July 2026 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for July, 2026

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Low Visibility Plate Carrier (LVPC)

Friday, July 17th, 2026

Protection doesn’t have to announce itself. The FirstSpear LOW VISIBILITY PLATE CARRIER is engineered for the modern operator who demands maximum performance with minimal presence. Designed for plainclothes operations, undercover roles, and urban environments where stealth is non-negotiable, the LVPC combines a discreet profile with advanced functionality that full-duty carriers are built around. Front-integrated shoulder straps reduce obstruction and keep your silhouette clean, while a compression fit on the user side keeps plates locked in place and out of the way.

Features:

Low-Profile Design for Plainclothes Operations
Placard-Ready with Full Loop Surfaces
Integrated Left/Right Radio Pockets
Infinitely Adjustable Fast Cummerbund

At its core, the LOW VISIBILITY PLATE CARRIER is built around modularity and mission adaptability. Available in SAPI and Swimmer cut configurations to fit a range of body types and operational requirements, and offered in Black and Manatee Grey, the LVPC kit includes your choice of front and back panels along with a FAST Cummerbund that adjusts from S to 3XL. Whether you are running an undercover detail or a plainclothes protection assignment, the LVPC keeps you protected without compromising your cover.

Built for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and prepared professionals who demand reliable equipment, the LOW VISIBILITY PLATE CARRIER delivers full-spectrum protection without sacrificing discretion or mobility. Where reliability meets low profile. 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.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

Senior Leaders Chart Course for Future Force

Friday, July 17th, 2026

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —

More than 60 Air Force senior leaders gathered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 10-12, for the semiannual Corona summit, a strategic planning forum focused on policy development, force readiness and future force initiatives.

Formalized by Gen. Curtis LeMay in 1961, Coronas serve as a venue for the Air Force’s top echelon to foster collaboration and refine strategic decisions on an array of topics as diverse as training, deterrence and air warfare doctrine. This recent iteration provided a decision-making forum designed to build upon recent policy modifications and address key areas essential for maintaining a ready and capable future force.

“I have traveled to our installations worldwide, meeting face-to-face with the Airmen who execute our mission every day,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “They share their real, day-to-day challenges with me, and Corona is where we turn that feedback into strategic action – making decisions to dismantle barriers, modernize our capabilities, and build a better Air Force from the bottom up.”

The three-day summit provided a decision forum to build on recent policy changes and discuss key areas to ensure a ready and capable force for the future.

Joining the traditional cadre of Major Command commanders and Headquarters Air Force senior leaders were their respective Command Chief Master Sergeants, alongside a diverse group of general officers representing various operational and functional directorates.

The group agreed on a host of policies and changes, including those related to basic military training, the use of AI and protecting bases from drones and other threats.

BMT Next (Modernizing Basic Military Training)

To better prepare incoming personnel for the complexities of future conflicts, a comprehensive curriculum update will be implemented for BMT by 2027. Under this revitalized model, training will more closely align Airmen with the broader Air Force mission. The curriculum will heavily emphasize “Airmindedness,” military professionalism and the Air Force Core Values.

Pairing those three skills with the specialty training that follows, Airmen will arrive at their first duty stations equipped with the foundational skillsets essential for modern warriors.

Not only will what they learn change, the physical training environment will undergo a significant transformation, too. There are plans to construct a dedicated Air Force Training Range, which will serve as the centerpiece of the BMT compound. This facility is designed to orient the trainees’ mindset around the Air Force’s primary power projection platform: the air base.

Point Defense of Air Bases

Recognizing the evolving threat environment, the decision was made to establish Point Defense Flights at select Air Force installations. Initially, these specialized units will be composed of personnel drawn from multiple career fields.

Concurrently, a dedicated new Air Force Specialty Code is being developed to formalize and sustain this base defense capability.

Artificial Intelligence

To harness the strategic advantages of emerging technologies, Wilsbach announced forthcoming Headquarters Air Force-level guidance regarding AI integration. This initiative aims to institutionalize proven AI best practices currently utilized across the enterprise.

A primary objective includes developing programs that leverage AI to automate repetitive administrative tasks, thereby freeing up Airmen for mission-critical duties.

Emphasizing a forward-looking approach, the summit also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force’s task force dedicated to AI innovation.

The Future of Guardian Angel & Tactical Air Control Party Weapon Systems

The Air Force will not combine its Guardian Angel (GA) and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) weapon systems into a single unit. Each will retain its distinct identity and core, specialized competencies.

GA remains focused on personnel recovery, while TACP continues its role in precision strike, distributed command and control and integrating airpower with ground combat. The two may train together periodically to be interoperable in conflict, with MAJCOMs setting the training standards.

Building on TACP’s existing expertise in airpower integration, it was designated as the lead weapon system for One-Way Attack missions for employment by the Joint Forces Air Component Commander.

Leaders also moved to bring greater discipline to how the Air Force uses the term AFSPECWAR (Air Force Special Warfare) for the GA and TACP communities. Over recent years, the term has increasingly been used in an operational context, and the summit reaffirmed that AFSPECWAR is neither a mission nor a weapon system. It remains a term of enduring value for recruiting, accessions, initial skills training and the shared warrior ethos that unites communities of extraordinary Airmen.

To ensure clear command relationships, distinct capabilities, accurate authorities, preserved community identity and specificity in combat employment, the Air Force will use precise terms for specific weapon systems. This decision ensures operational clarity and honors the valor of the Airmen in the GA and TACP weapon systems.

Audit

In compliance with congressional directives, the enterprise-wide comprehensive financial audit continues. To ensure effective execution and accountability, Wilsbach directed all MAJCOM commanders to provide bi-monthly progress updates, emphasizing that audit readiness must remain at the forefront of their daily operational workflows.

In addition to the key decisions listed, other priorities were discussed at the forum to include readiness, both aircraft and personnel, along with streamlining enterprise-wide logistics-informed command and control (C2). Leaders focused on taking care of Airmen with talent management discussions, mission focused assignments and developmental opportunities.

Other operational discussions included a renewed focus on Camouflage, Concealment and Decoys, as well as the speed of information and the ability to make tactical adjustments in dynamic threat environments with a Digital Fires Report.

As the Air Force’s senior leaders gathered in Dayton to tackle the most complex challenges facing the force, the above decisions impact not only the 665,000 Airmen, but also allies, partners, industry and supportive local communities. Some of the initiatives are internal to the Air Force, while others are further reaching.

“This summit was a resounding success because we didn’t just talk about the future – we made concrete decisions to shape it,” Wilsbach said. “Whether we are modernizing our training, fortifying our defenses to guarantee readiness, or leveraging AI to return valuable time to our Airmen and their families, we are building a force postured to win.”

By TSgt William A. O’Brien

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, AI / ML, Air Force, C-UAS, Guest Post | No Comments »

Julius Caesar Announced as Latest Installment of SK Guns’ Conquerors Series

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – July 13, 2026 – SK Guns®, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited-edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce the third production in its popular Conquerors Series: Julius Caesar. As a limited-production release, only 200 Colt 1911 pistols chambered in .38 Super will be available to collectors and enthusiasts.

“Caesar was a Roman general, politician and writer whose conquests changed the history of the ancient world. He moved his armies quickly, built bridges, forts and siege works, and used discipline to defeat larger forces,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “His conquest made him legendary, but it also helped bring the Roman Republic to an end and reshaped Europe for centuries after.”

Details on the right side of the guns slide exhibit Caesar crossing the Rubicon in January 49 BC, an act of treason also known as the point of no return that sparked the Great Roman Civil War. This legendary river in northeastern Italy served as the legal northern boundary of the Roman province of Italy proper, separating it from Cisalpine Gaul.

Details on the left side of the slide focus on the conquest of Gaul, also known as the Gallic Wars (taking place in modern France), which secured the natural border of “The Empire to the Rhine,” referring to two major geopolitical entities: the Roman Empire and the First French Empire under Napoleon Bonaparte.

The top of the slide near the rear sight is decorated with the Temple of Divus Julius — (Temple of Caesar). The top of the slide near the front sight features an image of Caesar in his prime.

The frame, slide and select control are all high-polished in a deep Colt Royal Blue finish. The controls are in 24k gold. The gun is made complete with an engraved logo of the Conquerors Series and Caesar on presentation black Kirinite grips, color-filled.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

Nokia and NestAI build Capability for AI-Enabled Defense Operations with Resilient Connectivity in Denied Environments

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Integrates AI, deployable 5G and sensing into a single defense capability

Accelerates sovereign European defense technologies for the next generation of military missions

9 July 2026, Espoo, Finland – Nokia Defense and NestAI, one of Europe’s fastest-growing AI labs for defense, are advancing their technology partnership with the first operational capabilities being developed under the collaboration established alongside Nokia’s and Tesi’s €100 million joint investment in NestAI in November 2025.

As European defense investment reaches its highest level in decades, defense forces are accelerating the integration of AI-enabled capabilities into their operations. A defining challenge is ensuring resilient, trusted connectivity in denied environments, where communications, sensing and mission-planning must work seamlessly together for AI-enabled operations to succeed in the field.

The partnership is delivering three integrated operational capabilities:

AI-enabled command-and-control on deployable 5G networks: bringing together Nokia’s deployable 5G networks with NestOS, NestAI’s adaptive operating system for modern battlefield operations, to help European forces maintain command and control, support autonomous systems and reduce reliance on fixed communications infrastructure.

Mission planning with assured connectivity: integrating Nokia’s radio-network planning models into NestOS mission-planning tools, enabling forces to assess, plan and adapt connectivity as part of the mission while reducing the risk of coverage gaps during fast-moving multidomain operations.

Earlier threat detection and response: combining Nokia’s Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) early-detection capability with NestAI’s multi-sensor tracking to provide operators with earlier, wide-area threat awareness and support faster, more informed decision-making in, even in contested environments with limited connectivity.

These capabilities are built for the conditions modern forces now face: denied communications, active electronic attack and emerging drone threats that must be detected before dedicated sensors acquire a target. The partnership addresses all three with European-developed technologies built to NATO operational requirements.

“Defense is moving quickly to adopt AI-enabled capabilities, from mission planning to unmanned operations. But AI only works in the field when it has secure, resilient connectivity behind it. Together with NestAI, Nokia is accelerating the sovereign technologies NATO needs to operate, decide and act in the next generation of missions,” said Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer and Chairman, Nokia Defense.

“Most defense AI is built on assumptions about connectivity, sensor access, and infrastructure that do not hold in contested environments. What we are building with Nokia addresses the real conditions European forces face, from the network underneath to the threats at the edge, on technology that Europe develops and controls,” said Peter Sarlin, Founder and Executive Chairman, NestAI.

Nokia Defense provides secure, intelligent connectivity for defense in the AI era. Built on Nokia’s global leadership across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, it delivers resilient, mission-ready communications solutions that strengthen national security and support critical operations worldwide. For more information: www.nokia.com/defense-communications

Posted in Admin, AI / ML, Comms, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Sponsor Opportunities Now Available for SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range 2026

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Drive Brand Visibility and Increase Your Brand Exposure at SHOT Show’s Signature Kickoff EventBOULDER CITY, Nev. — July 15, 2026 — As the firearms, hunting and outdoor industries prepare for another influential week of SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range (IDATR) 2027, taking place Monday, January 18, 2027, is inviting brands to secure sponsorship opportunities designed to maximize exposure, elevate brand recognition and connect directly with the industry’s most influential media, retailers, buyers and content creators before the doors of SHOT Show officially open.

As one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events, Industry Day at the Range brings together more than 2,300 vetted attendees for a full day of live-fire demonstrations, networking and product discovery. Sponsorship packages are strategically designed to place brands in front of key decision-makers throughout the event while reinforcing visibility before, during and after SHOT Week.

“Industry Day at the Range is where the industry gathers before the show floor opens, making it one of the most valuable marketing opportunities of SHOT Week,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range manager. “Our sponsorship opportunities help brands stand out during the event’s highest-engagement moments while creating meaningful impressions with media, buyers and industry professionals who influence purchasing decisions throughout the year.”

Featured sponsorship opportunities for 2027 include:

Media Lunch Sponsorship
Attendee Lunch Sponsorship
Official Event App Sponsorship&nbsp

Each sponsorship is designed to maximize brand exposure across high-traffic event touchpoints.

The Media and Attendee Lunch Sponsorships provide premium branding during two of the busiest networking periods of the day, positioning sponsors in front of journalists, retailers, distributors, exhibitors and invited guests as they gather between range sessions.

The Official Event App Sponsorship places a sponsor’s brand directly into the hands of every attendee through the Industry Day mobile app, the primary resource for event schedules, exhibitor locations, interactive maps and product information.

These featured opportunities complement a comprehensive sponsorship program designed to help companies launch new products, strengthen brand recognition, increase media exposure and create memorable experiences ahead of SHOT Show. Whether introducing innovative products or reinforcing an established presence within the shooting sports industry, Industry Day at the Range sponsorships offer measurable value during one of the year’s most important business events.

“Industry Day at the Range has been an incredibly valuable platform for Henry Repeating Arms,” said Dan Clayton-Luce, vice president of communications at Henry Repeating Arms. “It gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase new product launches in a hands-on environment without the complexity and expense of hosting our own standalone event. The attendee list is highly focused—media members aren’t just evaluating products; they’re creating content and publishing coverage, much of it the very same day. It’s been a powerful way for us to build momentum and generate excitement heading into SHOT Show.”

With the National Shooting Sports Foundation continuing as title sponsor through 2028, Industry Day at the Range remains the premier live-fire event of SHOT Week and one of the most effective platforms for brands to generate awareness, media coverage and business opportunities before SHOT Show begins.

Exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities are limited. Companies interested in maximizing its presence during Industry Day at The Range are encouraged to reserve their sponsorships early.

Exhibitor space is now available for the 2027 event. Companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to register early, as premium shooting bays and sponsorship opportunities are limited. For additional details and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the event website.

For more information about the 2027 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range visit ShotShowRangeDay.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on Sponsor Opportunities Now Available for SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range 2026

GoTAK Offers RIDAR ATAK Plugin for Free

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

We just turned every Android EUD into a drone detector for free. No cost, no licensing, no credit card required. RIDAR ATAK Plugin by GoTAK is our solution for airspace awareness on the TAK ecosystem and beyond. It is the same plugin that powers our RIDAR-FM drone detector that integrates with the MAAK Tactical ecosystem for public safety and law enforcement.

The RIDAR plugin is free to download at getgotak.com/ridar and does not require our hardware to be attached in order to pick up drones emitting in your AO. We are also working on iOS solutions with a standalone app and a native TAK Aware integration.

Obviously, direct EUD sensing has limited range, hence the RIDAR-FM for long-range detection, optional ADS-B tracking, and unified BLE/WIFI passive radar.

Download RIDAR today and integrate airspace awareness right now. When you’re ready for a long-range purpose-built sensor, place your order at getgotak.com/ridar and equip yourself with the most advanced RID detection tooling that is native to TAK.

Thanks to all of our community members who have placed orders, performed beta testing, and have supported the mission GoTAK has set out to solve by developing plug-and-play awareness tools for every mission.

V/r

Matthew

CEO GoTAK LLC

Posted in C-UAS, Drone, Guest Post, TAK | Comments Off on GoTAK Offers RIDAR ATAK Plugin for Free

T.REX ARMS Releases New Active Retention Holster

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

*The Titan was Designed to Provide Speed and Reliability Without Compromising Strength and Weapon Retention*

**CENTERVILLE, TN. – July 16, 2026** – T.REX ARMS is proud to announce the availability of a new active retention holster built for speed and reliability. The?Titan?combines a precision-formed Kydex shell with a rugged housing and robust locking mechanism that can be released quickly and easily, so that the weapon can be securely retained, but also rapidly deployed.

Every ergonomic detail is shaped to support a natural, uninterrupted draw and solid firing grip from the first touch. The ability to release the weapon even when pulling or twisting the gun at the wrong angle, drawing the gun before hitting the button, or any other things that may happen under stress and duress. This holster offers the fastest draw for people who have a high level of skill, and the fastest draw for people using it for the first time.

The duty 0.125″ Kydex shell provides adjustable passive retention on the weapon or light, and many points of contact regardless of the locking mechanism. This ensures a rattle-free slim holster with wide support for Glock, Sig, S&W, Walther, Staccato, and more pistols, Streamlight and Surefire lights.

The Titan will also accommodate all optics up to and including the Trijicon SRO with armor, and it includes an optional and removable optic shroud designed to protect your red dot from large debris. The shroud opens automatically during the draw stroke, and when reholstering with most optics.

All parts of this holster are available in multiple colors, and it is best paired with the T.REX LINK belt mount, which gives it perfect compatibility with our thigh strap for extra stability. However, it is also compatible with mounting systems from Alien Gear, Blackhawk, Bladetech, DARA, G-Code, Safariland, and more, and will work with or without quick detach systems or adapters.

Every metal fastener on the device is made of stainless steel, and every moving part is glass-filled nylon, so there are no rust or corrosion issues that could cause jamming or binding. The ejection port lock, spring, and button are all part of a single component, reducing complexity. This holster has the fewest parts of any locking holster on the market, making it lighter without compromising strength.

The Titan was built on the premise that the user must always be able to draw their weapon when needed, regardless of circumstances. All mechanical systems will fail at some point, so the Titan is intentionally engineered to fail “open.” If the locking mechanism were ever to break, the firearm can still be drawn safely and without obstruction.

The weapon will be accessible, whether the user executes a perfect draw or a suboptimal draw, and whether the holster is perfectly functional or has been catastrophically damaged. If damage occurs, the locking mechanism is user-replaceable, and field serviceable. The entire holster has the same lifetime warranty support as all other T.REX ARMS holsters.

T.REX ARMS designs and manufactures premium holsters, belts, targets, and other defense of life equipment engineered for real-world performance. Innovation, durability, and user feedback drive a brand that’s made in America by Americans, with a lifetime warranty and best customer service, for all who carry in defense of life.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on T.REX ARMS Releases New Active Retention Holster

BEYOND Presents: Trail Jager vs Mountain Jager Jackets

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Trail Jager (left) and Mountain Jager (right) shown together, illustrating two insulation approaches built around the same WINDSTOPPER® shell foundation.

Beyond Clothing’s Jager Series features two standout coldweather insulation layers: The Trail Jager Jacket and the Mountain Jager Jacket. While the jackets share an underlying construction philosophy and materials pedigree, they are designed for distinctly different activity levels and mission profiles and feature different insulation types and thermal intent.

Both pieces are built to integrate cleanly into modern coldweather layering systems, are Made in the USA, Berry Amendment compliant, and designed for professional end users.

Shared features include:

• WINDSTOPPER® by GORETEX LABS shell fabrics

• Helmetcompatible insulated hoods

• Glovefriendly hardware

• Chest and hand pockets accessible while wearing armor or packs

• Lowbulk profiles intended for modular layering

Trail Jager Jacket: HighOutput Active Insulation

The Trail Jager is optimized for sustained movement, using a hybrid construction to balance wind protection and breathability.

The Trail Jager Jacket is designed for continuous movement under load. It pairs WINDSTOPPER shell panels with 2.5 oz Polartec® Alpha Direct® insulation and Polartec® Power Grid™ fleece stretch panels.

Alpha Direct’s openloft structure allows moisture vapor and excess heat to escape during sustained movement, reducing sweat accumulation during patrols, ascents, and extended maneuver operations.

Polartec® Power Grid™ side panels provide airflow and stretch in highperspiration zones.

The Trail Jager aligns closely with ECWCS Level 3 (Active Insulation) concepts as defined within the CTAPS activeinsulation context, and is intended to function as either a breathable outer layer or an insulated midlayer beneath a shell.

Best suited for:

• Highoutput movement

• Patrol and reconnaissance missions

• Users prioritizing breathability over static warmth

• Cold wet and shoulderseason environments

• ECWCS Level 3 & 5 bridging roles

Mountain Jager Jacket: Increased Static Warmth

The Mountain Jager increases insulation density for cold exposure during reduced movement or static positions.

The Mountain Jager Jacket includes the WINDSTOPPER shell used across the Jager Series, and its use of the Climashield® APEX 360™ synthetic insulation provides more uniform thermal coverageand balanced heat retention, best for pauseandmove cycles, observation, overwatch, and coldweather exposure where wind and heat loss are missionlimiting factors.

Continuous synthetic insulation improves thermal consistency during extended static exposure.

A 40D lightweight nylon ripstop liner supports durability while keeping bulk manageable for integration into layered coldweather systems with a more tapered fit, designed to be worn under body armor or a chest rig.

A grid fleece–lined chin guard reduces abrasion and improves comfort when fully zipped in cold, windy conditions.

Best suited for:

• Mixed activity and static use

• Cold, windy, and alpine environments

• Observation and overwatch tasks

• ECWCS Level 5 & 7 bridging roles

SidebySide Comparison

Although shell materials and patterning are similar, insulation type and breathability separate the Trail Jager [Left] from the Mountain Jager [Right].

System Approach

Beyond Clothing’s Trail Jager and Mountain Jager arecomplementary options within a modular coldweather system. Both jackets address distinct operational needs by managing wind as a constant while tuning insulation to expected activity level, exposure duration, and environmental conditions.

Rather than prescribing a single insulation configuration, the system acknowledges natural variation in individual thermal regulation, movement intensity, and mission role. This approach allows users to select the appropriate Jager variant based on how they generate and retain heat in realworld use—whether during sustained movement, pauseandmove cycles, or extended static exposure—while maintaining compatibility within the same layering architecture.

Together, the Trail Jager and Mountain Jager reflect Beyond Clothing’s systemdriven design philosophy: enabling adaptable insulation choices that respond to changing conditions and user physiology, rather than enforcing a onesizefitsall coldweather solution.

Availability

Both jackets are available directly from Beyond Clothing in MultiCam, OCP, Ranger Green and Coyote with men’s and women’s fit, and are supported by government and unit purchasing programs.

• Trail Jager Jacket: $719.99 USD

• Mountain Jager Jacket: $749.99 USD

More information is available at beyondclothing.com.

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