Here are two new helmet bags from WARQ and Defilade. They offer the same features:
– Four-way latch down mesh for a secure fit
– Clamshell design for quick access and a large opening
– Two carry handles and removable shoulder strap
– Protective foam liner
– Folds flat for easy storage or transport when not in use
– Available in Tan or Black
WARQ Helmet Bag fits WARQ Pro Helmet, Ballistic Helmets and Bump Helmets.
The DEFILADE Helmet Bag fits Riot / Public Order Helmets.
Midwest Armor, the Knoxville-based manufacturer of American-made tactical equipment, announces the release of The RIGlet, a height-adjustable placard that combines the functionality of a pouch and placard in one compact, adaptable platform.
The RIGlet offers a streamlined approach to tactical equipment organization with its low-profile design that includes three magazine slots and a spacious zippered admin pouch. Its modular configuration allows for seamless transitions between plate carrier attachment and standalone chest rig setups.
The RIGlet can also be converted into a full chest rig using the duckbill modification, which allows for the integration of First Spear Tubes® or 1″ side release buckles, facilitating a quick-release chest rig configuration.
Sizing:
-Dimensions: 8″ x 6″ x 2″
-Weight: 9.5 oz
-Height-adjustable design
Compatible Add-ons (Sold Separately):
-Hilo MOLLE Placard Wings
-Drop Pouch
-Hilo Chest Rig Tubes Duckbill Insert
-Hilo Buckle Duckbill Insert
Like all Midwest Armor products, The RIGlet is designed, cut, sewn, and finished in their Knoxville, Tennessee facility, upholding the company’s commitment to American manufacturing and quality.
Whether you’re augmenting your plate carrier setup, seeking additional storage options, or transitioning to a chest rig for greater flexibility, the RIGlet delivers unparalleled functionality in a streamlined design, making it an indispensable asset in any operational environment.
For more information or to place an order, visit: midwestarmor.com/products/the-riglet
The modular laser module VTAL from Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics, designed especially for special forces, is extremely robust and compact. The “Variable Tactical Aiming Laser” is suitable for use on today’s shorter assault rifles as well as on other small arms.
Watertight, light and stable, the metal housing has a built-in MIL STD 1913/STANAG 4694 interface. Because the VTAL protrudes only about 25 mm above the mounting rail, it does not interfere with the line of sight during conventional optical aiming. The VTAL features an extremely strong visible red dot laser, an infrared dot laser, and an infrared illuminator. The superior quality of the lasers and their consistency of form enhances the user’s situational awareness in all operating environments. Importantly, the VTAL is compatible with all standard image intensifier devices. The fully integrated laser block is aligned at the factory, making adjustment on the weapon simple. The VTAL can also be configured according to customer requirements.
Owing to the device’s modern design, the operator can adjust the intensity of both dot lasers with the aid of a colour-coded cable switch. The illuminator can be focused using a separate control knob. Furthermore, the VTAL can be coupled with other tactical weapon lights and can be operated using a combined two button cable switch.
Rheinmetall offers the “TL-MissionLight” as such a separate weapon torch. It is available in a standard version with a dual LED head and a special version for hostage rescue operations. Typically, the LM-VTAL and one of the two weapon lights are mounted on the weapon. The robust design assures stability and dependability. The system can withstand the worst battlefield conditions and is waterproof to a depth of 30 metres. This way, operators know they can rely on the device at all times.
Rheinmetall’s laser light package is already in use with various special operation formations. Among others it is a component of the Bundeswehr’s Special Forces Assault Rifle (“Sturmgewehr Spezialkräfte Bundeswehr, leicht”).
MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE – MARCH, 3RD 2025
In response to increasing demand, Exosens will invest €20M over the next two years to expand production capacity in both Europe and the U.S.
This investment will establish Exosens’ first U.S. manufacturing site for producing “Made in America” image intensifier tubes
It strengthens Exosens’ position to capture a larger share of the world’s largest market, which represents 45% of the global market and is set for strong growth in both commercial and defense sectors
The global night vision market is benefiting from growing demand, driven by increasing defense budgets and the need for armies worldwide to enhance their night fighting capabilities. The return of high-density combat has underscored the critical importance of night operation abilities as a key tactical advantage. NATO and Tier-1 allies continued to ramp up their procurement of night vision systems in 2024, though they are still far from reaching the targeted equipment rate.
With decades of expertise, Photonis, brand of Exosens, offers image intensifier tubes, the engine of night vision devices, which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, in the darkest of nights.
In order to meet increasing night vision demand, Exosens invests €20m to expand its production capacity not only in Europe but also in the US with, for the first time, a new production plant in the US underscoring additional market opportunities with locally produced “Made in America” image intensifier tubes.
This new installation will take place in Sturbridge (Massachusetts) where the group has already its Photonis Scientific Inc subsidiary. Exosens will take advantage of the support and synergies available within the group to optimize the time setup for the manufacturing of the image intensifier tubes, which is expected to begin in early 2027.
“We are pleased to announce a new investment in our capacity on the US ground, which represents a major step in our strategy. Expansion into the US market presents a significant opportunity to strengthen our position as a global leader in image intensifier tubes. This new capacity will also enable us to meet customers’ demand for large-volume, high-performance products manufactured in the US.” said Exosens CEO, Jérôme Cerisier
Huntington Beach, CA, March 4th, 2025 – Mach Industries, a defense manufacturing company that develops advanced aircraft, was selected by the Army Applications Laboratory to develop Strategic Strike, a vertical takeoff (VTO) cruise missile, enabling a precision strike for maneuver units. The contract for Strategic Strike, awarded in Q3 of 2024, will enhance the strike capabilities of Company through Brigade-level maneuver elements.
Since winning this contract, Mach has rapidly developed the Strategic Strike program, locking Strategic Strike’s design by the end of September 2024, and successfully testing vertical takeoff into full-performance wingborne flight by mid-January 2025. Work is currently underway to rapidly integrate AI visual and RF sensing techniques to allow Strategic Strike’s operation in GPS and comms-denied environments.
Strategic Strike has a range of 290 km, carrying a 10+ kg warhead. The combination of VTO, high speed and range/payload is radically novel for the current fighting force. At the culmination of the contract, Mach will provide the warfighter with a VTO asset that has HIMARS range, cruise missile speed, and Hellfire effects.
The emergence of low-cost, man-portable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets has resulted in a new challenge: maneuver elements are now able to sense farther than they can shoot. Presently, the elimination of high-payoff targets is a collaborative effort requiring the coordination of several services or levels of organizations.
Strategic Strike, by contrast, is designed to dramatically improve a maneuver force’s ability to engage high-payoff targets beyond the forward line of troops. This product refinement will produce a versatile strike vehicle to deliver a mission-relevant payload at range.
The primary objective for Strategic Strike is to launch from beyond enemy radar range, reducing the probability of detection, and increasing launch team survivability. Tactical maneuver units will be able to engage and prosecute high-payoff targets, such as radar arrays and artillery pieces, well beyond the forward line of troops.
“I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to deliver a war-changing capability to our military, and impressed by the engineering and manufacturing team’s hard work–taking Strategic Strike from design kickoff in September to flight just 14 weeks later,” said Ethan Thornton, CEO and Founder of Mach Industries. “I truly think the product team we’ve assembled here will drive generational value to the U.S. at this critical time, and I’m excited every day to see the rate of product development continue to accelerate. The entire Mach team is eagerly awaiting the day when the factory we’re prototyping Strategic Strike in turns on production and deploys them by the thousands to deter wars.”
Denmark’s MLV Tactical Design gave us a peak at their new maritime uniform. Made from a softshell material in grey, we’d refer to this as an underway uniform here in the US.
Schöffel TEC is well known for their use protective clothing for motorsports and Law Enforcement and they have produced a conceptual uniform for Germany’s Special Forces, the Kommando Specialkräfte (KSK).
Seen here is their winter combat shirt and combat pant in KSKs distinctive MutiTarn camouflage pattern which applies MultiCam colors to the National Flecktarn pattern.
It is made from Softshell GORE-TEX PYRAD fabric for FR performance along with a mesh at the torso with a proprietary ceramic appliqué.
It is paired with a pair of combat pants in the same PYRAD fabric with some interesting features like this zippered pocket which can be accessed while kneeling.
Seen here is an alternative combat uniform prototype.
The SAND-X Dual Operating Vehicle (DOV) is a product of EISELIN Landsystems, a German company. It has been in active service with various units since 2008 and can be used in a manned configuration or operated as an Unmanned Ground System in a variety of roles. It can be switched between modes in seconds and controlled via mesh network extenders.
Thanks to its combination of wide-set forward wheels and tracked rear drive, it offers a low clean enter of gravity and will negotiate roads just as well as on soft substrates like sand and snow.
Here is a list of missions the SAND-X is currently used for:
1. Unmanned Attack: Equipped with advanced weaponry and autonomous capabilities, the SAND-X DOV executes precision strikes on enemy targets while minimizing risk to personnel.
2. ISNR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance): Conducting manned and unmanned reconnaissance missions, the SAND-X DOV gathers crucial intelligence for strategic planning using state-of-the-art sensors and surveillance equipment.
3. CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation): Facilitating rapid evacuation of injured personnel from the battlefield to medical facilities, the SAND-X DOV ensures timely medical care with its manned and unmanned capabilities, supported by its rugged design and medical support infrastructure.
4. Resupply: Serving as a reliable logistics platform, the SAND-X DOV transports essential supplies and equipment to forward operating bases, bolstering frontline operations and sustaining combat effectiveness with manned and unmanned operations.
5. Mesh Network Creation: Establishing robust mesh networks, the SAND-X DOV enables seamless communication and coordination between deployed units in remote and hostile environments, leveraging its manned and unmanned communication capabilities.
6. Fighting Vehicle/Combat Vehicle: Transforming into a formidable combat vehicle, the SAND-X DOV engages hostile forces and provides fire support to friendly units, configured with armaments and defensive systems, whether manned or unmanned.
7. Minefield Detection and Crossing: Detecting and navigating through minefields, the SAND-X DOV ensures safe passage for troops and vehicles during urgent missions with its manned and unmanned capabilities, utilizing advanced sensors and unmanned operation.
