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Belgium Places First Order of Polaris MRZR D Tactical Off-Road Vehicles Through NATO Contract

July 14th, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS – July 13, 2026 – Polaris Government and Defense, a division of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), has secured an order for MRZR D4 vehicles from the Belgium Ministry of Defence, leveraging the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. The contract is valued at $10.6 million and is the first call order from the NSPA framework contract, which was first awarded to Polaris in September 2025. This procurement approach fulfills competition requirements, streamlines the acquisition process and eliminates the need for additional, time-consuming and costly trials and competitions. In addition to bulk pricing benefits and expedited acquisition, NSPA enables interoperability, standardization and a reduced logistics footprint across NATO members and partners.

“The Belgium Ministry of Defence helped establish the MRZR D on the framework contract, with additional partner countries including the United Kingdom,” said Steve Canner, senior manager, EMEIA, Polaris Government and Defense. “The vehicle’s capabilities and commonality with other NATO nations will serve Belgium forces very well and we’re proud to support them.”

The Belgium MoD managed the acquisition of Polaris ATVs through the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) platform, considered as a secured, web-based marketplace application allowing the users to directly explore and order the purchase of systems and mission related configurable items. The NLSE platform provides NATO National Ministries of Defence access to validated and quality assured products easily, including cargo and transportation kits, parts and service kits and maintenance and operator training courses.

“With these new vehicles, we are significantly increasing our mobility and operational capabilities,” said Colonel Kristof Van Poecke, Commander, Belgium Special Operations Regiment. “They enable our operators to respond more quickly and flexibly in challenging conditions, where speed and manoeuvrability make the difference. This is an important step to maintain our operational capacity at the highest level.”

Belgium joins more than 50 other military and security forces worldwide who field MRZR D tactical off-road vehicles from Polaris to support expeditionary, rapid response and special operations missions. The MRZR D’s modular payload design, diesel powertrain, air and sea transportability make it a trusted platform for tactical mobility in complex terrain and contested zones. The acquisition of the MRZR D4 will support the replacement of Belgium’s aging Groundhog vehicle fleet which have been in service since 2009.

Polaris first introduced the MRZR platform in 2012 and has continued to enhance the vehicle to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, delivering gas and diesel variants to more than 50 allied forces worldwide. MRZRs feature a mission-flexible modular design, collapsible roll cage for internal tactical air transport, one meter fording capability, greater payload and extended range over commercial platforms. The MRZR D is combat-proven and transportable inside AW101 Merlin, CH-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and most in-service fixed wing aircraft, as well as maritime vessels, enabling rapid deployment and dispersal of forces from aircraft or ship-to-shore platforms into theater. It is a highly configurable platform that supports personnel transport, casualty evacuation, command and control and light cargo roles — all with a focus on speed, versatility and off-road capability.

Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), weapons and high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for medical and casualty evacuation, aircraft refueling systems and communication equipment.

The MRZR D is part of Polaris Government and Defense’s broader portfolio of off-road mobility solutions that include the MRZR Alpha, MV 850, DAGOR and militarized snowmobiles.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, NSPA, Press Release | No Comments »

SureFire Flash Test: Suppressors, Muzzle Devices & Ammo

July 14th, 2026

In this video, SureFire conducts a comprehensive demonstration of flash performance with various suppressors and muzzle devices, shooting both M193 and Mk262 ammunition to show flash performance in best-case and worst-case scenarios.

www.surefire.com

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

T.REX ARMS Names Dave Rhoden Chief Growth Officer

July 14th, 2026

*Industry Veteran with Proven Track Record in Tactical Product Development, Sales, and Brand Growth Joins Leading Holster Manufacturer*

**CENTERVILLE, TN. – July 11, 2026** – T.REX ARMS, a premier manufacturer of innovative holsters and tactical gear, today announced the appointment of Dave Rhoden as its new Chief Growth Officer. In this role, Rhoden will lead strategic initiatives to expand the company’s market presence, drive product innovation, strengthen dealer and end-user relationships, and accelerate revenue growth across public safety, military, and civilian markets. Rhoden brings more than two decades of high-impact leadership in the tactical and law enforcement apparel and equipment sectors. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales – Public Safety for Vertx (Fechheimer Brothers, Inc., owned by Berkshire Hathaway) where he oversaw sales and training initiatives for Vertx-branded products. From 2016 to 2022, he led product development and helped re-establish the Vertx brand.

Earlier in his career at 5.11 Tactical, Rhoden served as Director, Strategic Business Unit for Packs, Bags, Belts, Holsters, and Breaching Tools. Under his leadership, his nylon category grew dramatically from $9.8 million to $34 million in annual sales and achieved the highest GMROI in the company. He introduced product demonstration videos as a standard practice, restructured the product development team, and oversaw go-to-market strategies from ideation through distribution.

“Dave Rhoden is exactly the leader we need to take T.REX ARMS to the next level,” said David Noor, T.REX ARMS Interim CEO. “His deep relationships across Tier 1 units, federal agencies, and the broader tactical community, combined with his proven ability to grow categories, launch successful products, and build brands, make him the ideal fit as we expand our holster and gear lineup.”

Rhoden is a highly regarded subject matter expert, having delivered presentations and product training to all Tier 1 teams as well as Langley, Pentagon Police, Capitol Police, FBI HRT, DEA, and others.

“I am absolutely driven to see T.REX succeed,” said Rhoden. “T.REX has earned a reputation for quality, innovation, and understanding what operators and serious users actually need. I look forward to leveraging my experience in product development, sales, training, and strategic partnerships to help the company continue its upward trajectory and deliver even more exceptional solutions to the market.”

**About T.REX ARMS**

T.REX ARMS designs and manufactures premium holsters, belts, targets, and other defense of life equipment engineered for real-world performance. Innovation, durability, and user feedback drive a brand that’s made in America by Americans, with a lifetime warranty and best customer service, for all who carry in defense of life.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Wilcox Industries Mini-GL40

July 14th, 2026

At SOF Week I got my first look at the Mini-GL40 from Wilcox Industries. Their RAAM GSS (Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module Grenade Sighting System) is highly successful and been adopted by the US military as well as some of our allies as an effective fire control solution for 40mm Grenade Launchers.

During its development and fielding the team at Wilcox Ind had a lot of interaction with grenadiers and took what they had learned to develop the Mini-GL40.

First and foremost, the Mini-GL40 is intended to be used at all times with the RAAM GSS M (Modified) and the two integrate seamlessly with one another.

Designed from the ground up as a stand-alone launcher, it cannot be attached to a rifle like others on the market. Instead, this streamlined design eliminates excess weight and bulk as well as cable complexity.

A major selling point is the Steyr steel lined barrel. Most 40mm GLs have aluminum lined barrels. Wilcox Ind went with a steel lined barrel to maximize barrel life as it is more resistant to wear to the lands and grooves. In fact, they’ve got over 4,600 rounds through one of their prototype launchers.

Accessible with an enlarged breach lock locking lever, the side opening barrel will also accommodate any length, low-velocity 40mm round. The two position safety is ambidextrous and the weapon doesn’t have to be recocked in order to pull the trigger (also made by Steyr) in the event of a misfire.

Both adjustable and collapsible, the “ON THE FLY” buttstock can lock into two positions: 6 O’Clock for ranges from 50 to 300 meters and 12 O’Clock for 300 meters and beyond.

It will also collapse to the side and incorporates a steel insert which interfaces with magnet-based belt mounted weapon catches and the launcher is compatible with a “Quick-Draw” leg holster.

Both the stock and pistol grip come from Magpul due to their reliability and popularity. However, both can be replaced with other models by the user.

The GSS M is attached to the Mini-LG40’s three control buttons via a cable. With the buttons integrated into the weapon there’s no need for the grenadier to break his grip meaning quicker follow up shots. Additionally, the sight remembers the last input so the grenadier doesn’t have to program each round independently.

Powered by single AA battery, the sight provides Day/Night Capability complete with Red Dot Sight with BUIS, NIR aiming laser, NIR illuminator, and on-board ballistic computer with 2 pre-programmed ballistic solutions and quick ammo select. The reticle offers easy to read OLED Display in meter increments with aiming references to correspond to ballistic range. The system is also waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Specs:

Barrel Length: 18 cm (7.09”)

Total Length:

With Buttstock Collapsed and Folded: 35.9 cm (14.13”)

With Buttstock Collapsed and Unfolded: 55.9 cm (22”)

With Buttstock Extended and Unfolded: 65 cm (25.6”)

Weight:

Standalone: 2.06 kg (4.54 lbs)

With RAAM GSS M: 2.27 kg (5 lbs)

Although Wilcox Ind is selling the Mini-GL40 with RAAM GSS M as a package, they know there are already a lot of their sights out there. There is an opportunity for those who already have a RAAM GSS to retrofit their optic to a MINI-GL40. Essentially, if you already have the Wilcox grenade launcher sight, they will sell you the GL à la carte.

www.wilcoxind.com/MINI-GL40

Posted in Advertiser, weapons | No Comments »

Space Force Aligns for Wartime Footing with Third Tranche of PAEs

July 14th, 2026

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

In the latest milestone of the ongoing Department of War-driven Acquisition Transformation, the Space Force has designated its third tranche of mission areas that will be assigned Portfolio Acquisition Executives including: Advanced Capabilities, Electromagnetic Warfare and Cyber, and Space Combat Power.

“Moving our portfolios into the PAE model completes a vital shift in our culture and operations,” said Thomas Ainsworth, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration. “By pushing accountability and authority down to the mission level across every single capability we field and all our acquisition avenues, we are cutting through legacy bureaucracy. The Space Force is now positioned to design, acquire, and field integrated systems at the speed of relevance.”

The portfolios are broadly arranged by mission area to minimize cross-organizational seams and dependencies while strengthening integration.

Posted in Acquisition, Guest Post, Space | No Comments »

Contract Worth Almost €1 billion: Rheinmetall Takes on a Key Role in the Digitalisation of British Army Combat Training

July 13th, 2026

Rheinmetall Electronics UK is playing a key role as a member of Omnia Training, the consortium selected to deliver the Army Collective Training Service(ACTS) as part of the British Army’s Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP). Led by Raytheon UK as the prime contractor, Omnia Training brings together a range of leading industry partners to deliver a transformative collective training capability for the British Army. Raytheon is an RTX business.

Rheinmetall, as the Land Collective Training Partner, supports the design and delivery of key elements of the programme. Rheinmetall’s share of the contract, worth just under €1 billion, The consortium will begin operational implementation in summer 2026, and the service contract is for 15 years.

The substantial project volume and extensive scope of services will enable Rheinmetall to expand its local sites, workforce, and industrial supply capacities sustainably in the United Kingdom. Over the 15-year contract period, the project will secure and create numerous skilled jobs. This applies not only to the Rheinmetall Electronics UK headquarters on the Isle of Wight and the Southampton site, but also to other key strategic locations such as Bristol and Warminster, where new employment opportunities will be created.

Omnia Training and its industry partners will be responsible for integrating and delivering modern live, virtual and constructive simulation systems. As the Land Collective Training Partner, Rheinmetall will support the delivery of these capabilities, as well as managing physical training infrastructure, system configuration and logistical aspects in support of Army Collective Training.

The UK is one of Rheinmetall’s core strategic markets in Europe, where the company has a strong presence through its subsidiaries and joint ventures. In addition to Rheinmetall Electronics UK, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land plays a key role in the British Army’s platform modernisation programmes. This strong local presence ensures the armed forces receive seamless support and strengthens local value creation.

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

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Publishes Counter-Drone Handbook

July 13th, 2026

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 recently published a practical handbook designed to aid audiences across government, industry and academia in building a shared understanding of the drone threat and the basic principles of protecting against illicit drones.

The task force developed the guide, titled “Small Drones, Big Problems: A First Principles Approach to Countering-UAS,” as part of its mission to synchronize counter-unmanned aircraft systems efforts across the War Department and federal interagency partners.

The handbook also establishes a common vocabulary and incorporates the latest information about UAS, including lessons learned from operations in the Middle East and on battlefields in Europe. It explains how adversaries can use drones, outlines the key components of a layered drone defense and examines the factors that enable successful counter-UAS operations.

“It is crucial to build a common foundation for counter-drone efforts as we work with the entire government and interagency partners to respond to this growing threat,” said Army Maj. Joe Amoroso, deputy chief of strategic initiatives for JIATF 401. “This guide shares vital first principles and direct feedback from warfighters employing [counter]-UAS systems so the entire community has the means, methods and concepts for countering the defining threat of our time.”

The handbook emphasizes a layered approach as the most effective defense against illicit drones, with a variety of tools available to counter threats. It reinforces the importance of capabilities that go beyond technological solutions, including training for warfighters that equips them with the knowledge and permissions they need to respond to drone threats in real time.

Through this publication, JIATF 401 continues its mission to expand counter-UAS capability to warfighters at home and abroad.

“While there is no silver bullet to protect against drones, the threat can be mitigated if we are proactive, work with partners across the government and build a layered defense,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, task force director. “We have faced novel challenges before, and we should not be intimidated by this one. We should lean in and take every possible step to prepare ourselves to dominate on the modern battlefield.”

By Joint Interagency Task Force 401

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

Vickers Tactical Magazine Release for the GLOCK 43X and 48 Models

July 13th, 2026

TangoDown® Inc. is pleased to announce the latest addition to the lineup – the Vickers Tactical™ Magazine Release for GLOCK® 43X and 48 (GMR-007M).

Since GLOCK® introduced the 43X and 48 models, their popularity as EDC firearms has grown extensively. Recently GLOCK® released their 15 round OE steel magazines, so we created a new 43X/48 magazine release to accommodate the GLOCK® steel magazines. Hello, GMR-007M!

Our GMR-007M offers the standard features our magazine releases are known for. This updated version of the GMR-007 allows for use with GLOCK® OE 10 round polymer magazines AND the new OE 15 round steel magazines.