August 2025 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for August, 2025

Aimpoint Launches Duty RDS MR – A New Standard in Red Dot Versatility

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

Malmö, Sweden, August 27, 2025. Aimpoint®, the originator of the red dot sight, proudly announces the launch of the AIMPOINT DUTY RDS MR, the company’s first sight featuring a selectable Multi-Reticle (MR) system.

Designed for users who demand adaptability without compromise, the DUTY RDS MR offers three reticle options – a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, or both combined – in a compact and rugged platform trusted by professionals worldwide.

“With the DUTY RDS MR, we are expanding the AIMPOINT legacy by combining our proven design principles with new flexibility,” says Albert Rödfalk, senior product manager at Aimpoint AB. “It’s a robust solution built to meet the real-world needs of professionals.”

Built for law enforcement, professional users and competitive shooters, the DUTY RDS MR features instant-on motion activation, a side-loading battery compartment, and a pressure forged aluminum housing that is submersible to 25 meters (80 ft.) and engineered to endure shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures.

Key features include:

• Multi-Reticle System: Toggle between dot, circle, or both for rapid acquisition and precision aiming

• Motion Activation: Enters sleep mode after two hours of inactivity – instantly powers on with movement

• Mission-Ready Durability: Waterproof to 25 m, shock- and vibration-resistant

• Daylight & Night Vision Compatible: 12 brightness settings, including 4 for NVD

• 3-Year Battery Life with setting 7. Powered by a single CR2032 battery

With this launch, AIMPOINT reinforces its position as the trusted choice for professionals who operate where reliability and performance are non-negotiable.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 10 Comments »

Streamlight Launches Sidewinder Compact III

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

Ultra-Compact, Multi-Fuel Flashlight with 185° Tilting Head, Mounting Options, and a User-Configurable LED Option

EAGLEVILLE, PA, August 26, 2025 – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, announced the launch of the Sidewinder Compact® III, an ultra compact, high-performance, multi-fuel flashlight with multiple LED sources. This light is engineered to meet a variety of hands-free task illumination requirements with various color LEDs that are operable at varying outputs and run times. With its 185-degree tilting head, durable build, gear and helmet mounting capabilities, the Sidewinder Compact III delivers powerful performance in a lightweight, highly versatile form.

The new Sidewinder Compact III features a user-configurable model with LED options that allows users to select two of three color LEDs (red, green or blue) in addition to standard white and infrared (IR) outputs. The military model includes white, red, blue and IR LEDs, while the aviation model contains white, green, red and IR LEDs. Each LED operates at multiple brightness levels, and includes a strobe mode. The light uses either one AA alkaline or one 3-volt CR123A lithium battery, offering flexible power options and extended run time in extreme environments.

“We engineered this light with versatility at its core,” said Michael F. Dineen, President of Streamlight. “It offers a powerful combination of compact design, high performance, and rugged reliability. Whether it’s mounted on a helmet, clipped to a vest, or used handheld, the Sidewinder Compact III is ready to perform.”

The light’s white LED provides up to 275 lumens and 3,200 candela on High with a beam distance of 113 meters. Run times range from 70+ hours on Low when using an AA battery, and 100+ hours when a CR123A battery is inserted. The light’s color and IR LEDs also offer long run times and are ideal for preserving night vision, signaling, or task-specific visibility needs.

The Sidewinder Compact III was designed with a compound On-Off mode selector switch that separates the On-Off, dimming, strobe and LED-selection functions. The rotary selector knob features a tactile IR indicator and pull-to-turn locking design that provides easy operation even with gloves, while also preventing accidental mode changes. The light also features an unbreakable polycarbonate lens with scratch-resistant coating.

The Sidewinder Compact III includes a durable belt/gear clip with integrated helmet mount features, which fits existing Sidewinder® helmet mounts adapters. A cord attachment hole on the clip supports up to 25 lbs. pounds of load.

Constructed from high-impact nylon, the Sidewinder Compact III is built to withstand rugged use. It is IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes and impact-tested to 3 meters.

Measuring 3.1 inches long, the light weighs 3 ounces with a AA battery and 2.7 ounces when using one CR123A lithium battery. The light has an MSRP that ranges from $137.47 to $198.22, depending on the model. The Sidewinder Compact III is available in Coyote and comes with Streamlight’s One-Year Limited Warranty.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Streamlight Launches Sidewinder Compact III

Rotapoint’s Watch Cap is a Game-Changer in Target Engagement Speed

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

Already in the hands of winning teams, the Watch Cap™ redefines red dot positioning for professional shooters and is now officially patented and available.

Watch Cap™ at Chaos Concepts’ Legion Team Sniper Challenge

Ashburn, Va. (August 2025) — Rotapoint Systems LLC, designers and manufacturers of advanced sighting solutions, proudly announces the official launch of its Watch Cap™, a precision-engineered, bore-concentric optic mounting solution designed to help snipers transition to magnified optics with unprecedented speed—without sacrificing situational awareness. Quietly adopted by top-tier military shooting teams over the past year, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Watch Cap has already proven itself on the podium, earning top placements in some of the world’s most demanding sniper competitions.

“The Watch Cap has changed the way elite shooters approach high-pressure environments. When seconds count, it’s the difference between acquiring a target or missing a window of opportunity,” said Dave Sugg, founder of Rotapoint Systems. “Like our entire product line, we designed it to give shooters every possible edge—and it’s already outperforming expectations on the field.”

First introduced at SHOT Show 2024, the Watch Cap has helped win:

Chaos Concepts’ Legion Team Sniper Challenge – 1st, 2nd & 4th Place (May 2025)
Special Operations Warrior Foundation’s Heart Mountain Challenge, Cody, WY – 1st Place (June 2025)
Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge, Glenrock, WY – 2nd Place (July 2025)
Kinetic Comps’ Marathon Mountain Sniper Challenge – 1st Place (July 2025)

At multiple events, shooters running Watch Caps outperformed those who didn’t—sometimes even overcoming more experienced competitors. The message is clear: a Watch Cap may be the force multiplier you didn’t know you needed.

The product is now officially patented (U.S. Patent D1,083,008 S, with additional patents pending) and continues to grow in popularity across the competitive and professional sniper communities. Designed and machined in the USA from aircraft-grade 7075-T651 aluminum and finished with Type III hardcoat anodizing, each model is precision machined to withstand the rigors of operational environments.

Watch Cap Models (MSRP $129.95 unless otherwise noted):

34mm Geissele® Super Precision & Reptilia® AUS Mounts / RMR Footprint – RH
34mm Nightforce® Mounts & Rings / Aimpoint® Acro® Footprint – Ambi
35mm Badger Ordnance® C1 Mounts / RMR Footprint – RH
34 & 35mm Badger C1 / Acro – Ambi
35mm Leupold® IMS Mounts / DeltaPoint Pro Footprint – Ambi
30mm Nightforce Mounts & Rings / DPP – Ambi
34mm Nightforce Mounts & Rings / RMR – LH & RH
34mm Seekins® / Vortex® CM-534Mounts / DPP – Ambi

NEW for Summer 2025:

Watch Cap™ for Spuhr® Rings & Mounts – Acro Footprint (MSRP $74.95)

This newest variant features a proprietary wedge shape for optimized red dot positioning on Spuhr mounts, allowing simultaneous use of a front-mounted laser range finder and a rear red dot. Weighing just 0.6 oz and made in the USA from 7075T651 aluminum, this model was used on every stage by the winner of the 2025 Heart Mountain Challenge.

For more information, visit www.rotapoint.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Rotapoint’s Watch Cap is a Game-Changer in Target Engagement Speed

NZ Army Embraces Race to Latest Drone Technology

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

The New Zealand Army is using local technology as it explores the rapidly expanding field of drone warfare and tackling FPV (first-person view) technology with the capability for offensive strikes.

26 AUGUST, 2025

Drones, or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), have become a critical part of the NZ Army’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in recent years, and perform a crucial role in its overall combat system.

“UAS are now a ubiquitous part of modern military operations, from humanitarian assistance operations to high-intensity combat,” said the NZ Army’s UAS lead, Captain Richard Adams.

“We must continuously adapt with urgency to ensure our personnel are given the tools they need.

“Based on reporting from Ukraine, drones now account for approximately 70 per cent of casualties on the modern battlefield. The ability to both effectively operate drones, and protect against them, is crucial.”

Drones were increasingly considered to be as common as a rifle, however they were only one platform within a system, and the NZ Army was working to integrate them alongside more traditional systems and other emerging technology, Captain Adams said.

The NZ Army is an active participant in and supporter of the Ukrainian Drone Capability Coalition, for which the New Zealand Government has contributed $8 million to date.

“Our participation in that coalition has been key to understanding this technology as it rapidly evolves,” Captain Adams said.

Last week, 10 qualified drone pilots were trained on FPV platforms at Burnham Military Camp on a course led by 2st/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR).

New Zealand-based drone companies Kiwi Quads and Fenix provided drones that could be 3D printed and assembled on site.

Course instructor Sergeant Lachlan McDonald said they were low-cost, easy to build and offered an additional effect to ISR – they could deliver an offensive strike on a target.

“It is an exciting time, with new technology rapidly emerging around the world and changing the way combat occurs on the modern battlefield – we want to keep pace with that innovation and find ways to deliver the most effective warfighting unit,” he said.

Captain Adams said while the NZ Army currently did not operate FPV systems, their impact on the modern battlefield was clear.

“We are actively looking to introduce these systems. The work being done at 2/1 RNZIR is a key step in identifying those soldiers who have the aptitude and ability to operate these systems.”

Next month, NZ Army personnel will test their drone-piloting skills against the best in the world, with a tri-Service team heading to the United Kingdom to compete in the 14-nation Military International Drone Racing Tournament.

Such competitions allow NZ Army personnel to enhance their skillsets across a variety of platforms.

“Providing the necessary training to develop their skills further puts us in the best possible position to adopt this capability at pace,” Captain Adams said.

Via NZDF

Posted in Guest Post, International, UAS | Comments Off on NZ Army Embraces Race to Latest Drone Technology

Kessler & Co Acquires Timoney Dynamic Solutions: Enhanced Capability and Value Creation for Protected Vehicle Suspension

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025

Meath, Ireland, 25 August 2025

Kessler & Co, a manufacturer of driveline components and systems for heavy-duty vehicles, has acquired Irish suspension specialist Timoney Dynamic Solutions Ltd. The combination of two long-standing industry experts strengthens the offering of both companies – particularly for customers in the off-highway and defence sectors.

Timoney contributes extensive vehicle system knowledge and decades of experience in vehicle dynamics, independent suspension design,and modular mobility platforms. Kessler complements these strengths with a lean, flexible manufacturing operation featuring high in-house value creation across five production facilities, delivering precision and World-renowned quality.

For new and existing customers, the partnership means:

Complete Driveline solutions from a single source – from engineering vehicle dynamics to reliable,quality, and volume driveline supply.

Optimised system integration for maximum mobility and operational reliability.

Expanded innovation capabilities for future technologies, including electrification.

Confidence in a reliable European supply coupled with an enhanced product portfolio.

Timoney will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary within the Kessler Group. Existing contracts, products, and services will remain in place – now significantly enhanced by Kessler’s manufacturing capacities, validation capabilities and technological resources. Customers will benefit from field proven solutions with the added advantages of delivery capability,renowned Kessler quality, and system integration.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Kessler & Co Acquires Timoney Dynamic Solutions: Enhanced Capability and Value Creation for Protected Vehicle Suspension

Polaris Government and Defense DAGOR Vehicle Delivers Extreme, Off-Road and Air Transportable Firefighting Power for the US Air Force

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025

Minneapolis – August 26, 2025 – The DAGOR vehicle, an off-road and air transportable tactical mobility platform from Polaris Government and Defense, is redefining expeditionary firefighting. With a request from the U.S. Air Force (USAF), ADS partnered with Ward Apparatus to create the Ward Mobile Airfield Rescue Kit (Ward MARK-1), using the Polaris DAGOR, to deliver a first-of-its-kind off-road firefighting vehicle. These trusted names in innovative emergency response vehicle manufacturing have pioneered a compact, rugged and versatile military-grade firetruck that is C-130 internally transportable and sling loadable for rapid deployment anywhere in the world.

The USAF needed a rugged, off-road fire truck that could function in extreme temperatures, navigate through rough terrain, carry all necessary firefighting equipment – and be easily loaded and transported via a C-130 or sling loaded beneath a helicopter. The Polaris family of light tactical vehicles, including DAGOR, already support operations across the U.S. and our allies, meeting off-road mobility, durability and air transportability requirements. Working directly with USAF, Ward Apparatus and ADS transformed the Polaris DAGOR vehicle into a firefighting apparatus for the most demanding environments.

“This has been an incredible process working with our team at Ward, the U.S. Air Force, Polaris, ADS and all the individual suppliers to develop this very unique custom solution. It is an honor to be recognized as an innovative leader within the fire industry and to be involved in helping keep our U.S. Air Force safe and providing them with this equipment,” said Scott Beecher, owner and CEO of Ward Apparatus.

Designed for pilot rescue and contingency location team support, the Ward MARK-1 boasts capabilities specific for Air Force fire and rescue missions. This includes all essential pilot egress tools, a water capacity of 150 gallons, providing ample suppression capability for vast fire scenarios, a 95-gallons per minute pump to support efficient water supply and is equipped with a high and low-flow bumper turret for added versatility. The vehicle includes hoses and a sump pump for drafting from water sources, plus a large diameter hose for refilling or connecting to hydrants. Designed to carry up to three operators, the vehicle also includes a litter basket for secure and efficient patient transport – all while retaining the rugged durability and capabilities DAGOR is known for.

In just 24 months, the Ward MARK-1 went from concept to completion. Production continues and fielding has begun, with the U.S. Air Force positioning them at remote airfields around the world in support of off-road fire and rescue missions.

Polaris designs and manufactures the most capable light tactical and all-terrain military vehicles available. The company’s expertise in light off-road mobility has produced the MV850, MRZR D, MRZR Alpha and DAGOR. Polaris vehicles support more than 60 military forces worldwide, which is a testament to the capability gap these vehicles fulfill. These platforms provide unmatched off-road capability, intuitive operation, streamlined maintenance, air transportability and are supported globally by the worldwide presence of Polaris dealers and distributors.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, Press Release | Comments Off on Polaris Government and Defense DAGOR Vehicle Delivers Extreme, Off-Road and Air Transportable Firefighting Power for the US Air Force

Dauntless Manufacturing Announces Release of the Dermot Dagger

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025

Asheboro, NC – August 2025 – Dauntless Manufacturing will release its latest blade, the Dermot Dagger, on Friday, August 29th, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST exclusively through the company’s website.

The Dermot Dagger is a modernized evolution of the iconic V-42 stiletto, originally issued to the First Special Service Force during WWII. Designed as a tribute to both the historic blade and to legendary combatives instructor Dermot “Pat” O’Neill, the dagger blends classic lineage with modern steel technology and precision American manufacturing.

Specifications

Overall Length: 9.5 in.

Blade Length: 5 in.

Blade Thickness: 0.185 in.

Blade Style: Double-edged spearpoint

Steels & Finishes:

Magnacut – Tumbled or Black Oxide, 63 HRC
CPM 3V – Nitride finish, 60 HRC
Nichols Stainless Damascus

Handle Options: Black G10, Grey G10, OD Green G10, Coyote Brown G10, Ivory G10, Carbon Fiber

Sheath Options:

Precision-molded Kydex with ambidextrous modular carry options
Handcrafted leather sheath by Chattanooga Leather Works in hanger style, compatible with belt clip, DCC clips, Ulticlip, and optional thumb break

The Dermot Dagger is built entirely in-house at Dauntless Manufacturing’s North Carolina facility. While the V-42 was purpose-built for WWII commandos, the Dermot Dagger representsits modern continuation: a lean, functional fighting knife that honors history while being engineered for today’s demands.

Release Date: August 29, 2025 – 5:00 PM EST

Available exclusively at: www.dauntlessmanufacturing.com

Posted in Knives, Press Release | Comments Off on Dauntless Manufacturing Announces Release of the Dermot Dagger

Prince Joachim Inaugurates MDSI’s New Headquarters

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025

Kongens Lyngby, August 20, 2025 – His Royal Highness Prince Joachim today officially inaugurated MDSI’s new headquarters in Kongens Lyngby. The event marked a significant milestone for MDSI, highlighting both the company’s growth and its ambition to strengthen Denmark’s role in Europes Armament.

The inauguration ceremony included a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, presentations of key innovation projects, and the official ribbon-cutting led by His Royal Highness. Employees, partners, and invited guests attended the event, creating a memorable day that underscored MDSI’s role as an emerging leader in its field.

“We are honored that His Royal Highness took part in this special occasion,” said David Wagner Reinhard, Chief Executive Officer of MDSI. “This inauguration represents the next chapter in our journey as a company, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, international collaboration, and Denmark’s contribution to global security.”

“It is a pleasure to witness the inauguration of MDSI’s new headquarters. Danish companies like MDSI contribute not only to technological advancement, but also to Denmark’s international reputation for innovation and excellence,” said His Royal Highness Prince Joachim.

The day concluded with a reception, where guests had the opportunity to experience the company’s vision for the future and to see firsthand how the new facilities will support upcoming UAV production projects.

www.mdsi.dk

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Prince Joachim Inaugurates MDSI’s New Headquarters