March 2025 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for March, 2025

Leonardo DRS to Develop Prototype Next-Generation Weapons Control System for U.S. Army M109A7 Paladin

Sunday, March 30th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. — Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it has received a prototype project award by the U.S. Army to modernize the Paladin Electric Servo Amplifier (PESA) electric weapon control system for the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. The OTA award is worth $16.9 million.

The PESA is a critical technology to the operation of the M109A7. Under the project award Leonardo DRS will develop a next-generation prototype with current electrical technology to improve the producibility and maintainability of the line replaceable units and enable the continued operation of the vehicle with no degradation to current capabilities.

“Paladin is a mission critical combat system, and our agility and leading-edge capabilities ensure our U.S. Army partner has the necessary capabilities to support our warfighters for the long term,” said Denny Crumley, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business unit. “We are thrilled to be providing this next generation of technology to the Army’s M109A7 Paladin combat vehicle.

Leonardo DRS is a leading designer, developer, and integrator of sophisticated electrical, electromechanical and electronic systems, subsystems, and assemblies across the U.S. military. The work on PESA is another example of providing best-of-breed technology and capability to deliver on a wide range of customer needs from electrical power, network computing, and advanced sensing.

Posted in Contracts, Fires, Industry, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Leonardo DRS to Develop Prototype Next-Generation Weapons Control System for U.S. Army M109A7 Paladin

SK Guns Announces New Agent Eclipse AOS 1911 Pistols

Sunday, March 30th, 2025

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – March 21, 2025 – SK Guns® is proud to announce the next edition of its collaboration with Agency Arms, Stan Chen Customs and Color Casing by the famous “Doug.” The Agent Eclipse AOS 1911 is the follow-up to the Agent Firecrest AOS 1911 pistols, which sold out of all 300 limited units within days. The companies have come together again to offer the latest rendition in both 9mm and 45 ACP. In addition to para-ported and chunk-ported options, the Agent Eclipse will have three variations of the popular REACTIV™ Maxx grips.

“We received an immense amount of positive feedback following the launch of the Agent Firecrest AOS 1911,” said Simon Khiabani owner and founder of SK Guns. “Along with that feedback, we received an overwhelming amount of requests for a two-tone variation. We have listened to our loyal customers, and are proud to introduce the new Agent Eclipse. It has been a great experience working with Agency, Stan Chen and the famous ‘DOUG’, and I am excited to see these partnerships continue to grow.”

Each model in the Eclipse lineup includes the AOS optic plate, compatible with the RMR/SRO A14B footprint. The Eclipse is a two-tone model with satin Black Nitride controls, slide and barrel, the most durable finish available for a firearm. An iron sight cover plate is also provided in the same satin finish to offer versatility for shooters who prefer not to use optics.

The serrations are more aggressive than ever, and the frame and one-piece Stan Chen Customs mainspring housing and magwells are highly polished and color-cased by “DOUG”. Each firearm is equipped with Wolff reduced recoil springs specialized for the calibers, as well as XP firing pin springs. The full-size government frame provides a solid foundation for handling, while the integrated Picatinny rail allows for the attachment of various accessories.

With a 1:16 rate of twist, the stainless steel barrel finished in Black Nitride ensures accuracy and reliability, complemented by a forged carbon steel frame and slide that enhances durability. These features make the Agent Eclipse AOS pistols a standout choice for both competitive shooters and recreational users alike.

The Agent Eclipse AOS pistols are available to ship now. The para-ported variation starts at an MSRP of $1,950, while the chunk-ported configuration starts at an MSRP of $1,975. Visit www.skguns.com to learn more.

Dealers are welcome to sign up here for bulk pricing.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | Comments Off on SK Guns Announces New Agent Eclipse AOS 1911 Pistols

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Saturday, March 29th, 2025

NAPLES, Fla. – March 24, 2025 – Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, a leading premium firearms retailer, is proud to announce its 40th anniversary. Over its four decades in business, Cole Fine Guns has established and upheld a strong reputation for providing top-quality firearms and exceptional customer service.

Rich Cole, founder of Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, grew up knowing he wanted to be a gunsmith. After working for Beretta USA and apprenticing in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, Cole took his years of expertise and knowledge and established Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing in 1985. Since then, he has developed a team of experienced technicians devoted to the highest quality custom shotguns. Cole Fine Guns now has three locations in Naples, Fla., Harpswell, Maine and San Antonio, Texas, each dedicated to exceptional technical service and customer service.

“We are so excited to celebrate 40 years of business. This milestone is truly a testament to the relationships we’ve built with our customers over the years and their trust in our dedication to quality and craftsmanship” said Rich Cole, Owner of Cole Gunsmithing. “It has always been our mission to provide top-quality firearms and customer service, which has been made possible by our team of highly skilled gunsmiths. We look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in the firearms industry.”

The family-owned company takes pride in their legacy of providing European shotguns and accessories to discerning enthusiasts. Cole’s collection boasts many iconic brands, including Beretta, Perazzi, Rizzini, Zoli, Blaser, Syren, Fabarm, Benelli, Caesar Guerini and TSK. Not only a certified Beretta service and warranty center, but Cole is the #1 Beretta Premium Shotgun Dealer worldwide. As a qualified provider, Cole is certified to sell and work with a long list of premium brands and offers a wide array of exclusive firearms.

Committed to servicing what they sell, Cole Fine Guns is a full-service dealer service center and continues to support customers long after assisting them in finding the perfect firearm. Cole Gunsmithing teams take a thorough, personalized approach to help customers select the best fit. Its highly experienced team of factory authorized gunsmiths carefully evaluate every individual’s needs, preferences and goals to identify the ideal firearm for them. The process is designed with the simple objective of achieving the best performance and experience for shooters. This customer service, along with a team of gunsmiths with more than 100 years of combined shotgun expertise, sets Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing’s craftsmanship apart from other providers.

For more information about the premium firearms offered by Cole Fine Guns, visit www.colefineguns.com or contact the sales team at (800) 650-2653.

Posted in Firearms, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Register Now for LEGION Legends

Saturday, March 29th, 2025

SIG SAUER Presents the First LEGION LEGENDS Event

This is a fully immersive range experience featuring veterans of the US military’s most elite forces, brought to you by the team who hosts the legendary Camp LEGION.

At this industry first event, level up your shooting game with combat professionals – Kyle Lamb, Kevin Holland, JR Cook and Chili Palmer – four legends that have fought for our freedoms.

DATES: May 21-24, 2025

LOCATION: Dallas, Texas

LEGION LEGENDS builds off the iconic Camp LEGION event and adds a truly unique experience to enhance your firearm skills with a curriculum designed by legendary combat professionals.

With the small group attending this event, attendees will have an unprecedented opportunity to engage exclusively in powerful discussions and 1-on-1 with the LEGION LEGENDS, learning the core values and skills that define the most elite military leaders.

About LEGION LEGENDS Event:

An all-inclusive three-night / four-day experience and range program. From the time you check-in with the SIG Events team, your experience includes:

Luxury hotel accommodation at the Omni Frisco at the Star located just north of Dallas, Texas.

All meals

Event transportation

Firearms and ammunition for range events

LEGION LEGENDS swag pack

Event firearms purchase opportunities and discounts

Wednesday, May 21 – Saturday, May 24, 2025

Limited spots available. The experience is $4,199 per guest.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER NOW FOR LEGION LEGENDS

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Shooting Sports, Training | 1 Comment »

Melrose Air Force Range Achieves Milestone Joint National Training Capability Certification

Saturday, March 29th, 2025

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —

Melrose Air Force Range has reached a new milestone – achieving Joint National Training Capability accreditation.

The JNTC program provides consistent, holistic, and relevant assessment of joint training programs across the armed services and U.S. Special Operations Command. The program documents capabilities and enables valid comparisons of joint training challenges, setting the standard for training capabilities.

“This certification enables the DOD’s ability to conduct training scenarios which translate to battlefield application here at MAFR, ultimately enabling the strategic advantage and lethality of Special Operations Forces to accomplish their mission,” said Col. Robert Johnston, 27th Special Operations Wing commander.

Due to its prime location west of Cannon Air Force Base, MAFR is the crown jewel of Air Force Special Operations Command, providing more than 4,500 training hours for Special Operation Forces every year.

These future upgrades will enhance MAFR’s existing capabilities and introduce new features, further solidifying its role as a premiere training location. This includes bolstering the range’s ability to provide critical Certification, Validation, and Verification (CV2) for its primary users: AFSOC Special Operations Task Groups and Special Operations Task Units.

Achieving CV2 for SOTU’s and SOTG’s here at MAFR helps AFSOC align with the Department of the Air Force AFORGEN cycles. Upgrades to the range also align with the Secretary of Defense’s priority of ensuring Cannon’s Air Commandos are a ready, modern, and lethal fighting force prepared to defeat and destroy our nations enemies.

The range is a training site for multiple iterations of Emerald Warrior exercises annually. This joint, combined exercise provides realistic and relevant, high-end training to prepare special operations forces, conventional forces, and international partners for the evolving strategic environment. Emerald Warrior shifts the focus to growing kinetic and non-kinetic effects in strategic competition.

EW training sites are assessed to provide seven core joint functions: Command and Control (C2), Intelligence, Fires, Movement and Maneuver, Protection, Sustainment, and Information.

“In an effort to improve our joint warfighters training experience on the range, we have identified limitations that are being targeted for improvement,” said Johnston. “The JNTC certification will provide additional financial support through Unfunded Requirements and Presidential Budget Requests to the Joint Staff.”

By TSgt Jacob Albers

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Melrose Air Force Range Achieves Milestone Joint National Training Capability Certification

Digitisation: Rheinmetall Ignites the Future of Autonomous Mobility for the Future Battlefield with New Centres of Excellence

Friday, March 28th, 2025

Rheinmetall is revolutionising battlefield autonomous mobility with a bold new investment in next-generation technology. As part of its mission to lead the digitalisation of modern warfare, the company is accelerating the rollout of the PATH Autonomous Kit – the innovative technology that dominated the 2024 European Land Robotics (ELROB) convoy competition.

This investment will supercharge the deployment of next-generation autonomous mobility systems, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the battlefield. The PATH Autonomous Kit delivers scalable, intelligent, and highly adaptable autonomy across a wide range of platforms – from uncrewed ground vehicles to logistics convoys, capable of navigating the toughest terrains and most demanding environments. With this initiative, Rheinmetall cements its position as the undisputed leader in land autonomy, addressing the growing demands of military forces worldwide.

To spearhead this innovation, Rheinmetall is launching three brand-new Advanced Land Autonomy Centres of Excellence in Germany, the Nordics and the United Kingdom, while also expanding its current Canadian Autonomy Centre of Excellence. These pioneering hubs will serve as the beating heart of Rheinmetall’s autonomous revolution, providing advanced integration, testing, and national control over leading-edge autonomous solutions, with a sharp focus on the PATH Autonomous Kit.

“Autonomy isn’t just the future of defence – it’s the key to unlocking unprecedented speed, agility, and strategic advantage on the battlefield,” said Thomas Berge Nielsen, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Global Business. “By investing in the PATH Autonomous Kit and establishing our new Centres of Excellence, we’re bringing world-leading autonomous capabilities to the fight – ensuring Rheinmetall remains at the cutting edge of military innovation.”

The future of warfare is characterized by autonomy –and Rheinmetall is leading the charge.

Posted in Digitization, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Digitisation: Rheinmetall Ignites the Future of Autonomous Mobility for the Future Battlefield with New Centres of Excellence

FN Awarded Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Contract to Supply M240 and M249 Machine Gun Barrels

Friday, March 28th, 2025

(McLean, VA — March 28, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the company has been awarded a firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract, valued up to $39,643,953, to supply the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime with barrels for M240 and M249 machine guns.

“The contract to provide barrels for M240 and M249 machine guns is a testament to our partnership with the U.S. DoD, a partnership that dates to the early 1980s,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “We’re incredibly honored to support the U.S. military with the highest-quality cold hammer-forged barrels. The durability and accuracy of FN barrels provides our servicemen and women with the most effective and highest performing products available.”

FN collaborates with and is a key partner of DLA Land and Maritime, a combat support agency within the U.S. DoD and one of the largest suppliers of spare parts that support land-based and maritime weapon systems. DLA Land and Maritime serves over 20,000 customers throughout all U.S. military branches, civil agencies and other DoD organizations.

The M240 general purpose machine gun, derived from the FN MAG 58, was adopted by the U.S. military in the late 1970s, and has been in continual service since being introduced. FN has created multiple variants of the M240, including the M240 coaxial, the M240B, M240L, M240D and M240H models. The FN® M249 has been a mainstay throughout the U.S. military since 1986 and is currently in service in more than 30 countries.

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to the M240 and its variants, the company currently holds contracts for the FN® M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN® MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM, and various other contracts.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.fnamerica.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

Kopin Secures U.S. Army Funding to Develop See-Through Extended Reality (XR) Prototypes for Warfighters

Friday, March 28th, 2025

Off-the-visor XR prototypes designed to enhance battlefield situational awarenessWESTBOROUGH, Mass.– Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays for defense, training, enterprise, industrial, consumer and medical products, is proud to announce a new funding award from the U.S. Army, to develop and produce a cutting-edge see-through extended reality (XR) heads-up display (HUD). This innovative XR HUD module aims to deliver visually comfortable performance for use in applications that revolutionize battlefield situational awareness and operational impact.

Kopin’s see-through off-the-Visor (OTV) approach offers a brighter, more energy-efficient display light transmission while ensuring visual comfort, setting a new standard for soldier acceptance and operational superiority. Building on the lessons learned from existing augmented reality headsets, Kopin’s OTV prototypes address critical challenges such as light security, power consumption, eye strain and latency causing nausea.

The first wave of these advanced prototypes is ready to be demonstrated, showcasing not just immediate improvements but also clear upgrade paths for next-gen microdisplays like Kopin’s Color MicroLED, AI enabled NeuralDisplay™, and modular HUDs like DayVAS™ (Daytime Visual Augmentation System) and DarkWAVE™.

“Our off-the-visor approach not only resolves the challenges of current systems but also prioritizes human factors and sets a new standard for soldier-centric design”, said Nic Peterson, Director of Warfighter Vision. “It’s about giving warfighters the tactical advantage — keeping their eyes on the fight, rather than down on a screen. We’re excited to demonstrate our prototypes and work toward full integration of our XR HUD solutions with other companies who have body worn computers, networking, and power management components.”

The funding award underscores the U.S. Army’s dedication to harnessing cutting-edge technology to safeguard its troops against the evolving threats of modern warfare. Kopin’s see-through prototypes mark a substantial leap forward from earlier system designs, aiming to enhance situational awareness, streamline decision-making and most importantly save lives on the battlefield.

For more information, please visit Kopin’s website at www.kopin.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Kopin Secures U.S. Army Funding to Develop See-Through Extended Reality (XR) Prototypes for Warfighters