The New iTWB

Arc’teryx Pro Launches Tactician AR Combat Clothing

October 22nd, 2026

Designed for Purpose. Built for Every Mission.

Arc’teryx Pro has completely updated their combat clothing line with the Tactician AR collection.

Consisting of AR Shirt, AR Pant, and Field Shirt, the collection is tight and intended to fulfill needs as a field, training, and combat uniform. Augment it with other Arc’teryx Pro clothing for a tailored mission uniform depending on the environment.

The line has been under development for the past couple of years with users evaluating prototypes to dial-in both fit and features for the Pro customer. Construction and materials are under constant development at Arc’teryx, where is innovation is their calling.

The AR Shirt, Field Shirt. and Pant are made from lightweight and breathable Spartan HT Flex Lite material which is no melt / no drip and features 2-way stretch for comfort and mobility in the field.

Along with upper sleeve pockets, the Shirt features a raised collar with spacer mesh to protect the neck and increase comfort in hot climates as well as a shorter length, flat lock zipper to eliminate pressure under the plate carrier.

The Field Shirt has two clean-finish chest pockets providing accessible storage with a low-profile look along with hidden button closure along the front placket to reduce snag risks.

The AR Pant has integrated thermo-moulded, perforated, and low-profile foam knee pads beneath reinforced webbing at the knee for abrasion resistance. Additionally, there are reinforced belt loops, knife clip reinforcement, and multiple pockets with zippered or button closures to secure critical gear.

Sizing is extensive for the entire range and will fit most, making it an excellent option for a uniform clothing program. Look for shirt sizes XS – XXL and pants 28 – 42 waist with short, regular and tall options.

Color options include MultiCam, Wolf, Crocodile, Ranger Green, Storm Blue, and Black.

For those who require country of origin information, the line is TAA compliant and assembled in El Salvador.

Available from your preferred Arc’teryx Pro dealer.

Posted in Advertiser, Arc'teryx, Clothing | 1 Comment »

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Directs Establishment of New Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadron in Florida

October 23rd, 2026

To enhance the lethality and readiness of our elite joint force, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has signed a memo directing the establishment of a new Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadron in Florida.

The directive strategically positions a premier Special Tactics capability at the center of the nation’s special operations command hub, deepening the integration between the National Guard and active-duty elite units to defend the United States and defeat global adversaries.

“Under the leadership of Secretary Hegseth, we are growing our elite Special Tactics community. The memo directs the establishment of a new Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadron, placing our most lethal warfighters at the heart of the USSOCOM and AFSOC community at Hurlburt Field & MacDill AFB,” said Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell.

The creation of the Florida-based Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadron marks a critical step forward in the Secretary’s broader initiative to rapidly modernize our special operations architecture. By utilizing the highly experienced and deeply integrated personnel of the Air National Guard, the Department is bolstering its high-end combat controller, pararescue, and special reconnaissance capabilities.

Placing this new squadron in close proximity to both U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at Hurlburt Field creates an unparalleled ecosystem of combat-ready training and mission execution. This move maximizes joint-force synergy, ensures seamless operational readiness, and provides the President with highly responsive, lethal options to counter pacing threats.

Click here to see the memo.

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Department of War, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Directs Establishment of New Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadron in Florida

Axon Vision Accelerates US Growth Strategy with Expanded US Operating Presence and Strategic Leadership

October 22nd, 2026

The next phase of the strategy builds on Axon Vision’s existing U.S. presence, adding local leadership and strategic advisory capabilities to support long-term growth in the U.S. defense market.
MCLEAN, Va, Oct. 21, 2026 — Axon Vision Ltd. (TASE: AXN), a developer of AI-powered perception and decision-support solutions for defense applications, today announced the next phase of its long-term U.S. growth strategy to build off the company’s initial growth and investments in the U.S. This includes the relocation of Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Ido Rozenberg to the U.S. and the establishment of the Axon Vision U.S. Strategic Advisory Board, including former senior U.S. military personnel.

These initiatives reflect Axon Vision’s strategic focus on the United States—the world’s largest defense market—and build on the Company’s existing U.S. operating presence and growing engagement with the U.S. defense ecosystem, including its strategic collaboration with Leonardo DRS and participation in multiple U.S. defense programs and technology initiatives. Together, they are designed to strengthen customer engagement, strategic partnerships, business development, and the Company’s ability to support U.S. customers, defense partners, and prime contractors, while supporting its long-term expansion in the United States.

Axon Vision Strategic Advisory Board comprises three founding members: General John H. Tilelli (Ret.), former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army; Lieutenant General Ray Palumbo (Ret.), former senior leader within U.S. Army Special Operations, JSOC, and the Department of Defense; and Mike Fleming, former Director of the U.S. Army International Technology Center–Mediterranean (ITC-MED). The Board will provide strategic guidance on U.S. market development, customer engagement, technology transition, product strategy, and long-term business growth, bringing collective expertise spanning operational military leadership, defense intelligence, acquisition, technology transition, and the defense industry.

General John H. Tilelli (Ret.) said: “I am honored to be asked to join Axon-Vision’s U.S. Strategic Advisory Board. Axon-Vision provides leading-edge technology to warfighters in a complex, AI-driven battlefield. I look forward to helping them expand their U.S. presence and deliver needed technology to the warrior.”

Lieutenant General Ray Palumbo (Ret.) said: “Axon-Vision’s advanced electro-optical, AI-enabled, and edge-computing capabilities can help address demanding operational requirements for U.S. and allied defense and security customers. I look forward to helping the company build enduring customer and partner relationships and deliver mission-relevant technology at scale.”

Mike Fleming said: “I’ve watched Axon Vision’s technology mature over the past eight years, and it’s remarkable to see how far it’s come. I’m looking forward to seeing what the team achieves next as they grow their presence across the U.S. defense market.”

Ido Rozenberg, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Axon Vision, said: “The United States represents the largest and most strategically important defense market in the world. As part of our expanded presence in this market, I relocated to the U.S. to lead the Company’s technology and business activities, enabling closer collaboration with customers and partners, a deeper understanding of evolving operational needs, and faster adaptation of our solutions to those requirements. Our objective is not simply to expand our presence, but to establish the relationships, capabilities, and local execution required to become a trusted long-term partner within the U.S. defense ecosystem.”

For further information, visit www.axon-vision.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Axon Vision Accelerates US Growth Strategy with Expanded US Operating Presence and Strategic Leadership

Allen-Vanguard Acquired by Defence Investment Specialist Operating Partners Group

October 22nd, 2026

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), has entered a new era with new owners, Operating Partners Group (OPG). Specialist defence investors OPG have taken ownership of Allen-Vanguard, expanding its defence technology portfolio to complement and reinforce its existing European businesses and increase its global force protection capability.

An established and well-renowned provider of RF solutions for well over two decades, Allen-Vanguard’s pedigree in delivering integrated, platform-agnostic EW sensors, counter-RCIED and counter-UAS solutions is unquestionable.

Allen-Vanguard solutions have traditionally been protecting personnel and vehicles in operational theatres, conflict zones or where there is an increased risk profile across the globe. With the deployment of their ‘SP3’ Transceiver, a wider range of EW sensors and solutions follows, growing the adaptable range of capabilities trusted by NATO nations, major aid agencies, governments and other non-governmental organisations on every continent. With agility, engineering rigour and an innovative approach, Allen-Vanguard continues to set the benchmark for countering the wide gamut of complex RF problems faced by modern forces.

OPG is a specialist defence investment firm whose portfolio comprises leading electronic warfare businesses across Europe. OPG is led by its Founder and Managing Director, Miles Graham, who brings more than 30 years’ experience across government, McKinsey consulting and private equity investing. He is supported by a team with deep expertise in defence, technology, investing and operations, which work hands-on with senior management to build long-term value.

Bobby Strawbridge, President of Allen-Vanguard, said: “Allen-Vanguard has a proud and successful history in delivering RF solutions for complex operational issues. Unfortunately, recent months have taken us through an unavoidable and difficult receivership process. We have appreciated the continued support of our employees, customers, suppliers and other business partners throughout the process, which has allowed us to emerge stronger. Looking to the future, I am pleased to report that we have secured new owners willing and able to invest in the long-term growth of the business.

OPG has the strategic vision, deep insight and necessary connections into current operational theatres to leverage an extensive ecosystem of similarly agile RF companies to reinforce Allen-Vanguard’s expertise and deliver a true capability multiplier. I am very encouraged that we have been able to find a positive way forward.”

Miles Graham, Founder and MD of OPG, said: “We are delighted to be investing in Allen-Vanguard, a brand with such strong and long-standing heritage. We have been hugely impressed by the team, their product range, technology roadmap and strong customer-focused ethos. Allen-Vanguard is an excellent addition to our electronic warfare portfolio. We see clear synergy with the agility and RF capability required to meet current operational demands and also see a real opportunity to bring IP and capabilities from across our existing businesses to Canada and global markets. Our backing will support Allen-Vanguard to build on its established force protection strengths and expand into adjacent areas such as signals intelligence. We’re excited to work with Bobby and the team as the business enters a new era.”

Posted in CEMA, EW, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

New Chapter for British Firepower: Rheinmetall Opens the UK Gun Hall

October 22nd, 2026

Rheinmetall officially opened the new ‘UK Gun Hall’ in Telford in the presence of the British Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting, thereby marking the return of independent production of large-calibre weapons to the UK. The UK Gun Hall forms part of Rheinmetall’s wider investment of more than £200 million across its UK operations over the past five years, demonstrating the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening Britain’s defence industrial base. The investment complements Rheinmetall UK’s work on the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle, Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank programme and future land capability programmes. The ‘Gun Hall’ is a concrete example of the industrial partnership between the United Kingdom and Germany established under the Trinity House Agreement.

The facility is expected to support over 100 highly skilled people as production develops while creating opportunities for British businesses, strengthening domestic supply chains and delivering long-term economic value. Rheinmetall currently employs around 685 people in Telford, including 35 at the UK Gun Hall. This represents a significant long-term investment in Britain’s defence industrial base, supporting warfighting readiness and contributing to the government’s ambition to make defence an engine for growth.

The Gun Hall will manufacture 120mm and 155mm weapon systems, including those supporting Challenger 3 and future artillery platforms. The facility offers 11,500 m² of production space. At peak capacity, it can produce up to 245 barrels per year across both calibres, as well as more than 50 breeches annually. Designed to meet growing UK, NATO and international demand, the facility provides scalable manufacturing capacity that strengthens collective deterrence, enhances industrial resilience and reinforces Britain’s contribution to European and NATO security.

From concept to reality at pace, Rheinmetall transformed an empty facility into an operational manufacturing capability in just eight months. The achievement demonstrates Rheinmetall’s ability to respond rapidly to UK defence requirements and translate investment commitments into sovereign capability. During this period, advanced manufacturing equipment was installed and commissioned, specialist expertise was transferred to the UK workforce, and production commenced on schedule.

Production of breeches and breech blocks began in May 2026, followed by barrel production in June 2026, in line with programme milestones. The successful manufacture of the first UK-produced breech, breech block and barrels demonstrates the capability to manufacture these complex weapon components on British soil.

Looking ahead, Rheinmetall intends to introduce British steel from Sheffield Forgemasters into production, further strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting Britain’s steel industry.

The facility was officially opened at a ceremony hosted by Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, and the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence, bringing together representatives from Government, the Armed Forces and industry to celebrate the return of this critical manufacturing capability to the UK.

Central to the programme has been investment in British people and skills. UK employees undertook extensive training and knowledge transfer at Rheinmetall’s production facility in Unterlüß, Germany, gaining advanced expertise in precision manufacturing, quality assurance and specialist weapon production before bringing that critical knowledge back to Telford.

Rheinmetall has also recruited specialist skills from across the Telford region, demonstrating the strength of the local engineering and manufacturing sector. As production ramps up, Rheinmetall will continue to develop its workforce and work closely with UK small and medium-sized enterprises to build resilient, long-term domestic supply chains.

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Defence, said:

“Britain is back in the business of making the weapons that our Armed Forces need to defend the nation against our adversaries. From an empty site to full production in eight months, this is rapid reindustrialisation in action. One hundred skilled jobs in world-class manufacturing and the return of large-calibre weapon production to UK soil for the first time in twenty years – this is what defence as an engine for growth looks like.” 

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, said:

“Today’s opening is an important milestone for Rheinmetall and for the United Kingdom. In a remarkably short period of time, we have turned our commitment into a sovereign manufacturing capability that will strengthen Britain’s defence industrial base for decades to come. The UK has been a long-standing and valued partner for Rheinmetall, and today we are building on an already strong relationship. We are committed to investing in the UK for the long term, expanding our industrial footprint and working together to deliver the capabilities needed for the future. By combining Rheinmetall’s expertise with British skills, innovation and manufacturing, we are strengthening the UK’s sovereign industrial capacity, supporting the Armed Forces and contributing to the security of NATO and Europe.”

Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall UK, said:

“The official opening of our UK Gun Hall is a landmark moment for Rheinmetall UK and for Britain’s defence industrial base. In just eight months, we transformed an empty facility into an operational manufacturing capability by investing in British people, British skills and British industry. From the outset, we have listened to what the UK needs and focused on delivering sovereign capability at pace. By transferring specialist knowledge from Germany and developing a highly skilled British workforce here in Telford, we are creating skilled jobs, supporting British businesses and building the industrial capacity needed to equip our Armed Forces while investing in the long-term prosperity of the UK.”

The UK Gun Hall is a tangible example of the UK-Germany industrial partnership established under the Trinity House Agreement. By combining Rheinmetall’s established manufacturing expertise in Germany with sovereign production capability in Britain, the programme demonstrates how allied industrial cooperation can accelerate delivery, strengthen resilience and enhance NATO’s collective security.

Together, these investments are strengthening sovereign capability, creating highly skilled British jobs, supporting UK businesses and supply chains, and demonstrating how defence investments can deliver both national security and national prosperity.

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

The Next Chapter: Smith & Wesson Announces Acquisition of Savage Arms

October 22nd, 2026

MARYVILLE, TN. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announced it has acquired Savage Arms, Inc., the 132-year-old Westfield, Massachusetts-based maker of legendary rifles and shotguns, from JDH Holdings, for $160 million in a stock and cash transaction. The acquisition brings together two of the most recognized and respected names in American firearms manufacturing – uniting Smith & Wesson’s strength in the handgun, revolver, and modern sporting rifle markets with Savage’s reputation for accuracy, innovation, and craftsmanship in the hunting and long-gun categories. This creates a compelling platform to generate sustainable, long-term growth.

“The acquisition of Savage is transformative for Smith & Wesson and contributes to our objective of becoming the undisputed market leader in the firearm industry,” said Mark Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. “With this transaction, we have significantly expanded our presence in the hunting category, particularly in bolt-action rifles, which will enable us to better serve our customers. We are excited to combine Savage’s expertise and scale in the hunting category with our proven capabilities in the handgun and semi-auto rifle markets. We believe our teams’ core competencies will complement one another, translating into a stronger combined business”.

The combined company will immediately rank as the largest commercial firearms manufacturer in the United States, with a full-line product offering spanning handguns, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and suppressors. Savage brings roughly $160 million annual net sales and a dedicated, skilled workforce of approximately 500 to the Smith & Wesson family, strengthening the combined company’s position at a moment when consumer demand for American-made firearms across every category remains strong.

Savage and Smith & Wesson already sell through many of the same dealers, distributors, and big box retail partners, and are trusted by an overlapping base of hunters, competitive shooters, and everyday sportsmen and women across the country. That shared customer base – and the supply chain, vendor, and distribution relationships behind it – creates immediate go-to-market efficiency and unmatched scale.

Few combinations in this industry carry the historical weight of this one. Smith & Wesson was founded in 1852 in Massachusetts; Savage Arms was founded in 1894, also in Massachusetts. Both companies have spent well over a century as fixtures of American manufacturing, innovation, and craftsmanship – arming hunters, sportsmen, and protectors across multiple generations. This is more than a financial transaction; it’s the union of two authentically American manufacturing stories, grounded in the same values of quality, durability, and performance that built this industry in the first place.

For more information, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

Posted in Firearms, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Built for the Long Haul: Mystery Ranch Sustainment Packs

October 22nd, 2026

When the mission extends beyond a patrol, carrying more is only part of the problem. The real challenge is carrying it farther.

MYSTERY RANCH has spent decades focused on load carriage, developing packs and frame systems around the realities of moving heavy, awkward, and mission-specific equipment over distance and difficult terrain.

At the top end of that capability is the BLACKJACK 100. Built from the same design concept as the USSOCOM issue MYSTERY RANCH SpearRecce pack, this 100-liter sustainment pack is designed for extended operations where the kit list grows quickly. A dedicated sleep systemcompartment, full-length side access zips, ample external pockets for organization, and a removable lid (which doubles as an E&E pack) help manage your gear, but the foundation of the system is our MILITARY LIGHT FRAME (MLF).

Built around high-strength composite stays and a fully adjustable shoulder harness, the MLF is designed to effectively transfer heavy loads to the body while maintaining just enough flexibility move with the user. BVS bolsters provide additional stability over body armor.

That focus on the connection between the body, frame, and load runs throughout the MYSTERY RANCH sustainment lineup.

The MOUNTAIN RUCK takes the familiar shape and utility of the classic medium ALICE ruck and pairs it with MYSTERY RANCH’s NICE Frame and adjustable harnessing. The OVERLOAD addresses a different problem entirely: equipment that doesn’t fit neatly inside a pack. Its expandable load shelf allows weapons, cases, mortar components, and other bulky equipment to ride between the pack and frame, keeping the heaviest portion of the load close to the user’s back.

Different missions create different loads. Sometimes it’s 100 liters of sustainment gear. Sometimes it’s a crew-served weapon, communications equipment, or a hard case that was never designed to fit inside a backpack.

That’s why load carriage isn’t simply about capacity. It’s about controlling the load, transferring the weight, maintaining mobility, and building a system that works for the person who can’t quit, even when the miles start adding up.

For MYSTERY RANCH, that’s always been the point.

MYSTERY RANCH has multiple sustainment pack options to fit your needs. And when an off-the-shelf solution doesn’t meet the mission requirement, MYSTERY RANCH Special Projects can help develop something that does. The team works directly with end users to understand specific load carriage needs and build purpose-driven solutions for whatever your mission may be. Contact them at sales@mysteryranch.com

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

American Ingenuity at Work: The Army’s Strategic Capital Initiative

October 22nd, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Army is rewriting the playbook on how it partners with the private sector. At a contemporary military forum on the Strategic Capital Initiative during the Association of the United States Army 2026 Annual Meeting, senior Army leaders and commercial executives sent a clear, unified message: the Army is doing business differently than ever before.

The panel explored how SCI is bridging the gap between national defense and private capital focused on six strategic pillars. Panelists highlighted how the Army is cutting through red tape and rigid acquisition rules by actively leveraging commercial solutions openings, public-private partnerships and enhanced use leases to work at the speed of trust and capital.

Panel members echoed Acting Secretary of the Army Adam R. Telle opening remarks that the service “needs to build adaptable and symbiotic relationships with both industry and service partners to maintain a strategic advantage over the nation’s adversaries.”

Lt. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, deputy commanding general and acting commander of Army Materiel Command, emphasized that AMC is leaning heavily into these innovative, particularly across the Army’s 23 organic industrial base sites.

“The government defines a problem, we send it out to commercial industry, and we let commercial industry do what they do best — innovate and bring solutions,” said Lawrence. “We’re not bounding commercial industry by our constraints. We give them the clearly defined problem, what it is important, and then let American ingenuity go to work.”

Lawrence outlined four critical lessons the Army and private industry must embrace to make these commercial solutions openings successful.

First, he noted that the Army has a responsibility to clearly define its requirements and problem sets, but conversely, industry must feel empowered to speak up if there is a lack of understanding. Ensuring clear conversations and a shared vision upfront prevents costly misalignments down the road.

Second, he highlighted the importance of understanding statutory guardrails and respecting the legal boundaries that distinguish government operations from the private sector. He said for example, within the organic industrial base, certain core functions are inherently governmental, and operations must comply with statutory regulations like the 50-50 rule, which dictates the balance of military and commercial depot maintenance work.

Third, Lawrence called for a clear, mutual understanding of the value proposition on both sides from the very beginning. He said, while the Army is focused on increasing production capacity, lowering acquisition costs and accelerating capability delivery to the warfighter, the military must also recognize that commercial partners have obligations to their stakeholders, including expectations for return on investment and profit.

Fourth, he emphasized the need to balance these guardrails without binding or inhibiting the innovation that commercial industry brings. He explained that the government must establish boundaries without over-constraining its partners.

‘We need to be working at the speed of trust, and trust is based on communication and understanding each other,” said Lawrence. “Speed absolutely matters, so if there is something we are not thinking about, help us get to the right place.”

Under the SCI framework, the Army is already utilizing commercial solutions openings to implement advanced manufacturing flexible lines to resolve parts obsolescence and enhance readiness. At Red River Army Depot in Texas, a partnership with Hadrian is establishing a flexible line for battery production to support drone dominance and manufacture tactical wheeled vehicle repair parts. Additionally, Anniston Army Depot in Alabama is collaborating with Siemens to onshore manufacturing capabilities for small unmanned aircraft system stator systems and produce parts for heavy armored fleets.

Industry panelists echoed the enthusiasm for this collaborative evolution. Chip Chattelier, vice president for business and technology strategy, FedEx Dataworks, commended the Army’s willingness to lean in.

“The single most effective way to accelerate private investment is to bring industry in earlier, even before putting pen to paper, to understand the ground truth of the mission,” said Chattelier. “By doing so, partners can move past reactive, static dashboards and implement ‘predictive logistics intelligence’ to anticipate supply chain disruptions and prevent readiness impacts before they happen.”

By Megan Gully

Posted in Army, Industry, Logistics, Press Release | No Comments »

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