March 2026 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for March, 2026

D3O Appoints Matthieu Bazil as New CEO to Continue International Growth in Defence Markets

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

London, UK – 31st March– Global protection brand, D3O/Delta Three Oscar, today announces the appointment of Matthieu Bazil as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026, following the retirement of incumbent CEO Stuart Sawyer.

Bazil joins D3O as an experienced global CEO with a strong track record of building and scaling brands across a variety of industries including sportswear, 2 wheel and defence. His previous roles include President and CEO of 2 Ride Group,home to leading protection brands including Shark, Nolan, Troy Lee Designs and Bering; and President and CEO of Aqualung Group, a global leader in recreational, military and professional diving equipment. He also held senior executive leadership roles at Fox Racing, a D3O partner and leading brand in motocross and mountain bike equipment.

His background in military and professional-grade equipment gives him a strong understanding of the operational requirements, certification standards and procurement procedures that define modern defence markets.

The transition of the CEO role comes at a time when D3O’s innovation pipeline is full, with exciting new applications ready to launch and the business and brand foundations are primed for significant expansion.

Over the coming months, Bazil will work closely with outgoing CEO, Stuart Sawyer, to ensure a seamless leadership transition. After 15 years of establishing and building D3O into the world’s leading protection company, Sawyer is retiring as CEO and will join the Board of D3O with Investors Elysian Capital as a Non-Executive Director.

Bazil brings with him extensive expertise in brand development and international expansion and is ideally positioned to lead D3O through its next phase of strategic growth and global scaling, bringing with him a wealth of relevant experience across defence and law enforcement and a vast industry network.

“D3O is a market-leading brand with significant global growth potential, particularly within defence, law enforcement and military applications.” Said Bazil. “The company’s ballistic arm, Delta Three Oscar has a well-established customer base, and is trusted by many of the world’s most elite defence organisations including the US Army, UK Special Forces and tactical teams across NATO countries. There is huge potential to grow the brand exponentially and I am looking forward to driving this expansion.”

Under Sawyer’s leadership, D3O has grown from a small UK based start-up to global SME head-quartered in London with operating offices in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia. During this time Sawyer has successfully seen the business through three private equity investments and the supply of the D3O technology to leading global brands that include the likes of the US Army, Formula One race teams, Adidas and Harley Davidson.

Stuart Sawyer commented: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to build D3O over the past 15 years and to see our technology adopted across so many industries and applications around the world. I am incredibly proud of the team we have built and the innovation and energy they bring and how we have grown and diversified the business. With these strong foundations and an exciting development pipeline in place, I am delighted to handover the reigns to Matthieuand believe he is the right leader to take D3O into its next chapter of growth and international expansion.”

Mike Brown, Partner at Elysian Capital, D3O’s private equity investor, also acknowledged Sawyer’s contribution and welcomed Bazil’s appointment: “Stuart has done an exceptional job building D3O into the world-leading protection company it is today. His vision, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to innovation have created a resilient and high-growth business. We are excited to welcome Matthieu to D3O and look forward to supporting him as the company enters its next phase of development and international expansion.”

With this leadership transition, D3O will continue to build onits mission of developing the world’s best protection technology, giving its users the subconscious advantage of knowing they are protected by the best.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on D3O Appoints Matthieu Bazil as New CEO to Continue International Growth in Defence Markets

Rotapoint at the USASOC Sniper Competition

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

After making its debut at the 2024 competition, at least two of the top five finishing teams at the recent 2026 USASOC International Sniper Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, used the Rotapoint Watch Cap.

We are told the 3rd and 4th place teams received Watch Caps at the prize table and are looking forward to putting them to use.

This 15-second demonstration by a longtime user shows the core capability clearly. Three rounds at 160 meters with a red dot, with a 90-degree target transition at 10X magnification.

rotapoint.com/collections/watch-caps

Posted in Optics, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

CMC Triggers | San Tan Tactical | SOUSA Optics Announce Ozge Cumberland as President

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

CMC Triggers, San Tan Tactical, and SOUSA Optics are proud to announce the appointment of Ozge Cumberland as President, effective immediately.

Ozge joins the organization with over a decade of executive leadership experience within the firearms and outdoor industry. She brings a powerful combination of financial expertise, operational discipline, and strategic execution, with a proven ability to scale organizations, strengthen infrastructure, and drive sustained growth.

Throughout her career, Ozge has led cross-functional teams across finance, operations, and business management, consistently delivering results through structure, accountability, and performance-focused leadership. She is known for building systems that enable companies to grow efficiently while maintaining operational excellence.

In her role as President, Ozge will oversee day-to-day operations across all three brands — CMC Triggers, San Tan Tactical, and SOUSA Optics — with a focus on aligning teams, optimizing performance, and executing strategic initiatives that support long-term growth.

Her appointment marks a significant step forward in the continued evolution of the organization, reinforcing its commitment to building a scalable, high-performance platform across manufacturing, product development, and market expansion.

Under her leadership, the company will continue to invest in innovation, strengthen its dealer and distribution network, and expand its presence across both domestic and international markets.

“Ozge brings the level of leadership, discipline, and operational rigor required for where we are going as an organization. As we continue to scale across all three brands, her ability to align strategy with execution and drive accountability across the business will be critical. I’m confident in her leadership and excited for what we are building together.”

— Jennifer Biegel, Chief Executive Office

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NIOA Announces Deal with GDOTS on Apache Rockets Collaboration

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

Australian weapons and munitions prime NIOA and US aerospace and defence company General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) have signed an agreement to collaborate on the potential supply of 70mm rockets to equip the Australian Army’s new Apache helicopters.

An Apache helicopter fires off a Hydra-70 rocket. Australian-owned NIOA has inked a deal with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems to potentially supply the ADF with the 70mm family of rockets. Photo courtesy: DVIDS

The potential supply of these rockets to the ADF would build upon current ADF 70mm rocket supply arrangements through Foreign Military Sales.

The multiple natures of Hydra-70 rockets are key munitions for the Australian Defence Force’s incoming AH-64E Apache helicopter fleet being delivered under Project LAND 4503 and as a kinetic effector in Counter UAS systems.

Subject to appropriate US Government approvals, the companies intend to explore opportunities for Australian assembly of the rockets under a multi-year agreement, offering increased flexibility, shorter lead times, assured domestic supply, and overall lower life-cycle cost for these munitions.

In line with the Commonwealth’s Defence Industrial Development Strategy (DIDS) goals, NIOA and GDOTS will assess which components of the system which might cost-effectively be manufactured in Australia with a view to seeking transfer of production to the Australian defence industrial base.

On the establishment of local assembly arrangements for Hydra-70 rockets, there is expected to be an increase in skilled jobs at the Australian government owned, contractor operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in regional Victoria where NIOA operates ammunition and primary explosive manufacturing capabilities.

NIOA Australia-New Zealand CEO Ben James said: “This agreement further extends the NIOA/GDOTS relationship and represents a key sovereign munitions production opportunity in support of the ADF and forward-deployed US troops.

“The 2024 Defence Industrial Development Strategy emphasised the importance of international industrial partnerships to build the strategic weight Australia needs to shape the future and recent international events have further highlighted the critical nature of sovereign supply chains and manufacturing capacity.

“Manufacturing warheads and key munitions for Apache would represent a key step in realising that objective.”

Posted in Munitions, Press Release | No Comments »

Barrett America’s 250th Rifle Series Now Shipping

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

The Barrett America’s 250th Series is now shipping in limited quantities to distributors nationwide. Customers are encouraged to contact their preferred dealer for availability. If not currently in stock, dealers can request units through their distributor. With extremely limited production, availability will be short. Interested customers are encouraged to act quickly.

This release consists of 500 total collectible rifles, representing “Two .50s for 250.” This exclusive series includes 250 twenty-inch Model 82A1® rifles and 250 twenty-inch M107A1® rifles, each meticulously crafted as a tribute to American independence and innovation.

The 20-inch M107A1 rifles carry serial numbers FREEDOM001 through FREEDOM250 and feature a custom Cerakote® finish with a subdued American 1776 flag design.

The M107A1 America’s 250th Series features a subdued American 1776 flag design.

The 20-inch Model 82A1 rifles feature serial numbers LIBERTY001 through LIBERTY250 and are finished in a custom Cerakote design incorporating the iconic “Join or Die” snake motif.

The Model 82A1 America’s 250th Series features the the iconic “Join or Die” snake motif.

Each rifle will be delivered as a complete serial-number matching commemorative set, pairing the firearm with an RMJ Tactical tomahawk specific to its model — the Patriot Tomahawk for the Model 82A1 and the Kestrel Tomahawk for the M107A1 — along with a serial-number matching commemorative challenge coin and certificate of authenticity signed by Ronnie Barrett, founder of Barrett Firearms. The complete presentation is housed in a custom Pelican® case that displays the rifle while fully assembled and includes a Barrett manual and sticker set.

Two additional matched sets of Model 82A1 and M107A1 rifles featuring the serial numbers LIBERTY1776 and FREEDOM1776, as well as LIBERTY2026 and FREEDOM2026, will each be auctioned to the highest bidder through GunBroker.com®.

To further honor this historic milestone, Barrett will conduct a special fundraising initiative in support of America’s veterans. From April 15 through July 31, 2026, participants may donate $100 per entry for an unlimited number of chances to win a matched set of commemorative Model 82A1 and M107A1 rifles, with the winner announced on August 3, 2026. Proceeds from the donation-based drawing will benefit DAV: Disabled American Veterans, reinforcing Barrett’s commitment to honoring American history while giving back to those who have served the nation.

“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the values that define this nation and the people who have defended them,” said Bryan James, CEO of Barrett. “The America’s 250th Campaign is our way of honoring that legacy while directly supporting America’s veterans. These rifles represent more than craftsmanship and collectability, they represent gratitude, service, and our responsibility to give back.”

The America’s 250th Series stands as a lasting tribute to the founding principles of the United States and to those who have defended them for generations. Through this limited-edition release and its associated fundraising efforts, Barrett reaffirms its commitment to honoring American history, supporting veterans, and preserving a legacy of service, freedom, and responsibility.

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Guest Post | No Comments »

SUKON Suppressor Direct Action Covers from LiteFighter Tactical

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

Purpose-built for high-demand shooters, this rugged, heat-resistant cover protects your suppressor while reducing mirage and keeping performance consistent during sustained fire. Designed to hold up in the field, it’s ready for any tactical environment.

Length Options: 4 in to 12 in (in 0.25 in increments)

Fits Suppressor Diameters: 1.0 in – 2.0 in

Materials:

Inner Lining: Carbon Fiber rated to 1800°F
Insulation Layer: Silica Cloth (high-temp thermal barrier)
Outer Shell: 500D or 1000D Cordura® Nylon (based on color)
Securing Cord: Heat-resistant to 900°F
Thread: Nomex®

Heat Resistance:

Carbon Fiber Lining: 1800°F
Continuous 800°F

Recommended Use:

Tactical AR Platforms (LE/MIL)
High-tempo Semi-Auto Training
Field Applications Requiring Mirage Control
Long Range Shooting (Gas & Bolt)

Available via GSA.

litefighter-tactical.com/product/sukon-sp-can-cover

Posted in Suppressors, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Two Divisions Team Up to Transform the Army

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (March 30, 2026) – Two U.S. Army divisions, dozens of industry partners, and multiple Army program offices have joined forces to help expedite the Army’s command and control and networking transformation.

Both divisions are leveraging a series of operational training events to experiment with Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototypes: The 4th Infantry Division (4th ID), conducting Ivy Stings and the 25th Infantry Division (25th ID), conducting Lightning Surges.

The NGC2 ecosystem delivers information across all warfighting functions to enhance commanders’ decision-making and speed – with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a key role to quickly process and analyze huge volumes of data to the battlefield edge.

Just as NGC2 is eliminating stovepiped warfighting systems, the two divisions, their industry partners, evaluators, and the Army program offices are joining forces to share lessons-learned, reuse applications, and converge capabilities to help the Army scale the NGC2 framework.

Army leaders say the collaboration is paying off.

“The ingenuity and the creativity of the Soldiers, combined with continuous iteration with industry, has been instrumental. A lot of times, the industry partners are going home and fixing the code in almost real time,” said Maj. Gen. Patrick Ellis, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, Colorado. “We’re benefiting both of our divisions as we’re getting to do that continuously over time.”

The 4th ID recently completed Ivy Sting 5 – where the division employed NGC2 across 35 mission threads – while the 25th ID recently executed Lightning Surge 2, which focused on the digital kill chain and validated their prototype’s maturity to set the stage for integrating NGC2 into larger, joint and multinational exercises across the Pacific.

“We’re absolutely building on the lessons from the 4th ID, but our focus is applying those lessons to the unique challenges of the Indo-Pacific. By having two divisions prototyping in different operational environments, we are de-risking this effort for the entire Army and providing a more robust, validated set of capabilities for the future fight,” said Maj. Gen. James B. Bartholomees, commanding general of the 25th ID and U.S. Army Hawaii.

With its “See, Sense, Strike” concept at the forefront, the 25th ID recently completed its second in the series of Lightning Surge exercises, which featured the Division Artillery (DIVARTY) executing fully digital calls for fire missions – from sensor to shooter – using an industry prototyped NGC2 data platform and AI mission system that streamlined targeting data received from different sensors (See and Sense).

The Army’s new app-based, data-centric fires command and control system, the Artillery Execution Suite (AXS), which will eventually replace the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), ingested targeting information from the data layer and enabled the fires direction center (FDC) to quickly calculate all firing computations before sending for execution down the “last mile” to the guns (Strike).

“The new system is sensor agnostic [where it pulls information] into that data layer, simultaneously hitting the appropriate device or system at echelon, up and down the chain of command, where decision makers are able to determine the appropriate delivery asset down to our shooters,” said Col. Daniel Von Benkin, DIVARTY commander.

As the DIVARTY Operations Sergeant Major, SGM Kenneth Alexander, explained, the new process is “taking out the element of human error. The data goes machine to machine so we can focus on making decisions instead of just manually entering data.”

While the 4th ID successfully demonstrated using AXS within NGC2 to conduct fires missions during their earlier Ivy Sting exercises, the 25th ID leveraged Lightning Surge 2 to also experiment with compatibility through the data layer with AFATDS, ensuring it remains aligned with joint partners in its shared Pacific operational environment.

“Our mission at the 25th Infantry Division is to forge the fight to achieve decision dominance in the vast operational environment of the Pacific,” Bartholomees said. “These [digital fires support] capabilities are preparing us now as we deploy our force into the first island chain as part of Operation Pathway,” referencing a series of annual combat “rehearsals” in the Philippines with that nation’s Army and other multi-national partners.

In addition to the technical progress coming out of the prototype efforts, commanders and staff are sharing lessons learned to refine operational warfighting processes in line with the NGC2 concept.

Lt. Col. Adam Brinkman, 25th ID G6 and 125th Division Signal Battalion commander, said he is closely collaborating with the 4th ID’s G6 team to learn how they are applying AI tools to shorten the time needed to work through their higher priority target list.

“They have done really well in their war room to reduce what can be a very lengthy process,” he said. “We will add this knowledge to our roadmap, which will allow us to analyze large volumes of data to inform human decisions at machine speed.”

While the divisions are synchronized in scope, NGC2’s flexible framework adapts to the disparate mission sets across the force.

“The Army acknowledges that one size does not fit all,” said Brig. Gen. Shane Taylor, Capability Program Executive for Command and Control Information Network (C2IN), noting that NGC2’s data layer – the way data is stored and managed across all the warfighting functions – will be the most common characteristic across divisions.

“You’ll probably see the most diversity within the transport layer, which will take into account the tyranny of distance you have here in USARPAC [U.S. Army Pacific]. We want to give commanders the ability to tailor the kit based off their individual needs,” he said.

For both divisions, accelerating the fires digital kill chain is paramount to making the fires process faster, more precise and more lethal.

“Even with existing fires systems, the process still included manual steps that left room for human error,” Von Benken said. “In Lightning Surge 2, we focused on bridging those final gaps to create a true, end-to-end digital workflow, keeping the human in the loop to make the critical decision to call for fires.”

By Kathryn Bailey, CPE C2IN Public Communications Directorate

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CPE C2IN is rapidly delivering dominant C2 and network solutions through a dedicated partnership with warfighters and industry. We achieve this by harnessing the speed of commercial innovation and pioneering new capabilities, providing a persistent and decisive information advantage. CPE C2IN equips commanders to decide and act faster than any adversary, ensuring victory in a complex, ever-evolving contested environment.

Posted in AI / ML, Army, C5ISR, Guest Post | No Comments »

Rheinmetall and Indra Group Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership – with a Major Vehicle Contract in Their Sights

Monday, March 30th, 2026

Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall AG and the Spanish technology Group Indra have signed a memorandum of understanding to further deepen their strategic cooperation, particularly in the production of military vehicle systems for European and Latin American Armed Forces. The next step is to establish a joint venture later this year in order to bid on a Spanish Army contract for the procurement of up to 3,000 military trucks.

With this agreement, both companies intend to expand their existing partnership and jointly address future projects in the field of modern defence and security technologies.

This includes the modernization of tracked armoured vehicles, activities in the field of tactical support vehicles, as well as the joint participation in a solution for tactical tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and the establishment of consortia for opportunities in logistic trucks.

The agreement extends beyond combat vehicles, covering other business areas, including space-based communication solutions, among others. The goal is to develop innovative solutions for armed forces whole while simultaneously strengthening the European industrial base in the defence sector in the long term. The MoU establishes the framework for more intensive cooperation across the entire value chain—from integration to production and service. Both companies will contribute their complementary capabilities in the areas of system integration, sensor technology, digitalization, and platform and effector systems.

Rheinmetall and Indra are strengthening their position in the European defense market and are committed to expanding their joint projects over the long term.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “It’s a perfect match: Indra is the market leader in Spain, and Rheinmetall is the market leader in Germany. We intend to collaborate on vehicles, satellites, electronics, and naval systems. The starting point for this collaboration is the Spanish government’s two tenders for up to 3,000 military trucks and several hundred tactical vehicles. We’re talking about several billion euros.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “With this Memorandum of Understanding, Rheinmetall and Indra are sending a clear signal for deeper European cooperation in the defence sector between Germany and Spain. Together, we are pooling our technological expertise to develop high-performance and future-oriented solutions for our customers.”

Ángel Escribano, Indra Group Executive President: “The long term relationship of trust we have established with Rheinmetall enables us to explore new areas of collaboration to deliver increasingly advanced systems, at ever greater speed, while ensuring the future leadership position of the European industry worldwide.”
José Vicente de los Mozos, Indra Group CEO: “Indra once again demonstrates its ability to build partnerships that allow us to accelerate delivery of the systems our customers require, reaffirming our commitment to Europe and its allies to reinforce technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy.”

The signing of the MoU highlights the shared objective of both companies to combine their innovative strengths in military vehicle systems and further expand cooperation in the European defence market, with emphasis in Spain and Germany, and also Latin America countries.
Rheinmetall AG is an integrated technology group, with its headquarters in Düsseldorf. Founded in 1889, it is a leading international systems house for the defence industry and operates within land, air, sea and space domains. A focus on sustainability is an integral part of Rheinmetall’s strategy. With around 33,000 employees at about 180 sites worldwide, the company has been listed on the DAX 40 since March 2023 and generated sales of €9.9 billion in the 2025 financial year.

Indra Group is the foremost Spanish multinational and one of the leading European companies that focus on defence and advanced digitalization. It stands at the forefront of the defence, space, air traffic management, mobility, and transformative technologies through Minsait, and it integrates its sovereign AI, cybersecurity and cyber defence capabilities into IndraMind. Indra Group is paving the way to a more secure and better-connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships and the very best talent. Sustainability is an integral part of its strategy and culture in order to overcome current and future social and environmental challenges. At the close of the 2025 financial year, Indra Group posted revenues of € 5.457 billion and had a local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »