FLUX Defense has introduced a new holster for their Raider 365 chassis which turns your SIG P365 into a PDW.
In addition to the adjustable height options, they’ve now added adjustable retention to the Gen 2 holster.
Get yours at fluxdefense.com/shop/gen2-holster-raider-365-ultralight.
The FAST FTC Holosun is a purpose-built mount designed to bring the unique footprint of Holosun magnifiers into the FAST ecosystem. Specifically engineered for the HM3X and HM3XT magnifiers, it provides optimal alignment for a cleaner sight picture when paired with a red dot mounted at the established FAST height of 2.26” to the optical centerline.
While these Holosun magnifiers are also compatible with UNITY’s FAST FTC OMNI, the FAST FTC Holosun offers a specialized solution that expands the ecosystem of compatible optics. When pairing the HM3X or HM3XT with certain red dots—such as the Holosun 403 or 503 series on a FAST Micro—the OMNI’s versatile design can lead to a slight occlusion of the lower sight picture. The FAST FTC Holosun is purpose-built to eliminate this overlap, ensuring a true, unobstructed sight picture across these specific configurations.
The mount incorporates UNITY’s patented Flip-to-Center (FTC) technology to stow the magnifier securely below the sight plane and within the footprint of the weapon’s receiver, eliminating the snag hazards associated with traditional legacy flip-to-side designs. A force-to-overcome mechanism allows for rapid transition, moving the magnifier out of the way when not in use.
The FAST FTC Holosun also features UNITY’s integrated, low-profile FAST QD Lever for quick attachment and removal without compromising stability. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with a Type III hard coat anodized finish, the mount is available in both Black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE) and includes a lifetime warranty.
The FAST FTC Holosun retails for $293 and is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on unitytactical.com. The FAST FTC Holosum is on display for the first time at the UNITY Tactical booth #1025 at NRAAM in Houston April 17-19.
Please join us as we attend the 2026 National Rifle Association Annual Meeting & Exposition in Houston, Texas.
Quantum Systems’ Vector AI will support U.S. Army modernization and future Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) capabilities for Brigade Combat Teams
Moorpark, California (USA), April 15, 2026 – Quantum Systems Inc., the US entity of Quantum Systems, today announced that Vector AI has been selected for the U.S. Army’s Company-Level sUAS Directed Requirement (DR) 2 initiative under a contract valued at $15.3 million. Vector AI will accelerate the delivery of advanced aerial intelligence capabilities to Brigade Combat Teams of the U.S. Army.
The effort is a key component of the Army’s modernization strategy to rapidly field commercially available unmanned systems to Soldiers while informing the development of its future Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) program, which will define the next generation of tactical unmanned aircraft systems for maneuver units.
Vector AI was selected following a competitive evaluation process that assessed aircraft performance, payload integration, and interoperability with emerging Army software architectures. The program reflects the Army’s push to rapidly field operationally proven, commercially available systems that can evolve alongside future requirements while delivering immediate operational capability to forces at the tactical edge.
“Today’s battlefield demands unmanned systems that are adaptable, resilient, and proven in real-world operations,” said Dave Sharpin, CEO of Quantum-Systems Inc. “The Vector platform has logged more than 20,000 operational flight hours in Ukraine alone where operational use has helped refine its autonomy and mission adaptability in contested environments. Its modular architecture and open integration approach align directly with the Army’s push toward interoperable, rapidly evolving capabilities.”
Vector AI delivers real-time tactical intelligence to maneuver forces through an electric vertical take-off and landing design that combines runway-independent launch and recovery with the endurance and efficiency of fixed-wing flight. Deployable by a single operator in under five minutes, the compact system supports reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition through AI-enabled mission planning, advanced electro-optical sensing, and vision-based targeting.
Designed for contested environments, Vector AI incorporates anti-jamming features and a multi-layered GPS denied navigation stack to support visual navigation and precision targeting functionalities that work completely independently from GPS. Its modular, open architecture enables rapid payload integration and interoperability with external systems such as TAK and other battlefield management systems, enabling units to detect, track, and develop targets while maintaining situational awareness across the operational area.
The FirstSpear TUBES RODEO T-SHIRT is built for off-duty wear without dropping standards. It’s made from a soft 60/40 cotton blend that’s comfortable enough for long days, whether you’re at the range, in the gym, or just staying low profile.
Lightweight and breathable, it keeps things easy without feeling cheap or disposable. The side-seamed construction gives it a better fit than your average boxy tee.
Available in black, tan, and maroon, it keeps your look clean and simple while still standing out just enough. Sizes run from Small to 3XL, so you’re covered regardless of build.
Bottom line: it’s not tactical, but it’s not sloppy either. It’s the shirt you grab when the kit’s off, but the mindset’s still on.
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.
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
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.
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.
