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Archive for April, 2026

US Army Awards Contracts for Mounted PNT NorthStar Solution

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – Project Manager Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PM PNT) is pleased to announce the Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground award of two Other Transaction Authority (OTAs) via a C5 prototyping project for a mounted PNT NorthStar solution to IS4S and GPS Source. With an estimated value of up to $41 million and 36-month period of performance, the OTAs enable the selected vendors to develop next generation of mounted Assured PNT capability that’s modular and upgradable for Army 2040 ground-based platforms.

“We’re excited to move into the next phase of NorthStar with this award,” said Chris Jais, project manager, PM PNT. “We’re confident that with our vendor partners, we’ll introduce an affordable, MOSA-compliant product with next-generation capability into our family of open solutions and continue to bring upgradable and scalable APNT products to soldiers in the field.” 

PM PNT’s Modernization product office introduced the NorthStar effort in August 2023 via a virtual event and release of an RFI that received 27 vendor responses. These responses informed PM PNT’s decision to solicit industry for the design of tiers of capability that would offer a range of non-radio frequency technologies to outpace the threat of Army 2040; the responses, combined with tech evaluations and review of white papers, also led to the organization deciding to ultimately award a NorthStar OTA to more than one vendor. 

“Awarding to multiple vendors encourages competition, speeds up implementation and integration of new technology to meet emerging threats, and reduces cost of engineering change proposals,” said Erik Scott, product manager for PNT Modernization. “Prioritizing a modular system design for hardware and software ensures the best value for the government and the best solution for our Warfighters.”

Contract kickoffs with each vendor are scheduled for next month with design review and a soldier touchpoint to follow.

For more information on PM PNT, visit the PM PNT page on the Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare website cpeisw.army.mil/pm-pnt.

XS Sights to Display New Products at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits

Monday, April 13th, 2026

Fort Worth, Texas (April 10, 2026) – XS® Sights will be displaying its newest sights and accessories for personal defense, hunting, and target shooting at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 17-19. All NRA members are encouraged to stop by booth # 1716 in the George R. Brown Convention Center to meet with the XS team and learn more about the numerous XS products engineered to deliver an improved shooting experience.

Among the new products are the soon-to-be released Glock Gen 6 ACRO Optic Plate, the HK VP9 Optic Plates (ACRO and RMR footprints) and Fiber Optic Sights for target and competition shooting, as well as 5+ magazine extensions for Walther PDP and S&W M&P pistols. XS will also have many other products on display including their legendary Big Dot night sights, the R3D 2.0 sights, and handguards for Henry and S&W lever action rifles.

“We are excited to have the NRA show back in our home state of Texas and welcome the many loyal NRA members and their families from throughout the country who are as enthusiastic about the shooting sports as we are here at XS Sights,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager, XS Sights. “We’re especially excited to show off some of the new products and line extensions, such as the optic plate bundles and magazine extensions. Whether for law enforcement, EDC, target and competition shooting, or hunting, we’ve been hard at work to give you the best products possible. We look forward to spending time with NRA members and helping them find the best solutions to improve their individual shooting experiences.”

XS sights are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The company also offers a 12-year illumination warranty on all tritium products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

Daniel Defense Welcomes Casey Brinkley as Military Sales Manager

Monday, April 13th, 2026

Daniel Defense is proud to welcome Casey Brinkley as Military Sales Manager. Casey brings over 17 years of combined service with the United States Army, including 12 years on active duty, and continues to serve as a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army National Guard.

With a strong operational background and firsthand understanding of the needs of today’s warfighters, Casey adds valuable perspective to the team. In his role, he works closely with military partners to deliver dependable, field-proven solutions, backed by a commitment to performance, reliability, and service.

www.DanielDefense.com

Darley and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Launch Fifth Annual Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition

Monday, April 13th, 2026

ITASCA, IL – April 13th, 2026 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is proud to announce the launch of the fifth annual Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition. Now in its fifth year, the competition has become one of the fire service’s premier platforms for original thinking, drawing over 90 entries annually from firefighters, company officers, and chief officers across the country.

This year’s prompt asks a question the fire service can no longer afford to sidestep: how can artificial intelligence be used to improve firefighter health, wellness, and safety over the next two years?

AI is already showing up in firehouses. Incident reporting, staffing models, wildfire prediction, roadway risk forecasting, and fire-based EMS operations are all areas where AI tools are beginning to take hold. Taking inspiration from the NFL’s “Digital Athlete” platform built with AWS, which uses data, AI simulations, and predictive models to identify injury risks and design smarter training for players, this year’s contest challenges fire and rescue personnel to think seriously about what that kind of capability could mean for the people who run into burning buildings for a living.

“The people best positioned to shape how AI gets used in the fire service are the ones on shift,” said Paul Darley, CEO & Chairman at Darley. “Sometimes the best ideas in the fire service don’t always make it past the apparatus bay. We built this competition because writing is an act of leadership, and we want you to use this platform to spotlight your ideas and create discussion amongst industry peers.”

Essays may explore AI-enabled training such as:

  • Virtual and augmented reality staff rides
  • Predictive analytics for wildland and all-hazard incidents
  • Decision-support tools for complex EMS, hazmat, and technical rescue operations
  • Fatigue and workload tracking for high-volume EMS crews
  • Exposure and injury trend analysis

Submissions are encouraged to connect ideas to real operational needs, draw from line-of-duty lessons, and align with the 12 NFFF Fire and Life Safety Initiatives.

“Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for firefighter judgment; it is a force multiplier for firefighter survivability,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Director of Fire Programs Danny Kistner. “By combining AI with immersive staff rides, predictive modeling, and resilience-building programs, we can help departments see risk sooner, train with greater realism, and support their people long before and long after the call. This directly aligns with the NFFF mission—to honor our fallen by doing everything possible to reduce preventable deaths and injuries. We invite you to join this competition and submit your ideas for how AI can further this mission in the fire service.”

The competition follows a Tier 3 AI usage standard. Writers may use generative AI tools to brainstorm, organize thinking, and refine outlines, but all sentences in the final submission must be written by the author in their own words. Essays may be screened with AI-detection tools, and any AI use must be disclosed.

Since its launch, the competition has tackled recruitment and diversity, resistance to change in the fire service, and the mental health struggles firefighters carry long after the incident is over. Winners receive cash prizes, present at events including the Texas A&M Leadership Conference and FRI, and are published across major fire service media including Fire Engineering, Firehouse, CRACKYL, and FireRescue1.

The competition was conceived by Garry Briese and is sponsored by Darley in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Submissions are now open. Visit darley.com/essay-competition to learn more and submit.

Colt Optics Launches VMR Series Riflescope

Monday, April 13th, 2026

Michigan (April 13, 2026) – Colt Electro Optics LLC(“Colt Optics”) hereby announces the release its first products, the VMR series riflescopes.

Colt Optics was founded in Michigan in 2024 by a group of optics industry veterans and the Colt CZ Group in order to design and build professional grade products. At Colt Optics, we believe the equipment you rely on should never be the weak link. Whether in the field, on the range, or in critical moments, shooters need optics they can trust without hesitation. That is why every Colt Optics system is developed by our Michigan-based team of optics industry professionals, bringing together decades of real-world shooting experience and proven engineering discipline.

We have built an engineering and product team with deep industry experience to produce high caliber optics that we will stand behind with our lifetime warranty and unwavering support for our customers,said Dennis Finnegan, COO of Colt Optics.    

From concept through validation, each optic is engineered with quality assurance in the United States, with a relentless focus on performance, durability, and consistency. Just as importantly, our products are shaped by the people who use them, refined through continuous feedback from professional and commercial shooters to ensure every detail delivers when it matters most.

The Colt Optics VMR series riflescopes are built to give shooters the confidence to perform in demanding environments. Whether engaging at distance or operating under pressure, the VMR series delivers the clarity, durability, and consistency required to stay focused on the shot, not the equipment.

With precision-engineered optics, rugged mechanical construction, and disciplined testing behind every system, each VMR scope is designed to hold zero, track accurately, and maintain performance when it matters most. The VMR series is available in 1-8x, 3-18x, and 4.5-27x configurations to support a wide range of mission and shooting applications.

We set out to build riflescopes that shooters can rely on without question, regardless of the environment or mission,said Jon Meyer, Vice President of Product Developmentfor Colt Optics. “The VMR series reflects that focus on performance, durability, and real-world usability.

VMR 1-8×28

The VMR 1-8×28 is built for shooters who need to move fast without sacrificing control. At 1x, it delivers a clear, intuitive sight picture that supports rapid target acquisition in close-quarters environments. As magnification increases, it provides the precision needed for more deliberate engagements without forcing the shooter to compromise.

Designed for real-world use, the optic emphasizes a forgiving eye box and consistent sight picture to reduce friction during transitions and maintain speed under pressure. Whether engaging at distance or working in confined spaces, it allows the shooter to stay focused on the target, not the optic.

Available in MRAD and MOA configurations, it features a 34mm one-piece 6061 aluminum tube, low-profile capped turrets, and an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings. Powered by a CR2032 battery rated for 575 hours at mid-setting, it is built for reliable, field-ready performance.

VMR 3-18×44

The VMR 3-18x is built for shooters who need one optic to perform across a wide range of conditions and distances without compromise. Whether engaging closer targets or stretching out for precision work, it provides the clarity and control needed to stay effective in any environment.

Designed for real-world use, it delivers a balanced combination of magnification, usability, and repeatable performance. The system is built to maintain a consistent sight picture, track accurately, and hold zero, giving shooters the confidence to make precise corrections and stay on target when it matters most.

With rugged mechanical construction, advanced optical performance, and disciplined testing behind every system, the VMR 3-18x is engineered to perform reliably under demanding conditions. It is built for professionals and serious shooters who rely on their equipment to deliver consistent results, not occasional performance.

The VMR 3-18x features the HXT-58 reticle, designed for precision shooting applications, with a refined center aiming point that minimizes target obstruction while maintaining exact point-of-aim control.

VMR 4.5-27×56

The VMR 4.5-27x is built for shooters who demand precise, repeatable performance at distance. When small errors matter and conditions are less than ideal, it delivers the clarity and consistency required to make confident, accountable shots.

Designed to support long-range engagements, the system emphasizes reliable tracking, consistent return to zero, and a stable sight picture across the full magnification range. Every adjustment is meant to be trusted, allowing shooters to make corrections with confidence and stay focused on execution.

A forgiving eye box and consistent eye relief support fast target acquisition from a variety of shooting positions, while precision-machined internals ensure exact lens alignment and dependable adjustments. Rugged mechanical and electronic systems are built to withstand harsh environments, maintain zero under recoil, and perform through repeated impacts.

The VMR 4.5-27x features the HXT-28 reticle, designed for precision-focused shooting, with a fine center aiming point that enables exact engagement of small or distant targets.

Our 1-8x and 3-18x VMR series riflescopes will be available to purchase from retailers in the next few weeks, with our 4.5-27x coming later this summer. Please visit www.coltoptics.com for more information.

USMC Awards Gentex Contract for Integrated Helmet Systems

Monday, April 13th, 2026

The Department of War made the following announcement on Friday, 10 April, 2026 at COB;

Gentex Corp., Simpson, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $128,484,849 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Integrated Helmet Systems. This contract provides for the procurement of Integrated Helmet Systems with associated components and accessories. The ordering period will be a maximum of five years and is expected to be completed in April 2031. Work will be performed in Simpson, Pennsylvania. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task/delivery orders as they are issued. The requirement was procured under the authority of 10 U.S. Code 4022(f) as a follow-on production agreement to the prototype agreement (M67854-20-9-1000). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-26-D-5401). 

I’d like to remind readers that Galvion was also issued a contract by the Marine Corps for this program last August for $131,396,296. Both contracts are Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ).

This program has been underway for quite some time. To give you an idea, the photo was taken of the Gentex helmet in May of 2022.

BFG Monday: The Hidden Weight That’s Destroying Our Warfighters

Monday, April 13th, 2026

Injuries in the lower back and limbs “are attributed primarily to running and foot marching long distances with heavy loads”according to an article by U.S. Medicine. At Blue Force Gear (“BFG”), we understand that every gram – yes, every single gram – counts. That’s why we developed our patented Helium Whisper MOLLE pouch attachment system over a decade ago that drastically reduces weight and streamlines the back panel design to eliminate potential manufacturing failures many Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen are familiar with.


Photo credit: Army SPC Juan Perez

Though revolutionary for their time, legacy MOLLE pouch attachment systems are simply heavier than our newer technology. The back panels alone require more than 25 separate components (snaps, stiffeners, multiple sewn layers of fabric and webbing) to attach a single pouch to a vest or plate carrier(compared to a similar BFG Helium Whisper pouch). Every one of those components adds weight. Every sewn seam and metal snap is a potential failure point waiting to manifest at the worst possible moment.

Helium Whisper replaces all of those parts with a single laser-cut piece of proprietary ULTRACOMP high-performance fabric facing laminate. The result is a system built from just 6 parts that cuts the attachment system weight by as much as 50% compared to legacy alternatives. Fewer parts mean fewer opportunities for something to break, corrode, or come apart and the laser precise design eliminates backers that are out of spec. The attachment straps are integral to the backer itself, with no sewn seams to fail or tear away. When a pouch is placed under tension, Helium Whisper tightens its grip rather than pulling apart.

The math is simple: a warfighter running full kit of legacy MOLLE pouches is carrying a significant and entirely unnecessary weight penalty, extra ounces on every pouch can add up to 3 to 5 pounds across a full Rifleman loadout. Those pounds punish knees, destroy backs, and slow down the men and women who cannot afford to be slowed down. Helium Whisper doesn’t just cut weight, it saves lives.

To learn more about how your unit can increase lethality and survivability and drastically reduce load carriage weight, contact the BFG Military Department or visit BlueForceGear.com.

About Blue Force Gear®

Widely known for supplying the world’s best weapon slings, Blue Force Gear also leads the lightweight load carriage equipment revolution with Ten-Speed multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus platforms, and their patented Helium Whisper attachment system. Their proprietary ULTRACOMP high-performance coated fabric laminate material, unrivaled innovation, attention to detail, and obsession with reducing weight sets Blue Force Gear apart from others in the tactical equipment industry. Blue Force Gear is a Great Place to Work Certified Company. For more information on products, proprietary technologies, or how BFG continues to reduce weight for the warfighter, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

US Army Yuma Proving Ground Showcases Latest Airdrop Technology in Large Demonstration

Monday, April 13th, 2026

U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground’s Yuma Test Center (YTC) demonstrated the most cutting-edge developments of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) for an entire week in March.

More than 300 participants from the United States and 11 different partner nations attended the event, necessitating a massive effort by YTC personnel to accommodate the visitors.

“At least 100 people at YPG have played a role in planning or executing this mission,” said Edgar Hurtado, Air Delivery Branch Team Lead. “There are a couple of technologies that we are seeing for the first time, but really we wanted to showcase this to the U.S. and partner nations.”

The wide array of cutting-edge cargo and personnel parachute technologies brought a significant number of personnel from the airdrop community together in one place to exchange ideas. Virtually all of these systems have undergone extensive testing at YPG, or will be soon, particularly in the realm of powered cargo systems.

“There are a lot of aerial denial capabilities by adversary forces,” said Hurtado. “When we have forces within an aerial denial bubble, it gets hard to resupply them with ammo, food, water, and equipment. The idea is to drop something outside of that bubble and have that powered system fly into there and resupply our troops with accuracy.”

Personnel parachutes were an important aspect of the demonstration as well.

“We’ve been working on a project for interoperability between the U.S. T-11 main parachute and the European A400M transport plane,” said Hurtado. “For this big test week, we invited a lot of international partners to showcase the interoperability that we already have. The Army already has safety confirmations for the Low Velocity Airdrop System platforms for heavy equipment like vehicles and fuel blivets and Container Delivery System that often contains food, ammo, and water.”

“We’re in the middle of making a new update to the T-11 personnel parachute,” added Lt. Col. Kevin Hicks, YTC Commander. “We demonstrated a mass tactical exit of an aircraft on two days. We have glide modifications, long-range GPS-guided delivery packages: you name it, we have it.”

Yet YPG’s size alone does not account for its elite standing in the air delivery community: While other ranges might have the air space to conduct an event like this, they are not specifically designed to do it with the infrastructure and standard operating procedures to coordinate multiple sorties safely.

“We have a one kilometer by seven kilometer drop zone that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country,” said Ross Gwynn, YPG Technical Director. “All of the instrumentation coupled with that can collect all the data testers need in an experiment. Within the decelerator community, YPG is at the tip of the spear in advancing those capabilities and providing the performance data that they need to continue iterating.”

The demonstration site consisted of a set of bleachers under an awning and several large tents, all overlooking an immensely desolate drop zone bordered by distant mountains. As each system was demonstrated, narrators addressed the crowd over a loudspeaker. With multiple sorties per day, each with multiple airdrop passes, spectators did not want for parachute action. The event provided a prime opportunity for engineers and military officers from different allied nations to discuss the state-of-the-art technology, both for inspiration and to avoid unnecessary duplication of existing ideas.

“This demonstration is really showcasing where the Army is moving when it comes to contested and congested logistics,” said Hicks. “It’s ensuring we’re putting out the best kit to the warfighters that we can.”

By Mark Schauer