Atrius Development Group

Mehler Systems Among Germany’s TOP 100 Innovators

February 14th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (11.02.2026)

Mehler Systems has been awarded the prestigious TOP 100 seal for 2026, placing the company among the most innovative medium-sized enterprises in Germany. The TOP 100 innovation competition is the only one of its kind to assess the innovation capability of mid-sized companies on the basis of a scientifically grounded analysis, with a particular focus on innovation management, forward-looking strategy and sustainable competitiveness.

“We are very proud to be among the TOP 100 innovators in Germany. This award recognises the performance of our entire team as well as our ambition to anticipate market developments years in advance as a first mover,” says Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems. “The TOP 100 seal validates our path and is also an incentive to consistently pursue our innovation agenda. Our goal is to remain a reliable, forwardthinking partner for customers, suppliers and stakeholders along the entire value chain.”

The award as one of the TOP 100 innovators highlights Mehler Systems’ innovation strategy and its clear commitment to operational excellence. Innovations are developed in close dialogue with end users and development partners, with a focus on solutions that enhance protection, operational capability and resilience under real-world conditions.

Key developments across the Mehler Systems Group range from advanced personal and platform protection solutions to next-generation load-bearing and tactical clothing systems.

Mehler Protection advances personal and platform protection through solutions developed for real operational demands. Selected examples include ExoM, a new exoskeleton concept for efficient load distribution with integrated protection; ultra-light combat helmets for military users; face protection systems certified to VPAM 6 (international ballistic testing guideline); and short-range active counter-drone systems.

At Lindnerhof, product development is shaped by a functionality-first, operator-led mindset. Solutions such as the Shikari Series and modular load-bearing platforms prioritise intuitive handling, rapid adaptability and reliability in demanding environments. Lindnerhof’s patented Hakenschnalle quick-release system enables fast donning, doffing and emergency release, allowing equipment to be adapted or removed within seconds as operational conditions change.

UF PRO translates long-term research and close cooperation with end users into tactical clothing built for unrestricted movement and sustained comfort under load. Proprietary solutions such as air/pac® improve ventilation and reduce shoulder pressure, Hood/Harness® keeps the hood aligned with head movement and preserves field of view, and Waist/Flex provides adaptive lumbar support and a stable fit during dynamic movement. The Hybrid Design concept strategically combines different materials within one garment to deliver high comfort and long-term durability.

Innovation also extends to manufacturing. Rethought production concepts and highly automated lines increase efficiency, quality and reproducibility, underlining Mehler Systems’ ambition to set technological benchmarks in modern protection and equipment systems.

Mehler Systems’ innovation activities are supported by a structured and established innovation management framework. Open communication, cross-functional collaboration and targeted internal training ensure that expertise is retained within the company and continuously developed. The innovation strategy is defined in close coordination with specialist departments to integrate different perspectives and align projects with customer requirements.

“Innovation starts with a clear objective: our long-term ambition is to become the world’s leading player in our market,” Amschlinger emphasises. “For us, innovation means developing solutions that deliver real protection and genuine reliability. Our products are based on concrete operational requirements, combined with the continual optimisation of our production and operational processes.”

For more than 25 years, the TOP 100 seal has recognised companies with outstanding innovative strength, long-term profitability and forward-looking business practices. The winners are selected through a rigorous, scientifically grounded assessment. Project partners include the Fraunhofer Society and the BVMW, with manager magazin as media partner.

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

Charter Arms Introduces the New Boomer Revolver Series

February 14th, 2026

Shelton, CT. – (February 9th, 2026) – Charter Arms®, manufacturers of affordable, 100% American-made revolvers for more than 60 years, is proud to announce the introduction of the new Boomer Series of revolvers. This new series is based on the Bulldog model and includes 4 caliber choicesand two finish options per caliber.

“We couldn’t be happier to offer this updated version of our hugely successful Boomer Revolver,” said Nick Ecker, Owner, President and CEO of Charter Arms. “Customers have praised its concealability, accuracy, and design. This new series offers the ultimate in defensive revolvers.”

The Boomer is the ultimate carry compact revolver that is powerful enough to ensure your personal protection. Offered in 9mm, .38 special, .357 and .44 special calibers, these revolvers feature a 2″ extruded 416 stainless-steel portedbarrel with a trenched rear sighting system and a concealed hammer for snag-free performance. The frame and cylinder are also crafted from 416 stainless-steel for strength and durability. All models utilize stainless-steel components andhave a combat rubber grip. Offered in five-shot and six-shot capacity, these powerful, concealable revolvers have all the knock-down power you need for personal defense.

Available models include:

• 79959 – 9mm Stainless Steel – MSRP: $536.41

• 19959 – 9mm Black Passivate – MSRP: $541.84

• 13859 – .38 Special Black Passivate – MSRP: $454.93

• 73859 – .38 Special Stainless Steel – MSRP: $450.86

• 13559 – .357 Black Passivate – MSRP: $506.53

• 73559 – .357 Stainless Steel – MSRP: $499.74

• 74459 – .44 Special Stainless Steel – MSRP: $498.39

• 14459 – .44 Special Black Passivate – MSRP: $505.18

Boomer Specifications:

• Calibers: 9mm, .38 Special, .357, .44Special

• Capacity: .38 Special (6 rd. capacity), .357, .44 Special & 9mm (5 rd. capacity)

• Barrel Length: 2 inches

• Grips: Combat rubber

• Sights: Trenched sighting system

• Safety: Concealed hammer

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

Air Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management Takes Lead on Joint Fires Network

February 14th, 2026

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management stood up an integrated program office to lead the Joint Fires Network.

The Joint Fires Network is a revolutionary warfighting network that enables the joint force to realize the advantages of speed and unity of command. By fusing high-quality targeting data with cutting-edge command and control applications, JFN delivers data to warfighters when and where they need it. This network outperforms legacy networks by aligning fires tasks into an object-based common data layer, providing a common operating picture for the Joint Force.

“Our mission is to take the JFN prototype and wrap a layer around it that allows us to manage and scale it as a robust capability that will have all the appropriate supportability aspects that a program of record should have,” said Col. Alex Constantine, Joint Fires Network senior materiel leader.

The newly created IPO is meant to provide the infrastructure and oversight to transform the JFN from a successful prototype into a long-term, reliable, and strategically important asset for the Joint Force, according to Constantine.   

“The establishment of the IPO allows us to create structured interfaces and venues with the services and Joint Force that ensure integration of fires at the combatant command-level and below,” Constantine said. “We will be able to look at economies of scale, supportability, and warfighting efficiency as we continue to increase the footprint and capabilities of JFN.”

The future architecture of JFN will focus on how it delivers decision advantage to the Joint Force as well as how it feeds into the DAF Battle Network, by working collaboratively across the Department of War.

“The actual system itself touches multiple parts of planning, fires control, and execution,” Constantine said. “So, it will touch various aspects of the DAF Battle Network, but it’s really a tier 1 combatant command-oriented system that the planners and below at the lower echelons will use to collaboratively plan and execute fires.”

Constantine said developing JFN in a joint environment contributes to its overall success as service members from each branch bring unique perspectives and expertise.

“We have a Navy deputy and teammates from across the services who bring technical interchanges together to ensure that we’re touching Army, Naval and Department of the Air Force equities holistically, as well as those of the relevant combat support agencies, to truly deploy a better system,” he said.

JFN’s development will utilize the DOW’s Software Acquisition Pathway 5,000.87 so servicemembers can develop and deliver the capability quickly.

“To ensure JFN remains adaptable and responsive to evolving threats, the program office is leveraging software acquisition pathway, an approach designed to streamline the capability delivery process,” he said. “Our approach balances agility with acquisition rigor to continue our rapid fielding efforts while we address supportability in manner tailored to the system’s needs as we move forward.” 

The DAF Battle Network is the integrated system-of-systems connecting sensor, effector, and logistics systems enabling better situational awareness, faster operational decisions, and decisive direction to the force. It integrates roughly 50 programs of record across the department, ensuring resilient decision advantage needed by the Air Force, Space Force, joint and coalition forces to win against the pacing challenge. 

By Richard Blumenstein

DAF PAE C3BM Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, C5ISR, Fires, Guest Post | No Comments »

HENSOLDT and Helsing Join Forces for CA-1 Europa Autonomous Combat Aircraft

February 13th, 2026

Partnership initially for AI-supported air combat systems

Munich (Germany), 12 February 2026 – System house HENSOLDT and Helsing, two leading European defence technology companies, have agreed on a strategic partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to jointly advance modern defence technologies within a sovereign German and European technology architecture in order to make a substantial contribution to securing Western democracies in times of massive geopolitical shifts.

The first joint product of the two companies will be collaboration on Helsing’s AI-supported autonomous combat aircraft CA-1 Europa, which will sustainably strengthen the defence capabilities and technological leadership of a democratic Europe through purely national technology and supply chains.

The CA-1 Europa is to be equipped with powerful sensor technology from HENSOLDT in the future. The plan is to integrate technologies and sensors from the fields of radar, optronics, self-protection, and electromagnetic warfare. In addition, the HENSOLDT software suite MDOcore (Multi-Domain Operations Core) provides the digital backbone for multidimensional data fusion, networking, and coordination. In conjunction with Helsing’s AI agent Centaur, the combat drone will thus be able to carry out missions autonomously, process information securely, and make it available across dimensions.

The cooperation takes into account the changed security policy reality. Modern military systems must automatically collect, process, and make information usable in a very short time. The combination of powerful sensor technology and AI-based software is considered a decisive factor in making systems more adaptable and efficient. At the same time, both partners attach great importance to technological sovereignty and the development of European solutions.

HENSOLDT has many years of experience in the development and integration of state-of-the-art AI-supported sensor solutions and data fusion for military applications in the air, on the ground, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace. In addition to the autonomous combat aircraft, Helsing is contributing artificial intelligence to the project that is capable of autonomously controlling the combat aircraft itself in a network and independently processing large amounts of data for this purpose. The collaboration is clearly organized according to a division of labor: each company is responsible for its technologies and contributions within its own area of expertise.

Helsing and HENSOLDT are already working together with the Norwegian Kongsberg Group in the space sector to establish a sovereign satellite constellation for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (IST) with a fully networked communication layer for Europe by 2029.

The two companies intend to prepare their first joint demonstrations in the coming months. The focus will be on close coordination with customers and partners in order to test new technologies in a practical setting and gradually transfer them into operational systems.

Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT: “The future of modern defence systems lies in the intelligent and networked interaction of sensor technology and artificial intelligence. We share a common goal with Helsing: to responsibly develop innovative technologies and thus contribute to Europe’s security policy capabilities.”

Dr. Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing: “Our deterrence requires sovereign air superiority. With the CA-1, we are making a clear offer for credible European deterrence. The sovereignty and superiority of our armed forces depend on our systems being developed and produced by national industry champions. The partnership between Helsing and HENSOLDT is a joining of forces between two national champions. We are united by our commitment to massive investment in future technologies.”

Posted in Aviation, Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on HENSOLDT and Helsing Join Forces for CA-1 Europa Autonomous Combat Aircraft

Enforce Tac 2026: SOURCE Tactical Gear Introduces Female Ballistic Protection & Ultra-Light Military Helmet

February 13th, 2026

These initiatives reflect SOURCE’s broader investment in next-generation protective equipment and operational gear

Enforce Tac 2026, 23-25 February, Hall 6 Booth #235
12 February 2026 – SOURCE Tactical Gear, a global leader in tactical protection, hydration systems, and modular load-carry solutions, announces a significant advancement in women’s ballistic protection, continuing its long-term commitment to developing dedicated solutions for female fighters and law-enforcement personnel. Building on growing operational recognition of the need for gender-specific armor, the company has developed the world’s first and only anatomically contoured hard ballistic plate designed to replicate the natural female chest form.

The innovative plate is based on a unique ceramic pressing and plate-construction technology, delivering high-level ballistic protection while incorporating a curved chest area in multiple sizes. This design eliminates weak seams and expands protection in the critical chest area, ensuring maximum coverage without compromising ballistic integrity.

When combined with SOURCE’s contoured soft ballistic panel, the system provides maximum coverage and improved fit. Flat hard plates paired with flat or partially contoured soft armor leave gaps around the chest and abdomen, while the integration of a contoured hard plate with a curved soft panel fully closes these gaps, offering enhanced ballistic coverage, improved ergonomics, and greater operational confidence.

This development builds on SOURCE’s proven experience in female soft armor solutions, already fielded by operational forces including the Italian Carabinieri, and reflects the company’s continued investment in women-specific protection driven by real-world operational requirements.

Beyond ballistic armor, SOURCE Tactical Gear continues to expand its capabilities across additional domains. The company has established a dedicated helmet manufacturing facility. Produced using advanced materials and innovative manufacturing technologies, the helmets are designed to deliver uncompromising ballistic performance while reducingweight compared to existing solutions on the market. Built to support the development and integration of advanced and disruptive technologies, the facility is already operating at high capacity, with innovative helmet solutions expected to be introduced to customers worldwide.

“Effective ballistic protection depends on precise anatomical fit and advanced materials engineering,” said Dovik Gal, Marketing Manager at SOURCE Tactical Gear. “By combining a first-of-its-kind contoured hard armor plate with curved soft ballistic panels and proprietary ceramic pressing technologies, we eliminate critical coverage gaps and deliver higher ballistic performance for women in operational environments, while continuing to invest in next-generation protective systems.”

In parallel, SOURCE continues to advance its operational gear portfolio, including its ACS rapid-access pouches, designed to improve speed, safety, and efficiency for modern military and law-enforcement forces.

www.sourcetacticalgear.net

Posted in Armor, Enforce Tac, For the Ladies, Helmets, Press Release | No Comments »

2026 Canadian National Counter UAS Conference

February 13th, 2026

March 2nd and 3rd, 2026, please join the Kingston Police, Ottawa Police, and the Correctional Service of Canada for the 2026 Canadian National Counter Unmanned Aircraft System Conference at the Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa ON. Conference topics include Organized Crime use of UAS for trafficking, Contraband into prisons, Narcotics and Firearms across national borders, Narcotics and Firearms within cities, protecting major events and mass gatherings from UAS attacks and miss-use, VIP protection, Protecting public infrastructure from drone attacks (power plants/lines, public safety & government buildings), weaponized UAS use in terrorist and national security related attacks, update on UAS use in Ukraine and future domestic trends, and A panel discussion on needed legislative changes to support enforcement and investigations. Please use links in attached flyers to register or go to Reservation-Link for hotel reservation and 2026 National Counter UAS Conference Tickets, Mon, Mar 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite to register for the event.

Event registration is $335.00 CAD, and lodging is available for $229.00 CAD per night at the Westin.

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

Avon Protection Launches EXOSKIN-S2 High-Performance CBRN Protective Suit

February 13th, 2026

11th February 2026, Cadillac, MI: Avon Protection has expanded its EXOSKIN protective ensemble range with the EXOSKIN-S2 high-performance CBRN suit, designed for operators in the military, first responder and special forces segments.


Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-S2 high-performance CBRN suit.

With the commercial availability of the EXOSKIN-S2, users now have increased options for their protective suit requirements across the spectrum of CBRN threat environments: the EXOSKIN-S1 low-weight (4.4lbs), low-burden system for lower risk operations, and the EXOSKIN-S2, which offers a protection profile tailored toward operations with higher threat levels.

EXOSKIN-S2 leverages an advanced Avon Protection design that utilizes an activated carbon fabric (ACF) inner layer for enhanced protection against aerosol threats, vapor, liquid and particulate chemical warfare agents (CWAs). Combined with a low-noise emitting outer layer, the suit provides improved protection for operations in CBRN environments of up to 24-hour duration for longer time in the field.

EXOSKIN-S2 retains the ‘suit as a system’ ensemble design of the original EXOSKIN-S1 suit with its focus on seamless integration with essential CBRN protective equipment, including Avon Protection respirators, EXOSKIN-B1 boots and EXOSKIN-G1 gloves. Key enablers include an integrated hood with double elasticated aperture that ensures a protective seal around the respirator, maximizing protection without restricting movement. It also features hook and loop adjustable tabs on the lower legs, a thumb loop and inner leg gaiter with stirrup to prevent ingress when worn.

Other common design elements across the EXOSKIN suit range include a quarter zip and full zip options with hook and loop fastening for improved integration with body armor; and multiple outer fabric pattern and color design formulations to minimize user detection in hostile environments.

“Our EXOSKIN range has been designed to protect operators from CBRN threats while reducing the physiological burden, so they stay more comfortable for longer,” Steve Elwell, President, Avon Protection, said. “With EXOSKIN-S2, we are giving users a greater choice of protection levels and continuing to deliver the Avon Protection quality assurance they know and trust to keep their operators safe in demanding environments.”

www.avon-protection-plc.com

Posted in CBRNE, Press Release | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Tubes Gas Mask Pouch

February 13th, 2026

The FirstSpear TUBES™ GAS MASK POUCH is built for professionals who require immediate access to critical respiratory protection in high-threat environments. Compatible with the Tubes™ Attachment Accessory and Tubes™ Belt Mount Accessory, it mounts securely to plate carriers or belt rigs to match mission requirements.

The wide-opening design enables rapid deployment and efficient re-stowage when seconds matter. A protective hooded top shields the mask from debris, dirt, and adverse weather conditions. Retention is handled by a dual closure system combining hook-and-loop with a side-release (SR) buckle, ensuring the mask stays secure during movement while remaining instantly accessible.

This balance of speed and security supports operations where reliability is non-negotiable. Constructed for durability in austere conditions, the pouch withstands the rigors of hard use.

The Tubes™ Gas Mask Pouch keeps essential respiratory gear protected, locked in, and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, CBRNE, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

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