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GA-ASI Celebrates 10 Years of Flight Test and Training in North Dakota

July 17th, 2026

Several Historic UAS Events Originated From the FTTC

GRAND FORKS – 16 July 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) began operations of its Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) at the GrandSKY UAS Business Park near Grand Forks, North Dakota, on July 18, 2016. Over the past 10 years, the FTTC has been the site of a number of historic “firsts” for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and has delivered training to more than 4,000 pilots and sensor operators that fly UAS produced by GA-ASI.

“It’s been an eventful decade for the FTTC,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We opened this facility with the idea of expanding our flight test and training capability in a location with a lot of open sky, and we found that in North Dakota.”

The FTTC quickly became an important piece in the emergence of GA-ASI’s next-generation MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), which has been ordered by 10 countries.

Several important MQ-9B test flights originated from the FTTC, which is also a prime location for international customer flight crews to receive training for their pilots, sensor operators, and mission intelligence coordinators.

“Starting with the first nonstop transatlantic flight of a medium-altitude, long-endurance RPA (MQ-9B) in 2018, GA-ASI has used the FTTC as a launch pad for a number of historic flights, including flying an MQ-9A inside the Arctic Circle, and just this year when we completed Flight Into Known Icing tests using MQ-9B,” said Mr. Blue.

U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) added: “We’ve built North Dakota into the premier location for unmanned aviation. As one of GrandSKY’s anchor tenants, General Atomics has been a tremendous partner in this effort, and we appreciate the company’s continued investment in our UAS ecosystem over these past 10 years. When we first began working to establish our unmanned industry more than 20 years ago, GrandSKY was just an idea. Through years of collaboration and effort, we secured a lease to establish the technology and business park at the air base, and we got to work finding the right tenants to make this first-of-its-kind initiative a success. As we worked with General Atomics’ leadership, including CEO Linden Blue, it was clear the company would be a natural fit. Today, we look back on how far our efforts have taken us and celebrate a decade of successful partnership.”

Milestones and highlights from the first 10 years of the FTTC:

July 2016

First flight of Predator® RPA

August 2017

First permanent hangar opens

July 2018

MQ-9B SkyGuardian® takes off on first trans-Atlantic to RAF Fairford

August 2018

FTTC expands from 5.5 to more than 11+ acres

August 2019

No-Chase Certificate of Waiver or Authorization received from the FAA

March 2020

New Predator Mission Trainer installed

September 2021

MQ-9A takes off to fly north through Canadian airspace past the 78th parallel

July 2022

First SkyGuardian Mission Trainer installed

February 2023

MQ-9B completes Cold Weather Validation flight test

May 2023

First international customer arrives for MQ-9B flight training

August 2023

Second permanent hangar opens

August 2024

Air Systems Training team established to expand training for global MQ?9 users

April 2026

MQ-9B completes Flight Into Known Icing tests

See video and article about the FTTC.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Celebrates 10 Years of Flight Test and Training in North Dakota

Final Call for Tigerstripe Gear from Wilde Custom Gear

July 17th, 2026

The fabric is gone. The gear is next.

Our Limited Edition Vietnam Tiger Stripe run is coming to an end. The fabric has been depleted, and what remains is the final inventory of this legendary camouflage pattern.

No restock.

No second run.

No backorder.

Once a configuration sells out, it will not be made again in Vietnam Tiger Stripe.

If you’ve been waiting to grab a plate carrier, chest rig, belt system, holster, or magazine pouch in this pattern, this is your last shot.

Built in small batches.

Made in the USA.

Designed for real-world use.

Shop final inventory now at WildeCustomGear.com

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Eastman Tiger Stripe Short Brim Boonie

July 17th, 2026

A new addition to the Eastman Combat Collection, our Vietnam era boonie is an exacting reproduction of an incountry made original, this piece is entirely made in Japan and in stock now in the ELC webstore.

Few other pieces of gear are as iconic of the US involvement in South East Asia as the boonie hat. It was both functional in the climate and a custom expression of personality. While being the most practical headwear for jungle insurgency, Tiger Stripe boonie hats were often worn by Special Forces and recon troops to show their elite status. With tailor shops readily available, it was possible to buy or have made a hat to whatever specifications one desired. Brim length, height, camo pattern, fabric weight and unit insignia or airborne wings were all considered when choosing the proper head gear.

The JWD (John Wayne Dense) tiger stripe is an iconic, four colour camo pattern synonymous with the US Special Forces in Vietnam. It features bold black strokes, dark green, and muted brown, all outlined in tan, and is characterised by a tightly packed, heavy-contrast design that was famously worn by John Wayne in the 1968 film The Green Berets. Originally so named and classified by Sgt Richard Dennis Johnson in his book Tiger Patterns, collectors often refer to it as the “Classic” or “Okinawan” pattern, as it was originally manufactured in Japan during the early 1960s for South Vietnamese forces.

www.eastmanleather.com/the-combat-collection/1347-tiger-stripe-short-brim-boonie

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FirstSpear Friday Focus: Low Visibility Plate Carrier (LVPC)

July 17th, 2026

Protection doesn’t have to announce itself. The FirstSpear LOW VISIBILITY PLATE CARRIER is engineered for the modern operator who demands maximum performance with minimal presence. Designed for plainclothes operations, undercover roles, and urban environments where stealth is non-negotiable, the LVPC combines a discreet profile with advanced functionality that full-duty carriers are built around. Front-integrated shoulder straps reduce obstruction and keep your silhouette clean, while a compression fit on the user side keeps plates locked in place and out of the way.

Features:

Low-Profile Design for Plainclothes Operations
Placard-Ready with Full Loop Surfaces
Integrated Left/Right Radio Pockets
Infinitely Adjustable Fast Cummerbund

At its core, the LOW VISIBILITY PLATE CARRIER is built around modularity and mission adaptability. Available in SAPI and Swimmer cut configurations to fit a range of body types and operational requirements, and offered in Black and Manatee Grey, the LVPC kit includes your choice of front and back panels along with a FAST Cummerbund that adjusts from S to 3XL. Whether you are running an undercover detail or a plainclothes protection assignment, the LVPC keeps you protected without compromising your cover.

Built for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and prepared professionals who demand reliable equipment, the LOW VISIBILITY PLATE CARRIER delivers full-spectrum protection without sacrificing discretion or mobility. Where reliability meets low profile. 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.

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Senior Leaders Chart Course for Future Force

July 17th, 2026

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —

More than 60 Air Force senior leaders gathered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 10-12, for the semiannual Corona summit, a strategic planning forum focused on policy development, force readiness and future force initiatives.

Formalized by Gen. Curtis LeMay in 1961, Coronas serve as a venue for the Air Force’s top echelon to foster collaboration and refine strategic decisions on an array of topics as diverse as training, deterrence and air warfare doctrine. This recent iteration provided a decision-making forum designed to build upon recent policy modifications and address key areas essential for maintaining a ready and capable future force.

“I have traveled to our installations worldwide, meeting face-to-face with the Airmen who execute our mission every day,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “They share their real, day-to-day challenges with me, and Corona is where we turn that feedback into strategic action – making decisions to dismantle barriers, modernize our capabilities, and build a better Air Force from the bottom up.”

The three-day summit provided a decision forum to build on recent policy changes and discuss key areas to ensure a ready and capable force for the future.

Joining the traditional cadre of Major Command commanders and Headquarters Air Force senior leaders were their respective Command Chief Master Sergeants, alongside a diverse group of general officers representing various operational and functional directorates.

The group agreed on a host of policies and changes, including those related to basic military training, the use of AI and protecting bases from drones and other threats.

BMT Next (Modernizing Basic Military Training)

To better prepare incoming personnel for the complexities of future conflicts, a comprehensive curriculum update will be implemented for BMT by 2027. Under this revitalized model, training will more closely align Airmen with the broader Air Force mission. The curriculum will heavily emphasize “Airmindedness,” military professionalism and the Air Force Core Values.

Pairing those three skills with the specialty training that follows, Airmen will arrive at their first duty stations equipped with the foundational skillsets essential for modern warriors.

Not only will what they learn change, the physical training environment will undergo a significant transformation, too. There are plans to construct a dedicated Air Force Training Range, which will serve as the centerpiece of the BMT compound. This facility is designed to orient the trainees’ mindset around the Air Force’s primary power projection platform: the air base.

Point Defense of Air Bases

Recognizing the evolving threat environment, the decision was made to establish Point Defense Flights at select Air Force installations. Initially, these specialized units will be composed of personnel drawn from multiple career fields.

Concurrently, a dedicated new Air Force Specialty Code is being developed to formalize and sustain this base defense capability.

Artificial Intelligence

To harness the strategic advantages of emerging technologies, Wilsbach announced forthcoming Headquarters Air Force-level guidance regarding AI integration. This initiative aims to institutionalize proven AI best practices currently utilized across the enterprise.

A primary objective includes developing programs that leverage AI to automate repetitive administrative tasks, thereby freeing up Airmen for mission-critical duties.

Emphasizing a forward-looking approach, the summit also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force’s task force dedicated to AI innovation.

The Future of Guardian Angel & Tactical Air Control Party Weapon Systems

The Air Force will not combine its Guardian Angel (GA) and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) weapon systems into a single unit. Each will retain its distinct identity and core, specialized competencies.

GA remains focused on personnel recovery, while TACP continues its role in precision strike, distributed command and control and integrating airpower with ground combat. The two may train together periodically to be interoperable in conflict, with MAJCOMs setting the training standards.

Building on TACP’s existing expertise in airpower integration, it was designated as the lead weapon system for One-Way Attack missions for employment by the Joint Forces Air Component Commander.

Leaders also moved to bring greater discipline to how the Air Force uses the term AFSPECWAR (Air Force Special Warfare) for the GA and TACP communities. Over recent years, the term has increasingly been used in an operational context, and the summit reaffirmed that AFSPECWAR is neither a mission nor a weapon system. It remains a term of enduring value for recruiting, accessions, initial skills training and the shared warrior ethos that unites communities of extraordinary Airmen.

To ensure clear command relationships, distinct capabilities, accurate authorities, preserved community identity and specificity in combat employment, the Air Force will use precise terms for specific weapon systems. This decision ensures operational clarity and honors the valor of the Airmen in the GA and TACP weapon systems.

Audit

In compliance with congressional directives, the enterprise-wide comprehensive financial audit continues. To ensure effective execution and accountability, Wilsbach directed all MAJCOM commanders to provide bi-monthly progress updates, emphasizing that audit readiness must remain at the forefront of their daily operational workflows.

In addition to the key decisions listed, other priorities were discussed at the forum to include readiness, both aircraft and personnel, along with streamlining enterprise-wide logistics-informed command and control (C2). Leaders focused on taking care of Airmen with talent management discussions, mission focused assignments and developmental opportunities.

Other operational discussions included a renewed focus on Camouflage, Concealment and Decoys, as well as the speed of information and the ability to make tactical adjustments in dynamic threat environments with a Digital Fires Report.

As the Air Force’s senior leaders gathered in Dayton to tackle the most complex challenges facing the force, the above decisions impact not only the 665,000 Airmen, but also allies, partners, industry and supportive local communities. Some of the initiatives are internal to the Air Force, while others are further reaching.

“This summit was a resounding success because we didn’t just talk about the future – we made concrete decisions to shape it,” Wilsbach said. “Whether we are modernizing our training, fortifying our defenses to guarantee readiness, or leveraging AI to return valuable time to our Airmen and their families, we are building a force postured to win.”

By TSgt William A. O’Brien

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, AI / ML, Air Force, C-UAS, Guest Post | Comments Off on Senior Leaders Chart Course for Future Force

Julius Caesar Announced as Latest Installment of SK Guns’ Conquerors Series

July 16th, 2026

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – July 13, 2026 – SK Guns®, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited-edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce the third production in its popular Conquerors Series: Julius Caesar. As a limited-production release, only 200 Colt 1911 pistols chambered in .38 Super will be available to collectors and enthusiasts.

“Caesar was a Roman general, politician and writer whose conquests changed the history of the ancient world. He moved his armies quickly, built bridges, forts and siege works, and used discipline to defeat larger forces,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “His conquest made him legendary, but it also helped bring the Roman Republic to an end and reshaped Europe for centuries after.”

Details on the right side of the guns slide exhibit Caesar crossing the Rubicon in January 49 BC, an act of treason also known as the point of no return that sparked the Great Roman Civil War. This legendary river in northeastern Italy served as the legal northern boundary of the Roman province of Italy proper, separating it from Cisalpine Gaul.

Details on the left side of the slide focus on the conquest of Gaul, also known as the Gallic Wars (taking place in modern France), which secured the natural border of “The Empire to the Rhine,” referring to two major geopolitical entities: the Roman Empire and the First French Empire under Napoleon Bonaparte.

The top of the slide near the rear sight is decorated with the Temple of Divus Julius — (Temple of Caesar). The top of the slide near the front sight features an image of Caesar in his prime.

The frame, slide and select control are all high-polished in a deep Colt Royal Blue finish. The controls are in 24k gold. The gun is made complete with an engraved logo of the Conquerors Series and Caesar on presentation black Kirinite grips, color-filled.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

Nokia and NestAI build Capability for AI-Enabled Defense Operations with Resilient Connectivity in Denied Environments

July 16th, 2026

Integrates AI, deployable 5G and sensing into a single defense capability

Accelerates sovereign European defense technologies for the next generation of military missions

9 July 2026, Espoo, Finland – Nokia Defense and NestAI, one of Europe’s fastest-growing AI labs for defense, are advancing their technology partnership with the first operational capabilities being developed under the collaboration established alongside Nokia’s and Tesi’s €100 million joint investment in NestAI in November 2025.

As European defense investment reaches its highest level in decades, defense forces are accelerating the integration of AI-enabled capabilities into their operations. A defining challenge is ensuring resilient, trusted connectivity in denied environments, where communications, sensing and mission-planning must work seamlessly together for AI-enabled operations to succeed in the field.

The partnership is delivering three integrated operational capabilities:

AI-enabled command-and-control on deployable 5G networks: bringing together Nokia’s deployable 5G networks with NestOS, NestAI’s adaptive operating system for modern battlefield operations, to help European forces maintain command and control, support autonomous systems and reduce reliance on fixed communications infrastructure.

Mission planning with assured connectivity: integrating Nokia’s radio-network planning models into NestOS mission-planning tools, enabling forces to assess, plan and adapt connectivity as part of the mission while reducing the risk of coverage gaps during fast-moving multidomain operations.

Earlier threat detection and response: combining Nokia’s Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) early-detection capability with NestAI’s multi-sensor tracking to provide operators with earlier, wide-area threat awareness and support faster, more informed decision-making in, even in contested environments with limited connectivity.

These capabilities are built for the conditions modern forces now face: denied communications, active electronic attack and emerging drone threats that must be detected before dedicated sensors acquire a target. The partnership addresses all three with European-developed technologies built to NATO operational requirements.

“Defense is moving quickly to adopt AI-enabled capabilities, from mission planning to unmanned operations. But AI only works in the field when it has secure, resilient connectivity behind it. Together with NestAI, Nokia is accelerating the sovereign technologies NATO needs to operate, decide and act in the next generation of missions,” said Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer and Chairman, Nokia Defense.

“Most defense AI is built on assumptions about connectivity, sensor access, and infrastructure that do not hold in contested environments. What we are building with Nokia addresses the real conditions European forces face, from the network underneath to the threats at the edge, on technology that Europe develops and controls,” said Peter Sarlin, Founder and Executive Chairman, NestAI.

Nokia Defense provides secure, intelligent connectivity for defense in the AI era. Built on Nokia’s global leadership across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, it delivers resilient, mission-ready communications solutions that strengthen national security and support critical operations worldwide. For more information: www.nokia.com/defense-communications

Posted in Admin, AI / ML, Comms, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Sponsor Opportunities Now Available for SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range 2026

July 16th, 2026

Drive Brand Visibility and Increase Your Brand Exposure at SHOT Show’s Signature Kickoff EventBOULDER CITY, Nev. — July 15, 2026 — As the firearms, hunting and outdoor industries prepare for another influential week of SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range (IDATR) 2027, taking place Monday, January 18, 2027, is inviting brands to secure sponsorship opportunities designed to maximize exposure, elevate brand recognition and connect directly with the industry’s most influential media, retailers, buyers and content creators before the doors of SHOT Show officially open.

As one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events, Industry Day at the Range brings together more than 2,300 vetted attendees for a full day of live-fire demonstrations, networking and product discovery. Sponsorship packages are strategically designed to place brands in front of key decision-makers throughout the event while reinforcing visibility before, during and after SHOT Week.

“Industry Day at the Range is where the industry gathers before the show floor opens, making it one of the most valuable marketing opportunities of SHOT Week,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range manager. “Our sponsorship opportunities help brands stand out during the event’s highest-engagement moments while creating meaningful impressions with media, buyers and industry professionals who influence purchasing decisions throughout the year.”

Featured sponsorship opportunities for 2027 include:

Media Lunch Sponsorship
Attendee Lunch Sponsorship
Official Event App Sponsorship&nbsp

Each sponsorship is designed to maximize brand exposure across high-traffic event touchpoints.

The Media and Attendee Lunch Sponsorships provide premium branding during two of the busiest networking periods of the day, positioning sponsors in front of journalists, retailers, distributors, exhibitors and invited guests as they gather between range sessions.

The Official Event App Sponsorship places a sponsor’s brand directly into the hands of every attendee through the Industry Day mobile app, the primary resource for event schedules, exhibitor locations, interactive maps and product information.

These featured opportunities complement a comprehensive sponsorship program designed to help companies launch new products, strengthen brand recognition, increase media exposure and create memorable experiences ahead of SHOT Show. Whether introducing innovative products or reinforcing an established presence within the shooting sports industry, Industry Day at the Range sponsorships offer measurable value during one of the year’s most important business events.

“Industry Day at the Range has been an incredibly valuable platform for Henry Repeating Arms,” said Dan Clayton-Luce, vice president of communications at Henry Repeating Arms. “It gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase new product launches in a hands-on environment without the complexity and expense of hosting our own standalone event. The attendee list is highly focused—media members aren’t just evaluating products; they’re creating content and publishing coverage, much of it the very same day. It’s been a powerful way for us to build momentum and generate excitement heading into SHOT Show.”

With the National Shooting Sports Foundation continuing as title sponsor through 2028, Industry Day at the Range remains the premier live-fire event of SHOT Week and one of the most effective platforms for brands to generate awareness, media coverage and business opportunities before SHOT Show begins.

Exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities are limited. Companies interested in maximizing its presence during Industry Day at The Range are encouraged to reserve their sponsorships early.

Exhibitor space is now available for the 2027 event. Companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to register early, as premium shooting bays and sponsorship opportunities are limited. For additional details and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the event website.

For more information about the 2027 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range visit ShotShowRangeDay.com.

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