said. “One of the ways we can incorrectly think about the problem is in how we manage risk or how we accomplish the mission. Instead of defeating the threat of a system, we have to think about the broader problem.”

This shift in thinking requires focusing on operational outcomes, rather than simply targeting individual systems and countering-small unmanned aircraft. It requires understanding how those platforms are used and how they enable broader mission effects. The growing complexity of the threat environment means there is no single system capable of addressing every scenario. Instead, organizations must rely on a layered approach that combines different capabilities to detect, track and defeat unmanned systems.

“I’m not asking for a 100 percent solution to defeat every drone – the silver bullet,” Ross concluded. “What we need is a layered defense: awareness, different capabilities and an ecosystem that works together so we can defeat threats consistently.”

Ross mentioned that continued collaboration between government and industry will be essential to developing those layered defenses and ensuring effective integration of c-sUAS technologies, supporting our warfighters at home and abroad.

By SGT Tien Dat Ngo

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post | No Comments »

DroneShield Establishes European Manufacturing Footprint to Advance Sovereign Counter-UAS Capability

March 12th, 2026

Sydney, Australia – 11 March 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced the establishment of counter-UAS manufacturing in the EU, marking a major expansion of the Company’s European industrial footprint and manufacturing capacity. The announcement follows increased momentum across the continent, with national military investments growing under the ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030 initiative, accelerating the need for mature, scalable, and sovereign counter-UAS capability.

Under a new collaboration with an experienced and established manufacturer, production of European-made counter-UAS systems is now underway, with delivery scheduled for mid-2026. The contract manufacturer will carry out full turnkey assembly and component manufacturing, including PCB assembly, precision machining, cable and wire harness assembly, and associated assembly and testing labor. As part of this collaboration, DroneShield has established and will continue to grow a primarily EU-based supply chain, making this the Company’s only production line currently outside of Australia.

DroneShield’s European manufacturing footprint positions the Company more competitively for EU procurement opportunities, which increasingly prioritizes sovereign capability, regional production, and resilient supply chains, ensuring DroneShield can meet these expectations while delivering at scale and with reduced lead times.

Image: DroneShield have established a European production line

Oleg Vornik, Chief Executive of DroneShield said, “Europe is undergoing a profound shift in counter-UAS preparedness. By establishing dedicated manufacturing in the EU, DroneShield is contributing to Europe’s sovereign capability while continuing to deliver rapidly and reliably for our European customers. The ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030 initiative has highlighted the importance of localized, scalable production, and this new production line positions us to meet that demand.”

The establishment of counter-UAS production in Europe forms part of DroneShield’s global manufacturing expansion, which is planned to grow the Company’s combined total annual production capacity from approximately $500 million in 2025 to an expected $2.4 billion by the end of 2026. This uplift supports rising operational demand across Europe, and reinforces DroneShield’s commitment to strengthening industrial bases and diversifying global supply chains, as militaries, law enforcement and critical infrastructure operators expand and modernize counter-UAS capabilities.

Posted in Drone, Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

Harnessing AI for the Future: Army Unveils Project ARIA

March 12th, 2026

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army today announced the launch of Project ARIA, or Army Rapid Implementation of Artificial Intelligence, an Army initiative that harnesses AI to modernize Army operations and empower Soldiers.

Project ARIA addresses critical Army challenges by partnering with leading technology companies to develop practical AI solutions that deliver real results for warfighters.

“Through Project ARIA, we are building the Army of tomorrow, today,” said Deputy Under Secretary of the Army David R. Fitzgerald. “By working with the nation’s top minds in artificial intelligence, we are rapidly developing and deploying smart tools that empower our Soldiers, streamline our operations, and ensure our readiness for any challenge.”

Three Teams, Three Solutions

The initiative launched following a successful AI tabletop exercise hosted by Secretary of the Army Hon. Daniel P. Driscoll on Sept. 16, 2025, where Army leaders collaborated directly with AI experts to tackle real operational problems. Project ARIA is initially focused on three key areas:

Team Gray is creating agentic AI tools to automate the Army’s complex planning, programming, budgeting, and execution, or PPBE, process. The new tools will enable Army leaders to make faster, better-informed decisions and free up Soldiers and civilians to focus on core missions rather than paperwork.

Team Black is developing a “model armory” to serve all operational levels, from datacenters to the tactical edge. Soldiers query based on their needs, and the system delivers custom AI capabilities ready to operate in denied environments.

Team Yellowstone is using AI to revolutionize supply chain management, starting at Anniston Army Depot. The AI agent will predict equipment maintenance needs and ensure parts are available before problems occur, reducing vehicle downtime.

“Project ARIA is about delivering real capabilities, not endless development cycles,” Fitzgerald added. “This initiative is designed for speed and agility, ensuring we get cutting-edge technology into the hands of our Soldiers as quickly as possible.”

A New Approach to Innovation

Project ARIA represents a fundamental shift in how the Army develops and deploys technology. By partnering directly with top AI firms, the Army is delivering solutions in months rather than years.

“Project ARIA is a testament to the power of collaboration between the Army and the nation’s leading innovators in artificial intelligence,” said Fitzgerald. “By breaking down barriers and fostering agile partnerships with industry, we are accelerating the development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions. Together, we are building an Army that is smarter, faster, and more capable than ever before.”

The initiative focuses on removing administrative burdens from Soldiers so they can concentrate on training, readiness, and mission execution. By automating time-consuming processes, Project ARIA will enhance both operational effective and quality of life for service members.

As the Army continues to evolve to meet modern challenges, Project ARIA represents a commitment to leveraging the latest technology to ensure operational readiness and effectiveness. Project ARIA also demonstrates to industry experts that the Army is prepared and open to collaborate to harness best practices and technological breakthroughs. The initiative positions the Army as a leader in military AI applications while ensuring Soldiers have the best tools available to accomplish their missions.

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

Posted in AI / ML, Army, Press Release | No Comments »

UK Ministry of Defence Selects Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay MANET for Project CAIN Modernization

March 12th, 2026

Multi-million dollar contract signals the growing proliferation of MPU5 devices deployed across world

NEW YORK, New York — March 10, 2026 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a global leader in secure mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced that the UK Ministry of Defence has selected the Wave Relay® MANET, including the MPU5 tactical communication system, in support of Project CAIN, a key modernization effort for the British Army.

Awarded through Persistent’s UK partner and authorized distributor Steatite Ltd., the program will deliver MPU5 radios, Rugged Display & Controllers (RDCs), and associated Dismount Kit equipment to the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the UK’s rapidly deployable, first-to-fight airborne formation.

As part of this effort, 16 Air Assault will also employ Cloud Relay™, Persistent’s global networking technology, enabling soldiers to maintain uninterrupted communications, even when transitioning between SATCOM, LTE, 5G, or other transport layers. This ensures resilient connectivity in complex, contested, and highly mobile environments.

“By deploying the MPU5 and Cloud Relay™, the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team will gain a significant advantage in decision-making and coordination across dispersed, multi-domain operations,” said Eve Shapiro, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development at Persistent Systems. “We’ve seen exceptional results with the UK Royal Marines, and we expect similar success as more organizations recognize the operational impact of a resilient, edge-to-cloud network.”

This selection builds on the UK’s ongoing modernization progress. In 2024, the UK Royal Marines fielded more than 2,000 MPU5s as part of their transformation into a more agile, technology-enabled Commando Force. The 16 Air Assault effort marks another step in strengthening the UK’s ability to operate with speed, precision, and interoperability alongside allies.

Persistent Systems continues to support modernization initiatives worldwide, including programs within the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) efforts, maritime security initiatives across the Baltic region, and Indo-Pacific partner networks. The increased adoption of the MPU5 across Europe, including deployments in the Baltics, Spain, France, and the UK, reflects the growing demand for scalable, resilient MANET capabilities.

The UK MoD’s decision underscores a broader trend of successful modernizations of forces, which require secure, adaptable, and globally connected networks to maintain situational awareness and operational advantage in dynamic, contested environments.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

The $1 Pack Pattern Download

March 12th, 2026

Interested in a DIY project? Then this pack pattern is perfect for you. Meet the (almost) free $1.00 download Whiskey Two-Four Backpack 36 Developer’s Pattern.

Whiskey Two Four Backpack 36 Developer’s Pattern. Approx 11″ x 20″ main compartment. Volume will be determined by your chosen depth.

This is a PDF vector drawing. It is your responsibility to have the necessary software and understanding to convert this PDF to a usable medium for your application.

You will need to figure a few things out like where to split the zipper panel base on your preference. You’ll need to figure out how and where to connect the shoulder straps to the bottom of the bag. You’ll need to figure out if you’ll edged bind the foam laminate shoulder straps as presented or add a seam allowance and stuff with foam. You will need to figure out where and how to locate load lifters.

No support is offered with this purchase. This purchase is for a CAD PDF only. An understanding of patterns and sewn products is necessary to use this PDF.

wtfidea.com/wtfiles-backpack-36-developer-s-pattern

Price will increase after the first 50 downloads.

Posted in Advertiser, DIY, Guest Post | No Comments »