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Archive for January, 2026
BNC MOLLE Antenna Mount
Friday, January 2nd, 2026VKTR Industries LLC. Releases New Series of Double Stack 1911 Handguns
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of premier AR-15 rifles and accessories, is proud to announce the next evolution of products designed and built in the heartland of America.
The new line of Vanguard double stack 1911 handguns begins with the launch of the VKP Pro (Professional). This handgun is designed out of the box for duty, defense, and everyday carry, while still providing excellent performance in a competition. The VKP is 100% wholly manufactured and assembled in the United States with all US sourced components.
The gun will feature:
Combat Trigger – The custom VKTR single-piece trigger sports a ~3.5lb pull with a clean break and extremely positive reset.
Fully Machined Steel Controls – Fully constructed of all steel,and zero MIM parts for crisp tactile performance and durability.
Reinforced Polymer Grip – Enhanced strength and molded with VKTRs custom grip surface. This grip surface is the perfect balance between grip and comfort during prolonged carry and range sessions.
Steel Frame Durability – The 416 stainless steel frame provides excellent weight and ensures your VKP Pro will outlast the competition regardless of conditions.
Fully Optics Compatible – The VKP Pro is optics-ready out of the box, with three included optic footprint plates (Acro, RMR, & DPP). Comes standard with XS Sight front sights. No need to shop around.
Coating – The VKP Pro is covered with DLC ArmorLubecoating, to ensure unrivaled protection and performance for years. This coating protects and coats the pistol while helping maintain the precision tolerances.
“We are extremely excited for this new lineup.” said Dave Rybacki, the owner of VKTR industries and White Label Armory. “The VKP Pro is our flagship model, and we are working to expand the line. End users can be sure that this handgun will be manufactured to the highest standards and tolerances.”
The VKP Pro will ship with 4 custom Atlas magazines, 3 optics plates, and a carry case. More information can be found at: www.vktrind.com/product/vkp-ds-1911.
Initial shipments will be moving to some dealers as of this press release.” said Eric Luley, National Sales Manager. “We have partnered with some amazing retailers throughout the county for the launch.”
The VKP Pro will be available from the following dealers as product delivers over the next several months:
East Valley Tactical – Arizona
Delray Shooting Center – Florida
BattleHawk Armory – Iowa
The Vault Fine Firearms – Florida
Top Gun Range – Texas
Extreme Gun – Texas
Tombstone Tactical – Arizona
Spartan Defense – Colorado
Machine Gun Tours – Colorado
Foxhound Firearms – Florida
Black Arsenal – Michigan
Hyatt Gun – North Carolina
Birmingham Pistol Wholesale – Alabama
2nd Amendment Sports – Illinois
For more information, please contact info@vktrind.com.
Information on dealer programs, law enforcement or other sales can be found at www.vktrind.com/product/vkp-ds-1911 or email Eric Luley, Sales Manager at eluley@vktrind.com.
TACVALVE MODCAN Now Available in OD & Translucent Clear
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
The TACVALVE MODCAN water container we previewed last August is available now in OD Green and “Natural” translucent clear.
Manufactured with inherent antimicrobial properties thanks to the SERVOGARD antimicrobial and anti-fungal plastic, it accepts customer-suppled 38mm gas mask caps (such as the AVON 8465-01-529-9800).
Squeezable for pressurized flow, the MODCAN also features a clear strip down the side called a Viewstrip, so you can see how much liquid is left inside.
FirstSpear Friday Focus: Stratton Flannel – 9oz
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
The FirstSpear STRATTON FLANNEL – 9oz is built for professionals who demand more from their daily kit—because your off-duty layers should hold the same standard as your on-duty gear. Constructed from 100% cotton in a rugged 9oz heavyweight flannel, it delivers real durability and warmth without sacrificing mobility. The shirt is Made in the USA, giving you American workmanship backed by proven production standards.
Up front, the Stratton runs two oversized chest pockets with metal button closures, built to secure mission essentials like a phone or small tools without bouncing loose. The long-sleeve cut with button cuffs keeps it clean and capable—whether you’re in a vehicle, on the range, or knocking out a long shift.
Every detail is built for long-term wear, including smooth metal buttons that won’t fold under hard use. It’s machine washable for low-maintenance sustainment, and the fit is intentionally oversized to accommodate movement, layering, and about 3% shrinkage after the first wash. For a standard fit, FirstSpear recommends stepping down one size from your normal t-shirt size.
Bottom line: this is a no-BS flannel that performs in the real world—tough enough for operators, comfortable enough for daily wear, and built to last. Gear up and get yours now at First-Spear.com.
To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. 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.
Army Seeks Novel Autonomous Ground and Launched Effects Solutions Through New xTech|Edge Strike: Ground Competition
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
WASINGTON ? The Army FUZE xTech Program, in partnership with U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUF-AF) and the Global Tactical Edge Directorate (G-TEAD), launched the xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition to identify and accelerate mature, ready-to-deploy autonomous ground-system and launched-effects technologies. Offering a total cash prize pool of $2 million , the competition provides potential follow-on contract opportunities and consideration for addition to the G-TEAD Marketplace. Small and large business worldwide can submit eligible solutions that enhance force protection, increase situational awareness, and deliver adaptable capabilities for Soldiers operating in contested environments.
The competition aligns with ongoing Army efforts to rapidly integrate commercially driven innovation into formations operating at the tactical edge. By expanding collaboration with nontraditional industry partners and accelerating the transition of promising capabilities into operational use, the program strengthens pathways for fielding technology that meets emerging Army needs. Led by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)), xTech|Edge Strike: Ground aims to identify mature technologies of technical readiness level (TRL) 6 or higher that detect, identify, track, and neutralize threats, deliver precision fires, emplace obstacles and defensive p0sitions, carry and distribute supplies, or evacuate casualties?all while minimizing Soldier exposure.
Competition Overview
xTech|Edge Strike: Ground features a two-part format that moves from concept submission to a live, Army-led experimentation event, where participants will compete for cash prizes, engage with Department of War (DoW) experts, and refine their solutions to meet Army demand signals.
Part One: Concept White Paper
- Submission window: Dec. 19, 2025 – Jan. 7, 2026
- Eligible vendors must submit a four-page concept white paper and pre-recorded five-minute video outlining their technology, viability, and demonstrating its suitability for participation in a live experimentation event.
- Up to 15 applicants will receive $25,000 each and an invitation to Part Two, the live experimentation event in Grafenwöhr, Germany.
Part Two: Finals Experimentation Event
- Finalists will participate in a live experimentation event in March of 2026, showcasing their solutions to a panel of Army and DoW experts.
- Up to five winners will receive a cash prize of up to $275,000 and all other finalists that participate in the experimentation event will receive an additional $25,000 for their participation.
- The government may award follow-on contracts to one or more competition winners, determined based on funding availability.
Eligibility Requirements
xTech|Edge Strike: Ground is open to nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including large and small businesses, in both domestic and foreign territories. Vendors must obtain a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code or North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to process payments and must be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the U.S. or a foreign country.
Vendors must not be U.S. federal government entities, foreign government entities, or employ a U.S. federal employee acting within the scope of their employment. Additionally, vendors must not currently be under contract, agreement, or providing similar capabilities to the government for related work.
About the Army FUZE xTech Program
The Army FUZE xTech Program is the Army’s premier tool for scouting and accelerating dual-use technologies that directly enhance Soldier readiness and mission success. Through dynamic prize competitions like xTechSearch, xTech identifies breakthrough solutions and opens doors for nontraditional companies to engage with and deliver capabilities to the Army. Since its launch in 2018, xTech has awarded over $30 million in non-dilutive cash prizes across 48 competitions – fueling innovation pipelines and delivering transformative technologies that matter on the battlefield.
Learn more at the Army FUZE xTech website: fuze.army.mil.
About Army FUZE
Army FUZE is the Army’s integrated innovation ecosystem. It brings together four flagship innovation programs – xTech, Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer, Manufacturing Technology, and the Technology Maturation Initiative – under a coordinated and synchronized framework to accelerate advanced capabilities, strengthen the industrial base, and deliver readiness at the speed of relevance. FUZE operates with a venture capitalist mindset, scouting broadly, taking calculated risks, and scaling the most promising technologies. This approach ensures taxpayer dollars are directed toward solutions with both Army operational relevance and commercial viability, while creating clearer pathways and reduced barriers for industry participation.
By Eleanor Kent, Army FUZE
DroneShield Secures $8.2 Million Contract Supporting Western Military Operations
Thursday, January 1st, 2026- DroneShield has received a contract totaling $8.2m for a western military end-customer.
- This hardware is on-the-shelf with delivery expected to be completed prior to 2025 year end or in early Q1 2026, and payment expected in Q1 2026.
30 December 2025 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced it has secured an $8.2 million contract to supply counter-drone capabilities to a Western military end customer through an in-country reseller.
The contract, placed through an in-country reseller, includes handheld counter-drone systems, associated accessories and spare kits, and ongoing software updates. The reseller is a wholly owned subsidiary of a global, publicly listed defense and technology organization responsible for distribution to the military customer within the region.
The award builds on a long-standing relationship between DroneShield and the reseller, with multiple programs supported over the past seven years. The continued engagement reflects DroneShield’s ability to deliver reliable, field-ready counter-drone solutions that can be deployed quickly and integrated into existing force structures.
Image: DroneShield RfPatrol Mk2
Handheld counter-drone systems remain a critical capability for modern military operations, particularly for dismounted units operating in dynamic and contested environments. These solutions provide immediate situational awareness, identification, and protection against uncrewed aerial threats, supporting force survivability and operational freedom across a wide range of mission profiles.
The contract also highlights broader trends shaping military procurement, including the need for scalable counter-drone solutions, accelerated delivery timelines, and technologies that can adapt to rapidly evolving threat environments.
As DroneShield enters 2026, the company continues to see strong global momentum across defense and security markets, driven by increased focus on airspace protection, layered counter-drone architectures, and the growing role of unmanned systems in modern conflict.
Blast from the Past – Objective Force Warrior? What’s That?
Thursday, January 1st, 2026This article was first published in 2014 and I thought it would be a great way to kick off the new year.
I just realized that many of my readers have no idea what Objective Force Warrior or its follow-on, Future Force Warrior are all about and I’m afraid some may think it’s something new. Objective Force Warrior was one of many Soldier Modernization Programs which trace their way back to Soldier Integrated Protective Ensemble in the early 90s to 21st Century Land Warrior to simply Land Warrior and then OFW in the early 00s. You could go on for days talking about what they wanted it to do. If you want to really delve into it, download a vision document below.
What’s important to you is that it’s where Crye Associates made their bones and many staples of modern Soldier Systems spun out from that program. Working in conjunction with other firms such as Juggernaut Defense and Artisent (which sold off as Ops-Core to Gentex) as well as large contract system integrators, Crye was responsible for the clothing, load bearing and armor components of this Soldier Digitization effort.
As with most of these programs, lots of money is poured into the software and comms portion and relatively little effort and funding is put toward the clothing and individual equipment components. With many of these programs actual development of the system’s digital operating environment becomes virtual and during program reviews and Congressional dog and pony shows, Crye’s efforts became the face of the program. They produced prototypes that a Soldier could wear and that looked unlike anything else out there. I’d say that they kept that program moving for as long as it did. The clothing and armor developed by Crye was something you could actually see and lay your hands on. Eventually, after a name change to Future Force Warrior and facing actual combat in multiple theaters, the Army let the project drift away with the C4I component transitioning over time to Nett Warrior.
Industrial Design house Crye Associates founded Crye Precision based on the success of their work on FFW and after commercialization, caught the eye of the Special Operations community. The rest you should know.
Ultimately, four critical Soldier Systems technologies find their roots in FFW and with Crye:
MultiCam Camouflage Pattern – It began life as Scorpion for use with FFW but Crye Precision refined the pattern for commercial use and later provided modified variants of the pattern for both the UK (Multi Terrain Pattern) and Australia (Australian MultiCam Pattern). In 2009, the US Army selected MultiCam for use in Afghanistan as the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP). In 2010, Crye Precision developed Woodland and Arid patterns for the US Army’s Camouflage Improvement Effort. They were selected as finalists along with three other companies. In late 2013, Crye Precision introduced four new patterns to complement the decade old Transitional pattern: Alpine, Arid, Black and Tropical.
Combat Uniforms – The concept of producing a shirt that combines a moisture wicking torso with heavy duty sleeves for wear with armor systems was unheard of prior to OFW. The same goes for garments with integrated knee and elbow protection. Now, these concepts are accepted as state of the art.
Crye Armor Chassis – Crye Precision’s armor chassis took an entirely fresh approach to body armor, combining special, ergonomically shaped armor plates in such a way to allow movement. It has been adopted for use by niche forces and has influenced armor design.
Close Fitting Modular Combat Helmets – While the material science wasn’t quite there yet when the OFW/FFW helmet demonstrators were built, several companies produced enhanced combat helmets over the years including Crye Precision’s AirFrame which fits very close to the contour of the head.
ID Magazine did a great article on Crye’s participation in the project which we offer here for historical purposes.
USMC Releases Message Regarding Approved Training Requirements for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Kudos to the Marine Corps for consolidating the training for the raid expansion of attritable drones across the force. Last week they released MARADMIN, “Approved Training Requirements for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems” which announces six courses open to all Marines:
Basic Drone Operator (BD-O) Course: “Provide the foundational skills required to assemble, maintain and operate both full-acro and stabilized non-lethal drones in an operational environment.”
Attack Drone Operator (AD-O) Course: “Provide the foundational skills required to tactically employ lethal attack drones.”
Attack Drone Leader (AD-L) Course: “Provide the instructional understanding of Fire Support Plan integration, threat assessment, system capabilities and coordination with maneuver and fires.”
Payload Specialist (PS) Course: “Provide the foundational skills and basic knowledge for safe explosive handling and preparation of pre-fabricated warheads used to arm lethal drones in an operational environment.”
Attack Drone Instructor (AD-I) Course: “Provide the instructional skills required to administer and certify Marines in the BD-O, AD-O, and AD-L courses.”
Payload Specialist Instructor (PS-I) Course: “Provide the instructional skills required to administer and certify Marines in the PS course.”
There is also additional training which is MOS specific. Finally, the message offers some details about types of drones hitting the fleet.
We’ve included the whole MARADMIN at the jump. Please note, we have redacted all contact info for POCs.
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