October 2025 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for October, 2025

AUSA 25 – SIG SAUER Machine Gun Optic

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

SIG SAUER debuted their new Machine Gun Optic at AUSA. While that is the role that it was created for, it would do a great job for any application you require a Red Dot Optic. We showed you a developmental version of this technology during our SHOT Show coverage earlier this year.

It features an Active-matrix LED display which leaks no light forward so there’s no downrange light signature. Right in front of the shooter on the base of the optics is a “Barrel swap Button” which switches the reticle to one of two presets, either for swapped barrels as for a machine gun or super and sub ammo for a carbine or SMG.

It talks to the WARP Laser Range Finder either via Bluetooth or hard wired connection. IPX-8 waterproof rated, it incorporates a Titanium Shroud and intended for hard use.

Specs:

Length: 3.7 in

Width: 2.3 in

Height: 3.1 in

Weight: 16 oz (with CR123 battery installed)

Displayed here as a full system which includes the WARP1550, MGO, and JULIET4T-AMR, the optic can be used alone or with the other components.

Here we can see it from the point of view of the shooter. The JULIET4T-AMR offers 4x magnification faction although other magnifications could be used as well. What makes this magnifier unique is that it integrates SIG’s new Automatic Modified Reticle which when flipped into place tells the optic to swap to a different reticle, usually at a smaller size due to the magnification.

This image obtained from SIG Electro-Optics does a great job of going over the features of the MGO.

The best thing about the MGO is that it features a digital reticle which is projected within the optic. Reticles available include ballistic and disturbed (thanks to embedded Applied Ballistics software in the WARP LRF) with multiple reticle patterns. It will also diplay Compass, Cant, and Distance to target.

The Weapons Attached Ranging Platform (WARP) SWIR uses 1550 nm SWIR wavelength (undetectable under NV) ranges 4,000 yd and includes environmental sensors and compass as well as embedded Applied Ballistics Elite software.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Optics | 11 Comments »

AUSA 25 – RIVET Soldier Borne Mission Command HUD

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

RIVET exhibited their Heads Up Display technology for the US Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command program in the Wilcox Industries booth.

Through integration with WILCOX’s MANTIS mounting solution, the RIVET HUD becomes part of the FUSION CLAW-compatible system.

FUSION CLAW is a consortium of partners who have come together to provide the Army with an advanced headborne system to the US Army which is based in the issue IHPS helmet and provides integrated power and data.

Mounted to the front of the helmet is the sensor suite which contains an IR camera in the center and two CMOS low light color cameras on either side to offer binocular vision. It can be worn down in front of the eyes to put the cameras where the eyes are as seen here or up for observation. Either way, the data can be pushed to the eyewear.

What I really like about this option is that the key to viewing the Augmented Reality information is the RIVET Eyewear and those can be used with the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B), which is the current fused NVG/IR system worn by the Infantry and SOF.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, C5ISR, Helmets | 10 Comments »

General Glen D VanHerck (USAF, Ret) Joins D-Fend Solutions Advisory Board

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Former USNORTHCOM and NORAD Commander Adds Strategic Defense Expertise, Reflecting Industry Momentum for Global Cyber C-UAS Leader

RA’ANANA, Israel and MCLEAN, Va., October 21st, 2025 — D-Fend Solutions, the leader in field-proven radio frequency (RF) cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, today announced that General Glen D. VanHerck (USAF, Ret.) has joined the company’s Advisory Board. General VanHerck’s decision to join D-Fend’s Advisory Board further validates the company’s pioneering role at the forefront of cyber counter-drone technology.

General VanHerck retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2024 following a distinguished career, culminating as Commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), where he oversaw the defense of North America and the U.S. homeland, including defense of critical infrastructure, domains safeguarded by D-Fend Solutions’ advanced technology. He previously served as Director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon and Commander of the USAF Warfare Center at Nellis AFB, NV. His deep strategy and policy background coupled with his operational experience matches the strategic mission and demanding requirements of D-Fend Solutions’ key customer sectors, including military, homeland security, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure protection.

“I am honored to join the Advisory Board of D-Fend Solutions,” said General VanHerck. “C-UAS capabilities are critical to national security and the protection of vital critical infrastructure. I have seen firsthand how rapidly the drone threat landscape is changing and appreciate how D-Fend’s innovative approach is meeting this challenge head-on. I am passionately committed to supporting and promoting the adoption of D-Fend’s advanced, safe, and much-needed counter-drone solutions in order to strengthen national security and homeland defense. I look forward to partnering with D-Fend and helping them stay at the forefront of addressing today’s threats, and those of tomorrow”.

General VanHerck’s appointment comes at a pivotal time globally as drone threats proliferate rapidly and advance in technology, capability, and capacity. His deep expertise in aerospace operations, homeland defense, and multi-agency security coordination positions him to guide D-Fend Solutions’ strategy in delivering next-generation counter-drone solutions that meet evolving security needs across military, government, and civilian environments. With experience defending the North American continent and airspace, and infrastructures vital to national security, his leadership perspective will further hone D-Fend’s operational relevance across these sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome General VanHerck to our Advisory Board,” said Zohar Halachmi, CEO and Chairman of D-Fend Solutions. “His operational leadership, strategic defense experience, and firsthand understanding of modern aerial threats, attributes that have earned him the trust of the highest echelons of U.S. defense and security, bring invaluable perspective to our team. His guidance will help ensure D-Fend continues to innovate and provide best-in-class protection against rogue drones globally. We look forward to leveraging General VanHerck’s expertise as we expand and deepen our support for homeland defense and security, bringing our innovative solutions to protect sensitive sites, people, and critical infrastructure.”

General VanHerck’s insight, forged through decades of safeguarding North America’s skies, will support D-Fend Solutions as the company advances its leadership in providing best-in-class protection to critical infrastructure, sensitive operations, and complex airspaces globally.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

AV Awarded US Army RCCTO Contract for Kinesis, Named Lead Software & Systems Integrator for HMIF

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va.,–AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a contract award from the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for its tactical mission planning and command and control (C2) software for the Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) Increment 1 program.

HMIF accelerates the fielding of robotic formations to leverage machines to offload risk and provides Soldiers with additional information for decision-making for armored and infantry formations. Each formation will include ground and air systems and enablers to aid in the human decision-making process to find, fix, and engage enemy targets. HMIF prototype development supports existing and future robotic programs of record by mitigating risk associated with enabling capabilities such as the common architecture, communications and networking.

AV’s software solution, Kinesis, will provide a unified interface to meet the needs of HMIF for mission planning, tactical awareness, autonomy management, and payload control to simplify complex operations and accelerate mission capabilities with unmatched scale and speed.

“AV’s Kinesis software is a true force multiplier that allows a single tactical operator to control a mixed fleet of autonomous systems developed by multiple OEMs, transforming military operations and accelerating our combat readiness,” said Jason Hendrix, AV Vice President and General Manager. “By leveraging the simplicity and scalability of our open and modular software ecosystem, RCCTO is developing HMIF for ultimate mission flexibility–helping warfighters quickly, easily, and safely carry out autonomous missions across domains.”

Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV, added: “We are delivering superior autonomous solutions to warfighters, not just through our trusted and proven platforms but with our advanced controllers and software capabilities that simplify sophisticated operations, augment force capacity, and drive mission outcomes. Together with U.S. Army RCCTO and an incredible team of industry partners, we are pushing the boundaries of the possible in multi-domain operations.”

Kinesis provides interoperability across tactical C2 platforms, including TAK/ATAK. Its built-in Software Developers Kit creates a collaborative development environment for expanded modularity and integrations of third-party software. To support the HMIF program’s software needs, AV is leveraging strategic partnerships with industry leading expertise from Applied Research Associates’ Neya Systems, Parry Labs, and QinetiQ. The team’s collective capabilities will provide robust solutions that offer unmatched operational efficiency and deliver a comprehensive solution for the U.S. Army’s HMIF requirements.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

Iowa Air Guard’s 132nd Security Forces Squadron Conducts Annual Training in Hawaii

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Surrounded by the dense jungle of Oahu’s mountains, members of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132nd Security Forces Squadron embraced sweat, slope and strain during their annual training in August—pushing beyond routine drills to sharpen skills essential for battlefield readiness and leadership development.

From before sunrise ruck marches to live-fire ranges echoing with the rhythm of the M240 Bravo machine gun, each day of training held a clear intent: prepare tomorrow’s defenders to take the lead.

“The goal wasn’t just to get reps in,” said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Eaton, who oversaw portions of the squadron’s field training. “My intent going into annual training was to challenge the younger guys not just physically, but mentally. I wanted to pass down the knowledge I’ve gained to help them grow, because one day I won’t be there to guide them.”

Eaton added, “This was about showing them the way, giving them space to learn, and letting them succeed whether through failure or success.”

The 132nd Security Forces Squadron conducted its training on and around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, including a grueling land navigation course hosted by the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division near Schofield Barracks. The terrain, characterized by thick vegetation, wet clay and steep elevation changes, forced the Defenders to apply classroom concepts in real-world conditions.

“Finding points in a textbook is one thing,” said Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Phipps. “But locating them through a jungle filled with false trails and obstacles is where you find out if your team can really execute.”

The unit focused heavily on fieldcraft and proficiency in small-unit tactics; squad patrol operations; basic team leader procedures, or TLPs; and sustainment training on heavy weapons systems. The M240 Bravo machine gun, often crew-served and mounted, became a key tool for reinforcing fire team coordination under stress.

Each training lane was built upon the next. Patrol formations led to ambush drills. Route planning flowed into tactical communications. TLPs became second nature under the guidance of experienced noncommissioned officers such as Phipps and Eaton, who made it a personal mission to invest in the Airmen behind him.

When not in the field, the unit engaged in structured classroom instruction followed by hands-on application. Whether reviewing the plotted points or practicing pace counts for land navigation, each lesson was tested by noncommissioned officers.

Some mornings started with loaded rucks down humid mountain trails. Others began in the classroom and ended with bounding movements. The variability kept the Airmen focused and the purpose clear.

2nd Lt. Mike Ploeger, a 132nd Security Forces officer, was satisfied with the training during the two weeks.

“This annual training for security forces highlighted a growing emphasis on integrated base defense, infantry-style tactics and readiness for near-peer threats,” Ploeger said. “Sharpening our members’ abilities shifting with the career field toward more agile, multi-capable and strategically minded defenders.”

For the 132nd Security Forces Squadron, annual training in Hawaii became more than a requirement—it was a proving ground. That proving ground was where junior Airmen learned to read a map by terrain, not screen; where leadership meant setting the pace on the ruck march, not barking orders; and where knowledge passed down might one day save lives.

By SSgt John Johnson, Iowa Air National Guard

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | No Comments »

PROOF Research Names Cameron Wride as Western US Sales Manager

Monday, October 20th, 2025

Seven-year industry veteran and former SWAT firearms instructor to lead sales in 12-state region.

Columbia Falls, Mont. (October 2025) – PROOF Research®, a leader in advanced firearms technology and carbon fiber barrel manufacturing, is proud to announce it has appointed Cameron Wride as its new Western U.S. Sales Manager. Wride will oversee sales and dealer relationships across Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Alaska. He brings seven years of outdoor industry experience with Cabela’s, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, and Kimber, along with law enforcement and firearms instruction background from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office in Montana.

“Cameron’s mix of industry knowledge, sales success, and hands-on tactical firearms experience makes him an exceptional addition to the team,” commented Brandon Hulzebosch, Director of Sales at PROOF Research. “His credibility with dealers and end-users across the West will help us continue driving growth across this critical region.”

Wride most recently served as a Patrol Deputy with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, where he was also a member of the Northwest Montana Regional SWAT Team, a certified firearms instructor, and deputy coroner. Before transitioning to law enforcement, he worked in sales roles for Cabela’s, Murdoch’s, and Kimber. While at Kimber, he managed major accounts, supported live-fire demonstrations, and attended trade shows.

“I’m excited to return to the industry and represent a company as respected and innovative as PROOF Research,” Wride said. “I look forward to translating my experiences into success for our dealers and customers across the West.”

Wride will be based in Montana and will manage sales strategy, dealer development, and regional outreach initiatives throughout his 12-state territory.

Find out more about PROOF Research barrels and rifles at proofresearch.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

AUSA 25 – Rheinmetall Highly-Advanced Multi-Mission Rifle

Monday, October 20th, 2025

Rheinmetall’s Highly-Advanced Multi-Mission Rifle has come quite a ways since I first mentioned it during a visit to Australia in 2022.

Originally referred to as the Squad Support Weapon, this semiautomatic 40mm shoulder fired weapon is box fed is capable of firing common low velocity as medium velocity ammo. It features a 5 round box magazine and the rounds are programmable via IR for desired distance until burst.

While many are concerned about the weight of a 40mm system, this offers one serious advanatge over other current individual grenade launchers, compatibility with all current 40mm grenades. Additionally, now that they’ve added a breach loading capability, rounds which are too long for the M203 or an semiauto action can be loaded one at a time into the HAMMR.

Although it hasn’t been formally put forward as a candidate for the US Army’s Precision Grenadier System program, it’s definitely a contender. Since the actual PGS program solicitations is still a few years out, Rheinmetall still has time to secure a US partner and make further refinements.

Posted in AUSA, weapons | 1 Comment »

AUSA 25 – Aerial Clarity Essentials Kit by Pro Shot Products

Monday, October 20th, 2025

Pro Shot Products is right at the forefront of the Drone Dominance strategy with their Aerial Clarity Essentials Kit (ACE) Kit which consists of items needed to maintain your drone’s optics.

Features:

Mission Ready Chest, Hip, or Standalone Rig – Durable, lightweight and MOLLE compatible for easy carry and quick access.

Advanced Lens Cleaning System – Removes dust, smudges, and environmental debris from drone cameras, sensors, and optics.

Superior Solutions – Includes Mil-Spec Anti-Fog / Anti-Static / ANTI-GLARE Lens Cleaner, Mil-Spec Lens Tissue, Soft Lens Safe Brush, and Microfiber Cloths to maintain optical clarity.

Field-Tested Performance – Engineered for harsh conditions and battle-proven, ensuring drones stay operational with uncompromised visibility.

All-in-One Convenience – Compact yet fully equipped, making it an essential gear addition for tactical and field professionals.

Visit www.proshotproducts.com or contact jjohn@proshotproducts.com for a quote.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Drone, Optics | No Comments »