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Archive for March, 2025

Saab Receives Order for Additional Live Training Equipment from U.S. Marine Corps

Friday, March 14th, 2025

Saab has received a contract modification award from the U.S. Marine Corps for additional Marine Corps Training Instrumentation Systems (MCTIS) equipment. The order value for this award is USD $37 million (SEK 375 million) with deliveries taking place from 2025 to 2027.

This award ensures the U.S. Marine Corps will continue implementing Saab’s deployable and expeditionary MCTIS capability. This advanced, interoperable live training solution helps Marines train in the most realistic environments, significantly improving their performance and survivability on the battlefield.

The system focuses on developing and reinforcing effective tactics, techniques and procedures, while also facilitating joint training with NATO allies during multinational exercises.

“We are honored that the U.S. Marine Corps continues to rely on us as their training partner for the next generation of Marine warfighters,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S. “Our training capability enhances combat readiness by immersing Marines in realistic scenarios and rigorously analyzing their decision-making and actions, ultimately delivering on the objective of saving American lives. We take pride in providing the premier interoperable, land-based live training capability in the world.”

Saab’s collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps began with a contract awarded in June 2021, marking the transition from the previous Instrumentation and Tactical Engagement Simulation System II (ITESS – II) to the MCTIS training system.

Posted in Contracts, Training, USMC | Comments Off on Saab Receives Order for Additional Live Training Equipment from U.S. Marine Corps

NFM Group at SOFINS 2025: Strengthening Our Presence in France Through Innovation

Friday, March 14th, 2025

From 1st to 3rd April 2025, the 7th edition of SOFINS will be held at Camp de Souge in Gironde (33), France. Represented by our Business Unit, NFM FRANCE SAS, NFM Group will be attending the event at booth C37 D38.

SOLID AND GROWING PRESENCE IN FRANCE

Since 2016, NFM Group has been committed to strengthening its presence in France by providing high-quality protective solutions to the French elite forces. NFM FRANCE SAS, plays a key role in developing tailored solutions specifically for French military and law enforcement needs. Our ongoing collaborations with local partners and institutions reinforce our deep-rooted commitment to serving the French defense industry.

“NFM Group and NFM France SAS value the opportunity to display our products and technology at SOFINS. France stands as a cornerstone of European security, both as a highly valued EU member and a force multiplier within NATO. With a newly signed Memorandum of Intent between our nations to enhance collaboration in the defence industry, SOFINS provides an important platform to discuss potential needs and technological advancements.”, says Tor Inge Thun, Chief Product Integration Officer, NFM Group.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

Our French NFM team will be ready to give visitors a hand on view of our products and share insight on how these can be accommodating the challenges and needs special operation forces today.

COME BY OUR BOOTH TO MEET WITH:

Johann Le Cunff, Sales Director, NFM France

Tor Inge Thun, Chief Product Integration Officer, NFM Group

Laura Roe, Business Development Manager NFM France

Orlane Briand, Project Coordinator, NFM France

Nicolas Gauvin, Strategic Project Manager, NFM France

PRESENTING OUR LATEST INNOVATIONS

Our primary focus is showcasing our latest technologies, developments, and products while get the opportunity to engage directly with end users to better understand their operational needs.

“NFM Group will present a selected range of innovations, including advancements from our HJELM, THOR, SKJOLD, and GARM portfolios. Among the highlights are a newly developed full protective vest system, lightweight plate carrier solutions, and the latest additions to our extensive range of THOR pouches. From our HJELM catalogue, we will also unveil new helmet developments designed to enhance protection and performance in the field.”, Thun reveals.

AT OUR BOOTH YOU WILL FIND OUR FULL SPECTRUM PROTECTION EQUIPMENT CONSISTING OF:

THOR™ LOAD BEARING

Modular vest system allowing you to quickly adapt to the mission needs.

HJELM™ HELMET SYSTEM

Extremely light and comfortable head protection combined with great possibilities.

GARM™ COMBAT CLOTHING

A multi-layer garment solution for protection and comfort in all weather conditions.

SKJOLD™ BODY ARMOR

The ideal ballistic solutions for a maximum level of protection.

“Visit us at our booth C37 D38 to discover our latest innovation in our Full Spectrum of Protection Systems” – Johann Le Cunff, Sales Director, NFM France.

Maintaining and growing the dialogue and interaction with French end-users and stakeholders is highly valued by the NFM Group. NFM France SAS takes pride in the trust and confidence given from French high-end military and police units choosing NFM equipment as their primary protective gear. Exhibiting at SOFINS is an opportunity to honour that commitment and a possibility for NFM to engage in and experience the high level of professionalism and competences exhibited at the show.

NFM Group look forward to welcoming you to our booth C 37 D 38 at SOFINS from 1st to the 3rd of April 2025.

ABOUT SOFINS

SOFINS is organized by Cercle de l’Arbalète at the Camp de Souge in Gironde, just outside Bordeaux in France. With over 3500 visitors and 326 exhibitors, SOFINS has established itself as the premier meeting place in Europe for high-tech industry players and special forces operators.

Posted in Industry, International, Tradeshow | Comments Off on NFM Group at SOFINS 2025: Strengthening Our Presence in France Through Innovation

US Army Issues Intent to Sole Source Procurement of M4/M4A1 Carbines from Colt

Friday, March 14th, 2025

The Army Contracting Command – New Jersey, in support of Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PMSL), intends to issue a request for proposal (RFP) W15QKN-25-R-0016. This solicitation is to procure M4 Carbines (NSN: 1005-01-231-0973/Part Number 9390000) and M4A1 Carbines (NSN: 1005-01-382-0953/Part Number 12972700) built to print using the Technical Data Package (TDP). Due to Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC’s sole ownership of the M4/M4A1 TDP and the license agreement between Colt and the United States Government, this procurement action will be a sole source award to Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC.

This action should come as no surprise as pointed out on the notice that Colt owns the Technical Data Package for the M16 rifle / M4 carbine and the Army has previously awarded similar sustainment contracts in the past. Colt was purchased by CZ Group in 2021.

What many don’t understand, with almost a million M4(A1) carbines in service, the Army must continue to procure new rifles to replace weapons as they wear out. I expect this process to continue until the last M4 is pulled from service sometime in the 2040/ or beyond. This will continue to be the case as long as the weapon remains in service, somewhere in the Total Force, regardless of procurement of Next Generation Squad Weapon. This is a reality of almost every program of record.

The M4/M4A1 Carbines provide the Department of Defense with compact, lightweight weapons that fire NATO 5.56mm ammunition from a 30-round magazine, mount the latest generation of fire control accessories and enablers, and provide increased protection and firepower in close quarters. The period of performance (POP) of the contract(s) will be for five (5) one-year ordering periods to cover FY25-FY30 Army and Department of Defense (DoD) M4/M4A1 Carbine requirements. The anticipated contract minimum guarantee of 90 M4/M4A1 Carbines will be met with the first delivery. The Army expects to issue task orders with up to a maximum quantity of 30,000 units of any combination of M4 or M4A1 Carbines.

Posted in Army, Contracts, weapons | 41 Comments »

Mehler Systems to Showcase Advanced Tactical Solutions at SOFINS 2025

Friday, March 14th, 2025

FULDA, GERMANY (13.03.2025)

Mehler Systems, alongside its sub-brands Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof, and UF PRO, will present itslatest tactical solutions at SOFINS 2025, the premier European event for Special Operations Forces, takingplace from April 1-3, 2025, in Martignas-sur-Jalle, France, at booth D35-E40. The event offers an exceptional platform to showcase cutting-edge advancements tailored to the demands of modern tactical operations.

Mehler Protection will highlight its state-of-the-art ballistic protection solutions, including the ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton, providing full-body protection up to VPAM 8 with superior ergonomics and mobility. The M.U.S.T. System will be featured, offering modular bodyprotection with up to VPAM 9 capability and quickadaptability. The Omega Helmet Line combines lightweight construction with high-performance protection, offering enhanced VPAM 3 levels. Additionally, ballistic panels, vests, and plate carriers designed for special forces applications will be available for review.

UF PRO will present its high-performance tactical clothing solutions designed for extreme environments. This includes the Striker TT Combat Shirt and Pants, offering breathability and durability in hot, humid conditions, and the Monsoon XT Gen.2 Jacket andPants, built to withstand severe weather. Also featured is the AcE Gen.2 Winter Combat Shirt for cold-Weather operations, along with the Striker X Gen.2 CombatPants, designed for rugged terrain with enhanced durability and flexibility.

Lindnerhof will showcase its latest advancements in carrying systems and tactical gear, renowned for their lightweight, modular designs and durability, ensuring optimal load distribution and adaptability in dynamic operational settings.

Visitors to SOFINS 2025 will have the opportunity to engage directly with Mehler Systems’ experts and explore the latest advancements in ballistic protection, carrying systems, and tactical clothing. The event provides a unique meeting ground for defenseprofessionals, industry leaders, and military units to gain exclusive insights into next-generation tactical solutions. For more information, visit the Mehler Systems website.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Mehler Systems to Showcase Advanced Tactical Solutions at SOFINS 2025

FBI Seeks Concealment and Tactical Holsters

Friday, March 14th, 2025

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a solicitation for Concealment and Tactical Holsters.

The FBI is seeking two (2) different holsters for wearing on a belt. One (1) for daily wear in plain clothes (“Concealment Holster”) and (2) a holster capable of different mounting orientations for use while wearing outer carriers (“Tactical Holster”). The FBI is seeking up to two (2) contract awardees.

The opportunity is a small business set aside in which up to two (2) contracts may be awarded. Both will be Firm Fixed Price (FFP), five (5) year Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts with a base year and four (4) option years.

The holsters must be Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant.

Requirements:

All holsters shall present a 0-10 degree vertical draw. The capability to slightly cant the pistol, not to exceed 15 degrees, through attachment options is acceptable.

Holsters must fit their respective Glock 17M Gen5 MOS and Glock 19M Gen5 MOS pistols in the following configurations:

– Equipped with the Aimpoint ACRO P2 optical sight, Aimpoint adapter plate AP-200520, and AmeriGlo Custom Pistols suppressor height sight set (GL-815, GL-814, GL-813)

– Equipped with the Trijicon RMR Type 2 optical sight, C&H Precision Glock MOS V4 Plate (GL-RSH), and Ameriglo Custom Pistols suppressor height sight set (GL-815, GL-814, GL-813)

– Equipped with the Trijicon RMR HD optical sight, C&H Precision Glock MOS V4 Plate (GL-RSH) or Forward Controls Design Adaptor Plate, (part number OPF-G) and Ameriglo Custom Pistols suppressor height sight set (GL-815, GL-814, GL-813)

Tactical and Concealment holsters must also accommodate pistols which will have a pistol mounted light attached to the accessory rail. Presently, the FBI issues the Streamlight TLR-7A and TLR-7X.

Holsters shall be designed for either the Glock 17M Gen 5 MOS or the Glock 19M Gen MOS. Holsters that are designed to accommodate both pistols may be submitted; however, if their design requires any modification, i.e. an adapter to allow either pistol to fit in the same holster, it will not be considered.

The Tactical Holsters will have an active retention device. Concealment holsters are not required to have an active retention device, but will be considered if so equipped.

All holsters and hardware shall be corrosion resistant.

Holsters must be produced in both left- and right-hand versions and shall be designed to be worn on the strong side of the shooter. For the purposes of this solicitation, the “strong side” is defined as the dominate hand side at either the 3 o’clock (right hand dominate shooter) or 9 o’clock (left hand dominate shooter).

Holsters must be black in color as a minimum.

Additional requirements are available here.

This small business set aside will award to the two highest technically rated Offerors with fair and reasonable pricing, in accordance with the evaluation procedures outlined in this solicitation.

If vendor is not the OEM of the product, vendor must provide docum

Vendors have until Apr 18, 2025 11:59 pm CDT to respond. Visit sam.gov for more info.

Posted in Contracts, Holsters, LE | Comments Off on FBI Seeks Concealment and Tactical Holsters

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Line One Belt – Biothane

Friday, March 14th, 2025

The FirstSpear LINE ONE BELT is a highly durable and versatile everyday belt constructed with urethane-covered nylon and designed for superior performance.

Taking its name from the NSW term for the first level of gear, it offers exceptional strength and weather resistance in any environment. This belt resists cracking, peeling, and stiffness, even in extreme temperatures.

The specially tempered non-slip coating ensures a comfortable fit without requiring a break-in period, providing the flexibility of leather without its drawbacks. Unlike traditional belts, it is completely impervious to sweat and water, maintaining its shape and durability over time.

The Line One Belt is ideal for tactical use and offers a reliable platform for concealed carry. Its sleek design also makes it a stylish choice for everyday use.

Whether for tactical applications or casual wear, this belt provides a perfect balance of strength, comfort, and functionality. The LINE ONE BELT continues to be FirstSpear’s most popular everyday belt, trusted by professionals.

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 Admin | 4 Comments »

Army Introduces Industry to Squad as a System Concept

Friday, March 14th, 2025

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – During the Industry Stakeholder Engagement Forum here last week, the U.S. Army Chief of Infantry encouraged more than 400 representatives from across the military industrial enterprise to reconsider how they conceptualize the end user as they develop capabilities for front-line Soldiers.

Brig. Gen. Phil Kiniery, Chief of Infantry, Commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School and the director of the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team at Fort Benning, Georgia, introduced the concept of Squad as a System, the Army’s new systematic and holistic approach to enabling and enhancing close combat squads.

“My goal this morning is to convey to you just how much we need you, what we need from you, and that the need is urgent,” said Kiniery, who spoke March 4 to an audience of representatives from traditional and non-traditional industries.

Decades of “kitting and equipping” Soldiers piecemeal and through various traditional “stovepipes” has resulted in redundancies, excessive weight, and cognitive overload, Kiniery said.

“Squad as a System is the way forward, a new approach,” he said. “It is a formation-based approach, because we fight formations.”

His message to those interested in partnering with the Army to facilitate Squad as a System: We need to rapidly deliver reliable technology and reduce redundancies.

“Going forward, we must focus on a common architecture to optimize the performance of the squad, not just the individual,” he said. “How can we effectively maximize combat power with packaged capabilities that are better designed, developed, and integrated to provide stable and predictable modernization?”

How do we reduce redundancy and increase combat power?

How do we reduce weight and increase combat power?

How do we reduce cognitive load and increase combat power?

How do we improve efficiency and increase combat power?

Currently, Kiniery said, the individual Soldier carries or wears more than 80 items with redundant power sources and cables. The goal is to reduce the fighting load to no more than 30 percent of the Soldier’s body weight, or about 55 pounds.

“Excessive load will degrade the Soldier’s cognitive and physical performance if we don’t do something about it,” he said.

Presently, as each capability is developed individually, the process lacks an integration architecture, and there’s no synchronizing function for information flow in and out of the squad.

“I believe the application of Squad as a System is going to change all that,” said Kiniery, who invited his audience to “join us as we seek solutions to redundancies, weight, tactical power burden, cognitive overload, and lifecycle costs.”

To do that, he said, industry leaders will make sure individual items – wearable, non-wearable and weapons – are compatible and synergistic.

“Through Squad as a System, we will establish a sustainable, adaptable architecture with validated metrics and structural standards. This will facilitate an expectation, a standard, of what the future force will look like.”

By Bridgett Siter

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 4 Comments »

GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle ER Makes First PLEO Flights

Thursday, March 13th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 12 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) conducted its first flight test series of the Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) using a Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellite constellation for aircraft communications. Contracted by the U.S. Army, the flight tests began in January 2025 and mark a significant milestone, making GE-ER the first U.S. Army aircraft to be controlled over the new satellite service. Gray Eagle is also the only U.S. Army UAS capable of leveraging Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and PLEO constellations for secure, inflight adaptable and resilient communication, navigation and data management.

The initial testing focused on flight-critical operations, including core aircraft control functions as well as sensor and communications systems. To date, GA-ASI has conducted two GE-ER flights and a series of ground test events using PLEO. Future flight testing is in the planning stages and includes operations across the full flight regime.

The Gray Eagle family of UAS is built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) design that includes standardized interfaces and protocols. This approach has enabled rapid integration of the PLEO constellation and other significant capabilities without major technical efforts or extended timelines for integration and testing so new capabilities can be fielded faster.

“The PLEO integration and flight testing continue to show that the current GE-ER open architecture is real. We are practicing rapid integration now which will prove critical to the platform’s survivability and mission success in Multi-Domain Operations,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Army Programs Don Cattell.

Building on the GE-ER, the Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M), takes MOSA to the next level with a government-owned, government-controlled open architecture that enables plug-and-play capabilities to ensure the platform’s rapid, low-cost adaptability to changing threats. GE 25M incorporates open architecture with ground systems, advanced and modular datalinks, and an upgraded propulsion system. These powerful additions significantly enhance the platform’s ability to rapidly add new capabilities, provide resilience to electronic threats, and deliver expeditionary employment to austere locations. PLEO will be a baseline capability for the 25M system.

The PLEO capability for the GE 25M is just one of several features of the system that maximizes the survivability of the platform. It also provides a low-cost opportunity to drastically increase the operational flexibility of both the Gray Eagle ER and Gray Eagle 25M. The 25M’s MOSA architecture enables use of the higher data rates available on the PLEO system and supports flight operations across the globe from pole to pole. These capabilities, combined with longer-range sensors, anti-jam navigation, and expeditionary ground control systems allow the Gray Eagles to operate outside the threat weapons envelope, but deliver effects hundreds of kilometers beyond the Forward Line of Own Troops, making GE 25M the most survivable aircraft in the Army inventory.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, Space, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle ER Makes First PLEO Flights