Celebrate 20 years of the TLR-1

American Tactical Introduces the Calvary 3B Triple Barrel Shotgun

February 18th, 2026

Summerville, SC – American Tactical proudly announces the arrival of the Cavalry 3B™ Triple Barrel Shotgun, a break-open 12-gauge that redefines expectations with its striking three-barrel configuration and refined aesthetic. Designed to be both a functional workhorse and a standout centerpiece, the Cavalry 3B delivers innovation, reliability, and undeniable “wow” factor in one commanding platform.

A Design That Breaks the Mold

The Cavalry 3B isn’t your typical shotgun. Featuring an 18.5-inch or 20-inch triple-barrel configuration, this uniquely engineered firearm pairs bold performance with timeless styling. Elegant walnut furniture complements a black or silver receiver adorned with intricate scroll engraving, creating a classic look with a modern edge.

As a break-open action shotgun, the 3B maintains mechanical simplicity and rugged durability, all while offering an eye-catching profile that immediately distinguishes it from traditional single- or double-barrel designs. In addition, the Trigger Housing drops out for easy cleaning and maintenance. 

Triple-Barrel Performance

Chambered in 12-gauge and capable of accepting up to 3½” Magnum shells, the Cavalry 3B offers exceptional versatility across a wide range of loads. Its preset firing sequence—Lower Right barrel first, followed by Left, then Top—provides three ready shots in a consistent, predictable cadence.

By combining triple-shot capability with the legendary reliability of a break-action system, the 3B eliminates the mechanical complexity of semi-automatic platforms while still delivering rapid follow-up shots when needed.

Built for Versatility and Comfort

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Despite its formidable appearance, the Cavalry 3B is surprisingly balanced and manageable, weighing just 7 pounds with an overall length of 35.5 inches. Key features include:

• 5 Internal Choke Tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Cylinder)

o Stevens 555 threading for compatibility

• Premium Recoil Pad to help mitigate felt recoil, especially with Magnum loads

• Green Fiber Optic Front Sight for enhanced visibility and rapid target acquisition

• Extractor System for reliable shell removal

• Steel Shot Rated for modern ammunition compatibility

• Sling Post and Swivel Stud included

The included choke selection allows shooters to fine-tune pattern spread for various applications, while the fiber optic sight ensures fast sight alignment in diverse lighting conditions.

Key Specifications

• Model: Cavalry 3B

• MPN: ATIGKOF123B18

• UPC: 810113111063

• Action: Break Open

• Gauge: 12

• Capacity: 3

• Chamber: 3.5”

• Barrel Length: 18.5” (Triple Barrel)

• Overall Length: 35.5”

• Weight: 7 lbs

• Length of Pull: 14.25”

• Sights: Green Fiber Optic Front

• Recoil Pad: Premium

• Chokes: 5 Included (F, IM, M, IC, C) – Stevens 555 Threading

• Shell Extraction: Extractor

• Steel Shot Rated: Yes

• Drilled & Tapped: No

• Fire Sequence: Lower Right ? Left ? Top

A True Conversation Starter

With an MSRP of $889.95, the American Tactical Cavalry 3B offers shooters and collectors a distinctive alternative in the 12-gauge market. Whether admired for its engineering ingenuity, demonstrated for its rapid three-shot sequence, or appreciated for its refined detailing, the 3B stands as both a functional firearm and a bold statement piece.

For more information, visit www.americantactical.us or contact your local American Tactical dealer.

Ares Gear, Inc Launches New Website

February 18th, 2026

Ares Gear, Inc. acquired by Victory First June 1, 2025

Fredericksburg, Virginia

February 16, 2026

Ares Gear, Inc., the U.S. based tactical gear company best known for producing high quality belts and accessories for law enforcement, military, and EDC civilian users, was acquired by Victory First on June 1, 2025.

Matthew Jacques, owner of Victory First emphasizes that the company philosophy and brand promise remains strongly rooted in an unwavering dedication to quality, providing premier quality belts and accessories to those who want the best that the industry has to offer. Ares Gear, Inc. has long taken pride in building its products using only American-made components; every belt, all materials right down to the bonded thread used is comprised entirely of materials made on American soil.

With the new website launch, Ares Gear, Inc. aims to deliver a best-in-class shopping experience that will give both new and existing customers a refreshed, premium digital experience. Ares Gear, Inc. also has indicated that a new dealer program is in the pipeline. This program’s goal is to build a strong network of retailers who wish to share with their customers the gold-standard in belts and soft goods. Over the course of the next year, Ares Gear also plans to expand upon the existing product line. The experience of Matt and his time in service to his country as a US Marine, Retired Law Enforcement and nearly two decades of industry experience coupled alongside customer feedback fuels creation of new prototypes and designs, focused squarely on delivering what people need and want.

“Civilian carry, law enforcement, and military applications deserve only the best in materials, products, and service. We strive to provide all three. After all, if you carry a gun… it’s on an Aegis.”

The new website can be viewed here: aresgear.com

Galvion Unveils Hellbender UL, Building on Its Leadership in Ultra-Lightweight Helmet Systems

February 18th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, unveils the Batlskin Hellbender™ UL (Ultra-Light) helmet — a new ultra-lightweight ballistic head system developed to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces operating at scale and seeking force-wide standardization without compromising performance. Galvion’s Hellbender™ UL launch coincides with EnforceTac 2026, taking place in Nürnberg, Germany, from 23–25 February. The new Hellbender UL, along with Galvion’s wider range of head systems and power and data solutions, will be on display at booth 9-556.

Galvion’s Hellbender™ platform has been fielded across multiple international programs to meet a variety of requirements. Notably, in August 2025, Galvion announced the award of a USD 130 million contract by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), having selected a variant of Galvion’s Hellbender platform for their Integrated Helmet System (IHS) program. This latest variant, the Hellbender UL, benefits from insights and feedback from a broad range of users over multiple years of development and in-field use across a wide range of operational theatres.

Engineered as a complete head system, the Hellbender™ UL is designed to deliver superior protection through enhanced shell geometry. Using an innovative manufacturing process that offers increased ballistic performance while reducing overall weight, the design results in exceptional structural rigidity and impact resistance. The helmet is available in four sizes (S–XL) and two cuts, including a Mid/Full cut that provides the ideal balance between maximum coverage and effortless communications integration. Featuring a low-profile, rattle-free shroud, ballistic hardware, and integrated cable channels and pass-throughs to minimize snag hazards, the helmet is designed to provide optimized coverage and stability while maintaining compatibility with face shields, night-vision devices, chem/bio masks, and other mission-critical systems. With Galvion’s best-in-class Apex™ liner system, which combines full-coverage impact protection with a highly adjustable fit architecture, Hellbender UL offers stability, comfort, and endurance over extended wear. Designed with future integration in mind, Hellbender™ UL provides a scalable foundation capable of supporting Galvion’s Cortex™ advanced computing and digital capabilities as operational requirements evolve.

Galvion’s approach to helmet system development is underpinned by proven regional production and delivery at scale. The company has invested significantly in localized manufacturing and supply-chain capability in Europe, including the establishment of its European Production Hub in Poland to support the delivery of 250,000 Caiman® helmets ordered to date through its NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. As European forces continue to modernize their soldier systems, Galvion is committed to extending this regionalized model to support expanded adoption of its helmet platforms, including Hellbender™ UL.

Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of Galvion, said: “The Hellbender UL is an ultra-lightweight platform that is a high-performing solution aligned with the evolving needs of NATO and European forces, particularly those who require a full cut system. This is a milestone addition to our lightweight helmet portfolio, complementing our widely fielded Caiman® system, and exemplifies our system-level approach that considers not only protection, but also integration, sustainment, and future capability growth. This helmet is designed for forces that expect their equipment to evolve with them, without compromise.”

5.11 x Battlefield 6 Partnership Expands with Co-Branded Product and Exclusive In-Game Skins

February 18th, 2026

COSTA MESA, Calif. – February 18, 2026 – 5.11, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear, and gear, today announced the next phase of its partnership with EA® for Battlefield™ 6, introducing limited-edition co-branded gear and the first wave of exclusive 5.11 in-game character skins.

Rooted in a shared commitment to authenticity, performance, and readiness, this latest activation brings 5.11’s purpose-built philosophy to life both in the real world and within the virtual battlefield. From technical apparel designed for everyday performance to exclusive in-game content built for immersive play, the collaboration continues to bridge physical and digital experiences through purposeful design.

Building on the successful October launch of Battlefield™ 6, this next phase further connects players and fans to the 5.11 brand — empowering them with gear and experiences engineered to perform wherever the mission takes them.

“This partnership is a natural extension of who we are,” said Troy Brown, CEO of 5.11. “We build for people who push limits in every arena—whether that’s at work, in training, in competition, or in a digital environment. The mindset stays the same: show up prepared, perform with purpose, and keep raising the bar. Bringing that performance standard into Battlefield is a powerful way to extend our brand and meet our community where they are.”


Co-branded Apparel and Accessories

As part of the activation, 5.11 is launching a co-branded capsule collection available beginning February 17. The lineup includes the EA Battlefield Operator Grim Bomber Tee, EA Battlefield Topo Skull Operator Midweight Hoodie, EA Battlefield Operator Hat, and the 5.11 Topo Skull Patch. The collection merges Battlefield’s high-intensity world with 5.11’s signature design language, featuring custom graphics and a reintroduced Topo Skull design originally created by 5.11.

The capsule is available in the United States at select 5.11 retail locations and online, while supplies last.

Also launching February 17 is the first official 5.11 character skin inside Battlefield 6: the Engineer. Players can unlock the exclusive skin through a special redemption code included with any $50 purchase from 5.11 online or at U.S. retail stores.


5.11 Field-Tested Engineer Skin

This promotion is available in the United States online and in stores, and online in Australia and select countries across Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Additional 5.11 Cosmetics will be available in-game that include three soldier skins for the Assault, Support, and Recon classes; along with a vehicle skin, two character patches and one player card beginning February 24, further expanding the collaboration across multiple Battlefield roles.

In addition, 5.11 is launching an SMS activation that allows fans to receive a code to unlock an exclusive 5.11 Player Card to utilize in-game within Battlefield 6.


5.11 Be Ready Player Card

For more information about the 5.11 x Battlefield 6 partnership and current activations, visit www.511tactical.com/battlefield-6.

Warrior Protection And Readiness Coalition Announces Formation OF The Congressional Berry Amendment Caucus

February 18th, 2026

Strengthening Domestic Defense Manufacturing and Securing Warfighter Supply Chains

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 17, 2026) — The Warrior Protection & Readiness Coalition (WPRC) today applauded the formation of the first-ever congressional Berry Amendment Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan caucus, spearheaded by co-chairs Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10) and Don Davis (NC-01), has foundational goals of strengthening domestic defense manufacturing, supporting American jobs, and ensuring U.S. warfighters are equipped with the highest-quality, 100% American- made uniforms, body armor, load-bearing equipment, ballistic helmets, textiles and related equipment.

Founding members of the caucus include Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), David Rouzer (NC-07), Tim Moore (NC-14), John Carter (TX-31), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), and Brian Mast (FL-21).

The Berry Amendment, first enacted in 1941, requires the Department of War to procure certain mission-critical items, including textiles, clothing, footwear, body armor, tents, and food, from domestic sources. The law helps ensure the United States maintains secure supply chains for essential military items while sustaining the domestic industrial base that supports the warfighter.

The Berry Amendment Caucus will serve as a bipartisan forum focused on strengthening national security and preserving American manufacturing. The caucus will highlight the importance of domestic industrial capacity in critical sectors such as textiles, uniforms,armor and specialty materials; support factories and workers who manufacture Berry-compliant goods; educate Members of Congress on the full scope of products coveredunder the law; and support consistent enforcement and modernization of Berry requirements to meet evolving warfighter needs.

“The formation of the Berry Amendment Caucus marks an important step in sustaining and growing the domestic industrial base that equips the American warfighter,” said David Costello, Executive Director of the WPRC. “For decades, the Berry Amendment has ensured that our servicemembers have a secure supply chain for critical equipage and are never dependent on foreign supply chains for mission-essential gear. In war and in peace, the Berry Amendment guarantees that the United States is always capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of products needed to keep our troops combat ready. Our association is deeply appreciative of the leadership demonstrated by Reps. Harrigan and Davis in founding this new caucus.”

“You cannot be the strongest military in the world while depending on foreign supply chains for mission-critical gear. The Berry Amendment protects our warfighters, protects American manufacturing, and protects our national security. As co-chair of this caucus, I am doubling down on a simple principle: the equipment that defends the United States should be made in the United States,” said Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10).

“As North Carolina invests in a stronger future for our textile industry, we must strengthen the Berry Amendment, guaranteeing that every thread of the defense supply chain is American-made. Protecting local jobs, backing our manufacturers, and providing our military with the dependable, high-quality materials it deserves is vital,” said Congressman Don Davis (NC-01).

With the establishment of the Berry Amendment Caucus, members of Congress will have a platform to highlight Berry-compliant manufacturing in their districts, support policies that strengthen domestic supply chains, and reinforce America’s ability to equip the world’s most capable military.

About WPRC

WPRC is the unified voice of advocacy for the individual and unit level equipment needs of the warfighter and peacekeeper. The leading tactical equipment, apparel, materials, and technology companies of the WPRC are committed to ensuring that American service members and Homeland Security personnel are provided with superior products built by a robust industrial base, now and in the future. For a complete listing of WPRC member companies, please visit www.warriorprotection.net.

Visit Mystery Ranch at Enforce Tac at the Mehler Stand

February 18th, 2026

Mystery Ranch will be exhibiting at next week’s Enforce Tac in Nürnberg, Germany at the Mehler stand. This will be my friend and MR International Sales Manager E-van’s first trip to Enforce Tac so stop by and catch up.

Sean Evangelista, known throughout the industry as “E-van”, is the new International Military Sales Manager for Mystery Ranch. He spent nearly 20 years in U.S. Navy Special Operations and later founded the apparel brand Thirty Seconds Out, which he successfully exited in 2024.

Before joining Mystery Ranch, Sean worked full-time as a mountain guide for four years, leading clients through mountaineering, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, rock climbing, alpine routes, and hut-to-hut treks. His guiding experience spans both Alaska and Colorado.

He began using Mystery Ranch packs during his time in Special Operations and continued relying on them throughout his guiding career — from expeditions to the summit of Denali to demanding backcountry ski and ice-climbing missions across Colorado. The packs became a constant in environments where reliability wasn’t optional.

Sean said, “I’ve used Mystery Ranch packs for years, long before working here was even on my radar, because they’re comfortable and they don’t fail you. That really matters when the terrain and the mission are high-consequence. With other brands, I’ve blown out stitching, bent aluminum frames, and torn more packs than I can count. That’s the last thing you want to deal with, especially on dangerous objectives. Mystery Ranch has never failed me.”

Sean will be at the EnforceTac tradeshow in Nuremberg, Germany, 23–25 February 2026, taking meetings at Mehler/Lindnerhof, Hall 7A, Booth 7A-333.

To schedule a meeting, he can be reached at:

Email: sean.evangelista@mysteryranch.com

Signal: mysteryranch.77

WhatsApp: Sean Evangelista

Project Manager Soldier Lethality Relinquishment of Charter

February 18th, 2026

Fort Belvoir, Va

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. –?After three years of dedicated leadership, Colonel Jason Bohannon relinquished his charter as the Project Manager for Soldier Lethality (PM SL) during a ceremony on February 6, 2026.?The traditional military ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility for the organization, which is tasked with ensuring Soldiers have overmatch capabilities in individual and crew-served weapons.

Brigadier General Troy Denomy, Capability Program Executive Ground, presided over the event and presented Col. Bohannon with the Legion of Merit. The award recognized Bohannon’s diligent leadership and oversight of a portfolio critical to the nation’s warfighters. Bohannon’s superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal courage are a testament to both the organization and the U.S. Army.

Upon assuming command in August 2023, Bohannon stated his goal was to “field the most lethal small arms that ground forces have ever seen.”

His three years as Project Manager were marked by a steadfast commitment to that vision, overseeing the continuous improvement and fielding of systems that enhance both the survivability and lethality of the American Soldier.

Assisting in the ceremony was the Senior Enlisted Advisor for Project Manager Soldier Lethality, Master Sgt. Daniel Saucedo. The event was narrated by Maj. Jonathan DiBianca, and the invocation was provided by Lt. Col. Micah Rue, former Product Manager for Soldier Weapons. 

Following the relinquishment, Mr. Dave Oatley, who recently served as the Deputy Project Manager for Soldier Lethality, assumed the duties as the Acting Project Manager. 

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Gen. David Hodne, Maj. Gen. Reim, Maj. Gen. Sean Davis, and Brig. Gen. Camilla White, whose presence underscored the significance of the Soldier Lethality mission. 

By PEO Soldier, Army

HENSOLDT and Schwarz Digits Form Strategic Partnership for Data-Driven Defence Capabilities

February 17th, 2026

Joint solution expertise for sovereign sensor cloud infrastructures, networked sensor technology and multi-domain operations

Neckarsulm/Munich (Germany), 16 February 2026 – System House HENSOLDT and Schwarz Digits are entering into a strategic partnership to jointly advance the expansion of software-defined defence and sovereign, data-driven capabilities for the networked operational environment. The aim of the collaboration is to provide fully integrated, sovereign and cloud-enabled solutions for Germany and other nations allied with Germany.

Holistic protection: from VS-Secret to quantum resistance

The partnership responds to the urgent need for independent cloud technology for the defence sector. STACKIT, Schwarz Digits’ cloud provider, delivers an end-to-end infrastructure for this purpose. Beyond the infrastructure, Schwarz Digits brings specialised security capabilities to the partnership.  Highly secure communication stacks will enable data exchange up to the VS-Secret classification level. To counter future threats, Schwarz Digits relies on quantum-resistant encryption methods and comprehensive cyber security solutions. This integrated approach provides seamless protection for the integrity of data streams against digital access.

Modular multi-domain operations software suite

HENSOLDT contributes its entire defence technology portfolio. This includes, in particular, MDOcore (Multi-Domain Operations Core) – an open, modular and cloud-enabled software suite that acts as a universal translator for different, distributed data sources with the ability to perform AI-supported data fusion and integrate capabilities across multiple military domains. In addition, HENSOLDT is contributing its product range of radar, optronics, electromagnetic signal intelligence and active and passive sensor systems. This is complemented by distributed data management and interoperability solutions. Further contributions include simulation and synthetic environments for generating data for training, artificial intelligence training, and software testing and validation. In addition, HENSOLDT’s comprehensive expertise in the integration of mission systems across land, air, sea, cyber, space and cross-domain operations complements the service portfolio.

Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT, says: “The security challenges of our time call for sovereign, powerful and networked solutions that Europe can provide from its own technological strength. The partnership with Schwarz Digits combines leading defence electronics with sovereign digital infrastructure. This enables us to create the conditions for the holistic implementation of software-defined defence and to provide armed forces with highly effective and expandable capabilities for the networked theatre of operations.”

Christian Müller, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits, says: “With Schwarz Digits, we are laying the digital foundation for a new era. In doing so, we are proving that digital sovereignty offers the necessary speed and security to operate critical systems in a future-proof manner.”

Sven Heursch, Chief Digital Officer at HENSOLDT, says: “Software-defined defence requires sovereign data spaces, powerful sensor technology and end-to-end, secure processing from the operational environment to the cloud. At Schwarz Digits, we share the understanding that technological sovereignty and operational effectiveness are inextricably linked. Together, we are laying the foundation for data-driven, resilient defence solutions that meet the requirements of modern multi-domain operations.”

The plan for 2026 is to translate this preliminary work into concrete prototypes and joint offerings. Among other things, there are plans for a joint prototype that combines the sovereign capabilities of Schwarz Digits with sensor technology, integration software and simulation-based data generation from HENSOLDT. In addition, the infrastructure of Schwarz Digits is to be integrated into a sensor solution from HENSOLDT. The presentation of this solution is planned for the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin in June 2026.