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Archive for July, 2026

MATBOCK Visiting Ramstein Air Base This August

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Founded by Navy SEAL veterans, MATBOCK specializes in engineering ultra-lightweight, mission-specific gear designed to reduce operator load and improve durability in the field. Leveraging proprietary materials like their water-shedding “Ghost” fabric, they develop advanced solutions in load-bearing armor, prolonged field care medical packs, maritime assault gear, and specialized K-9 handler equipment.

Attn: Units and Individuals in Germany

The MATBOCK team will be visiting Ramstein Air Base the week of August 19th.

If your unit is located at Ramstein or within the surrounding area and you would like to see their latest ultra-lightweight gear, medical packs, or multi-mission equipment solutions firsthand, please reach out to schedule a private meeting.

To set up an appointment, contact sales@matbock.com.

Army Announces Project Convergence-Capstone 6: A Milestone in Modernization

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army will execute Project Convergence-Capstone 6 from July 20 to July 29 at Fort Irwin, California. Directed by Lt. Gen. Michael McCurry, commanding general of the Army Futures and Concepts Command, PC-C6 aims to rigorously experiment with future technologies by significantly expanding the scope, scale and complexity of operations previously tested at the 4th Infantry Division’s Ivy Sting and Ivy Mass exercises.

The central focus of PC-C6 is the continued validation of the Next Generation Command and Control architecture, designed to ensure U.S. and allied forces can achieve and maintain decision dominance in complex, high-threat environments.

“PC-C6 is the largest experiment in the history of the program, delivering a critical opportunity to continue validation of NGC2 architecture at operational scale,” McCurry said. “By leveraging an Army division, we are not only testing over 100 emerging technologies in a realistic environment, and we are actively enhancing the future capabilities of our operational forces.”

Underscoring the importance of international partnerships in modern conflict, PC-C6 will feature robust multinational participation. The 4th Infantry Division will train and operate alongside allied forces from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. This combined effort will test tactical system interoperability and strategic alignment among coalition partners.

“The Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division will incorporate the newest ideas and technologies into their movements at Fort Irwin, providing Soldier feedback on Army command and control,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, commander of the Army Joint Modernization Command and PC-C6 deputy director.

The data and insights gathered during this intensive 10-day event will serve as a foundational element for the Army’s modernization trajectory. Outcomes from PC-C6 are expected to directly inform acquisition decisions to ensure the Army is prepared for future threats.

U.S. Army Public Affairs

Evolution Outdoor Launches Ballistix 3.5 Terminal Tray and Ballistix Jig Lockr 3.6 and 3.7 at ICAST 2026

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

KILGORE, Texas – July 13, 2026 – Evolution Outdoor, a leading provider of high-quality fishing gear, is proud to unveil new tackle storage solutions at ICAST 2026. Among multiple product launches, Evolution Fishing will debut its Ballistix 3.5 Terminal Tackle Tray, Ballistix Jig Lockr 3.6 and Ballistix Jig Lockr 3.7. The trade show will take place July 14-17 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Evolution Outdoor invites attendees to visit Booth #4020 to explore its newest innovations designed to improve on-the-water organization.

“We’re committed to creating storage solutions that help anglers protect their gear, stay organized and spend more time fishing,” said Reece Martin, Evolution Outdoor’s director of marketing. “The new Ballistix 3.5 Terminal Tray and Ballistix Jig Lockrs were designed with real-world performance in mind, delivering rugged functionality and quick access to essential tackle when it matters most.” 

Ballistix 3.5 Terminal Tray

As the ultimate solution for terminal tackle organization, the Ballistix 3.5 Terminal Tackle Tray offers durability and convenience. The tray features a specifically measured layout to uniquely organize various hook and weight sizes in different tray sections. Each compartment is fixed in place to prevent misplaced hooks and weights, reinforced by the lid with drop-down ridges that seamlessly close over the bottom layout. Equipped with a rugged exterior and X-Rust Corrosion Rust Inhibitor, the Ballistix 3.5 Terminal Tray withstands wear and tear and protects its contents. With its single one-handed latch, anglers can easily access gear at any moment.

Ballistix Jig Lockr 3.6 and Ballistix Jig Lockr 3.7

With its silicone and foam ramp system designed for maximum efficiency, the Ballistix Jig Lockr elevates storage organization. Each jig slots securely in place with the hook in the top section and head resting against the ramp, preventing baits from shifting and keeping weed guards clear of the lid. Built into the rugged Ballistix body and sized in the 3600- and 3700- standard footprints, the Ballistix Jig Lockr boasts unmatched durability. It features a clear polycarbonate lid for quick identification, reinforced corers and an oversized steel hinge. Equipped with a waterproof gasket, labeled compression latch and X-Rust Corrosion Rust Inhibitor, the Ballistix Jig Lockr withstands wear and tear while offering maximum jig capacity.

 Item # / Description / Dimensions / MSRP

BLXTERM3500 / Ballistix 3.5 Terminal Tray / 9” x 5.75” x 1.6” / $17.99

BLXJGLKR36 / Ballistix Jig Lockr 3.6 / 11” x 7.25” x 2” / $29.99

BLXJGLKR37 / Ballistix Jig Lockr 3.7 / 14.25” x 9.375” (not including hinge) x 2” / $34.99

To receive updates on the release of these new products, sign up for Evolution Outdoor’s email list here.

To learn more about Evolution Outdoor and their range of products, visit their website at www.evolutionoutdoor.com. Stay updated with the latest news and updates by following Evolution Outdoor on Instagram or TikTok. 

Forging the Arsenal of Freedom: Department of War Suspends CMMC Phase II Requirements

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

The Department of War today announces the immediate suspension of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase II requirements, which were originally scheduled to come into effect on November 10, 2026. All Phase I self-assessment requirements remain firmly in place. Additionally, the Department will begin a comprehensive review of CMMC aimed at aligning with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s Acquisition Transformation System (ATS) directives prioritizing speed to capability, lowering barriers for small, medium, and non-traditional businesses, and replacing bureaucratic compliance with scalable, resilient cybersecurity measures.

Ensuring access to leading-edge commercial capabilities is a critical driver powering the Secretary of War’s operational execution for the “Arsenal of Freedom”. While the current CMMC program was designed to enhance DIB cybersecurity, instead it has created prohibitive compliance costs and bureaucratic burdens. Recent data, including reports from the Small Business Administration (SBA), confirmed that CMMC compliance is forcing innovative companies out of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) which will delay the delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighters.

“In support of Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive to reduce compliance barriers for small and medium sized businesses, we are today suspending the CMMC Phase II requirements and initiating a 60-day study of the future of this program,” said DoW Chief Information Officer Kirsten A. Davies. “Robust cybersecurity and operational resilience remain critical to protecting American innovation and supporting warfighter readiness. We believe the DIB can achieve both, while we reduce unnecessary government red tape.”

Effective immediately, the Department will suspend the transition to Phase II requirements of CMMC, as well as pending and future CMMC implementation milestones across the Department of War solicitations and contracts.

“We have a strategic imperative to reduce bureaucracy as we build the world’s strongest Arsenal of Freedom. The CIO’s decision ensures we maintain a strict security baseline while removing paralyzing costs and keeping innovators and competition growing in the defense supply chain,” said Hon. Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.

To realign our cybersecurity posture with the principles of the ATS, the Department CIO is establishing a CMMC Reform Task Force to conduct a comprehensive top-to-bottom review of the certification program. This task force will serve as the central hub for synthesizing industry feedback from our public Request for Information (RFI) regarding compliance challenges. Using these insights, the team will recommend realistic, scalable security measures that prioritize speed to capability and lower barriers for small and non-traditional businesses, delivering their final report to the DoW CIO within 60 days.

During this interim period, the Department will enforce cybersecurity compliance with the NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 standard through self-assessments and select government-led assessments, focusing on tangible cyber hygiene rather than administrative overhead.

It is critical to note that this action does not eliminate the requirement for companies to protect federal data. All defense contractors and subcontractors remain contractually obligated to safeguard covered defense information in accordance with DFARS clause 252.204-7012.

The Department of War remains steadfast in its commitment to securing its digital domain while empowering the DIB to rapidly provide the most advanced capabilities to the warfighter. More information can be found here: dowcio.war.gov/brilliantbasics

UK MoD Publishes Guide for Servicewomen Preparing for Special Forces Selection

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence recently published “Science of Human Performance: A guide for servicewomen preparing for arduous courses” a handbook for females training for selection for that nation’s Special Forces units. However, while it’s obvious this is the intent of the handbook, they never come out and say it. Instead, the Minister for Veterans and People, the Right Honourable Calvin Bailey MP mentions, “Opening Ground Close Combat (GCC) roles to women.” I’ll point out that Mr Bailey is a retired RAF Wing Commander.

Subjects in the handbook include Endurance, Strength and Load Carriage Training as well as Injury Prevention, Nutrition, and Supplements. There are additional chapters on physiological issues peculiar to the female such as hormones.

Get your copy here.

Quantum Systems selected for Japan’s Counter-UAS Proof-of-Concept Program

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Quantum Systems has been selected by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) to participate in Japan’s Counter-UAS Proof-of-Concept Program, supporting the evaluation of next-generation interceptor drone capabilities.

Tokyo/Japan, 15 July 2026 – Quantum Systems has been selected by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) to participate in Japan’s Counter-UAS Proof-of-Concept Program. The initiative forms part of ATLA’s Early Acquisition Program, which aims to accelerate the evaluation and deployment of next-generation interceptor drone capabilities for the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Quantum Systems’ selection reflects the company’s internationally sought-after expertise in counter-UAS technologies and expands its engagement with allied defence stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region.

Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer at Quantum Systems, said:

“Our selection by ATLA reflects the growing international demand for interoperable counter-UAS capabilities. Participating in ATLA’s programme allows us to contribute our operational expertise while deepening long-term industrial and defence cooperation. We look forward to further strengthening our long-term partnership with one of the Indo-Pacific’s most important defence innovators.”

The programme represents another milestone in Quantum Systems’ international growth and reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering interoperable autonomous capabilities that address rapidly evolving airborne threats.

VSS Books – International Travel

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Don’t learn travel the hard way. Read “International Travel: A How-To Guide for Beginners and Seasoned Travelers.”

From pre-trip planning to money, tech, transportation, and the problems most travelers don’t see coming, a practical guide for first-time and seasoned travelers alike, business or pleasure.

Get your copy here.

Iridium Announces Commercial Availability of Iridium PNT ASIC, Bringing Resilient GNSS Protection to Devices Worldwide

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

Ultra-compact chip delivers trusted positioning, navigation, and timing resilience amid rising spoofing and jamming threats
MCLEAN, Va., July 14, 2026Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite services, today announced the commercial availability of the Iridium PNT ASIC, a first-to-market chip designed to help protect GPS- and GNSS-dependent devices from jamming, spoofing, and other growing threats.

Since the Iridium PNT ASIC’s unveiling in October 2025, Iridium has received unprecedented demand from more than 150 organizations worldwide, spanning maritime, unmanned and autonomous systems (UXV), aviation, telecommunications, and other critical infrastructure sectors.

“The market response to the Iridium PNT ASIC has reinforced what we’re hearing from customers around the world: assured PNT is becoming an essential capability across critical industries,” said Dr. Michael O’Connor, executive vice president, PNT, Iridium. “With commercial availability, we’re enabling manufacturers to integrate trusted timing and location capabilities into smaller, more efficient designs, making assured PNT accessible to more applications than ever before.”

Measuring just 8 by 8 millimeters and weighing less than 0.2 grams, the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) represents a major step forward in expanding access to assured PNT technologies at scale. The chip delivers cryptographically secure timing and location data from the Iridium satellite network through one-way signal bursts that are powerful enough to work where traditional GNSS often cannot, including inside structures and in contested environments.

By continuously validating signal integrity and delivering trusted PNT data anywhere on Earth, the Iridium PNT ASIC provides a powerful new foundation not only for resilient navigation, but also timing. Financial markets, telecommunications networks, power grids, and governments all depend on precise time synchronization to coordinate operations and maintain reliable service.

As global reliance on GNSS continues to grow, so does the frequency and sophistication of signal interference such as jamming and spoofing. Recent incidents including the May 2026 in-flight jamming of United Kingdom Defence Secretary John Healey highlight increasing operational and safety risks associated with GNSS spoofing and jamming across commercial transportation, aviation, and critical infrastructure environments. According to a 2019 study sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a GPS outage was estimated to cost the U.S. economy approximately $1 billion per day. Adjusted for inflation, that figure would exceed $1.3 billion per day in 2026, underscoring the growing importance of reliable backup solutions.

Compact Assured PNT Integration Underway

Solace Communications, a provider of mission-critical communications solutions for demanding and remote environments, is one of several Iridium partners integrating the Iridium PNT ASIC. Its Vector family of assured PNT products combines Iridium PNT with multi-band GNSS and inertial sensing to deliver resilient positioning, navigation, and timing with continuous confidence scoring, while LTE and Iridium Short Burst Data® (SBD®) provide secure telemetry and messaging.

“The Iridium PNT ASIC supports our wider strategy of building one of the first edge-native, confidence-scored assured PNT platforms around multiple sources of positioning, timing, and motion data,” said Adam Elcock, co-founder, Solace Communications. “Future navigation systems must do more than report a position. They must continuously determine whether that position and its timing can be trusted. That is the role Vector has been designed to fulfill and is now being deployed.”

Skyband Systems, a developer of aviation-grade, PNT-resilient navigation hardware, will integrate the Iridium PNT ASIC into its M100 LRU for business and commercial aviation. The M100 combines Iridium PNT with onboard inertial sensing to alert crews to GNSS jamming and spoofing while providing aircraft location for enhanced situational awareness.

“Iridium’s secure and powerful global service is the perfect platform for Skyband’s resilient navigation product,” said Robert Wiggenhorn, co-founder, Skyband Systems. “We are excited to partner with Iridium as they launch the Iridium PNT ASIC and look forward to further strengthening their legacy of aircraft innovation and safety.”

Iridium continues to engage with developers, original equipment manufacturers, integrators, and technology providers to incorporate assured PNT capabilities into next-generation solutions. Those interested in ordering the Iridium PNT ASIC are encouraged to visit www.iridium.com/pnt/asic.