This is Finnish company Varusteleka’s first outing at Enforce Tac and they’re featuring their new 7 layer clothing system.
This is their Layer 3 which is a simple Softshell jacket. It reminds me quite a bit of the original L5 jacket from SPEAR PCU so I really like the pocket layout. However, instead of EPIC fabric, it’s made from a lightweight but very durable Softshell weave.
Coming late Spring from www.varusteleka.com.
UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, unveiled the third product in its line of AXON™ switches – the three-button AXON XL – at Enforce Tac 2025.
Developed as part of a SOF requirement, AXON XL brings additional functionality to the industry-leading AXON family. A third button provides users with a dedicated visible laser override capability for the NGAL (LA-23/PEQ) laser. The forward two buttons feature the same tactile differentiation as AXON, while a prominent wall separates the flat (pill-shaped) center pad from the rear (round dome) button.
“We constantly seek to innovate and expand the capability of our product lines,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “AXON XL is the direct result of customer feedback, bringing together a technically advanced and ergonomically correct solution in the same or smaller footprint as many two-button switches on the market, giving the end user utmost efficiency in space and capability.”
There are three non-restrictive versions of AXON XL. The angled button on one supports momentary and constant light activation. On the second, the angled button operates in a SYNC capacity, firing both white light and visible laser despite what mode the NGAL is physically set to (vis override). Also operating in SYNC, the angled button on the third version simultaneously fires white light and the laser in the mode the NGAL is physically set to (mode select). The front angled button supports both momentary and constant activation on SYNC variants as well.
The center and rear buttons fire in the same way across all three commercial variants. The center button fires the laser in the mode the NGAL is physically set to (mode select). The rear button fires the visible laser despite what mode the NGAL is physically set to (vis override). Both the center and rear buttons offer momentary-only and laser double-click-for-constant-on control.
AXON XL is only available for UNITY’s LINK™ USB-C System with GASCAP™, and NGAL (LA-23) lasers with versions for other next-generation / visible-override-capable devices available in the future.
At only 3.7 inches (9.4 centimeters) in length, AXON XL is1.03 inches shorter than UNITY’s first-ever two-button TAPS™ switch that launched in 2014 and has since been discontinued.
M1913 Rail Clamps include three pass-throughs for zip ties, with an M-LOK® Mounting Kit sold separately.
AXON XL is available in black and FDE and retails at $349. It is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers, with orders starting to ship on or before March 7, 2025. AXON XL is on display at the UNITY Tactical stand #7-329 at Enforce Tac in Nürnberg, Germany from Feb. 24-26, 2025.
Each year Helikon-Tex revives an old camouflage pattern. This year, it’s ERDL which was developed by the US Army’s Engineering, Research, and Development Lab (ERDL) in 1948 but didn’t see service until late in the Vietnam War on jungle fatigues. Eventually, the pattern was modified and became the Woodland camo pattern in 1981.
They always have the best displays. Seen here is the Helikon-Tex Raid Shirt and Treadstone Jeans.
There are quite a few new products from Poland’s Direct Action, but a quick share is the upcoming Signal Panel which is a multi-purpose item.
Above you can see the signal panel in its carrying pouch. Once it’s pulled out, it features MultiCam on one side and Bright Yellow on the other. Flip it inside out and you get International Orange.
Made from lightweight nylon it can also be used as an emergency sleeping bag by stuffing it with leaves or other insulating materials.
Coming late April from directactiongear.com
Although, I’ll be sharing more gear from Direct Action this week, for those of you who can’t wait, their 2025 catalog can be seen here.
Ghost Robotics is exhibiting with ATC SiPro GmbH – UTM Deutschland.
We’re bringing the future of unmanned systems to ENFORCE TAC 2025! Visit us at Halle 9, Booth 9-663 from Feb 24-26 to see the latest in robotic capabilities.
Mission-ready. Rugged. Reliable.
The FirstSpear WIND CHEATER offers an ultralight, breathable shell design for active outdoor use. It provides excellent wind protection and durability ideal for various weather conditions and features a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that helps shed moisture while maintaining breathability.
The extra-large hood easily fits over helmets, allowing for protection without sacrificing comfort or mobility. The jacket’s hood, collar, and tail can be easily adjusted using bungee and barrel locks for a customizable fit.
The jacket is designed and cut to allow a full range of motion and is equipped with low-profile hook and loop attachment points to enable easy integration with FirstSpear Cell Tags and IFF systems.
The WIND CHEATER breathes like a t-shirt and dries quickly, ensuring that you stay dry even during intense activity. It includes functional details like a standard cuff tab, an oversized bicep pocket, and pit zips for adjustable ventilation, allowing you to regulate airflow.
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Also offered in Desert Night Camo the DNC WIND CHEATER adds a touch of badassery to your outfit and offers camouflage in the wilderness or urban jungle.
The WIND CHEATER is designed to be “true to fit,” meaning your t-shirt size corresponds to your jacket size. If you’re typically a large, and you don’t plan to wear heavy layers underneath, a large WIND CHEATER will be the ideal choice for you.
If you’re attending Enforce Tac in Nuremberg next week, stop by and visit the FirstSpearbooth, #07-665. Check out our product line-up and catch up with our team to learn more about what’s coming in 2025!
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.
The NIOA Group has announced the appointment of experienced combat systems specialist Frank Altamura as it continues to expand its collaboration with the US defence industry.
Frank Altamura has joined NIOA after a distinguished career with the US Army’s Picatinny Arsenal Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition.
Picture courtesy: Todd Mozes, US Army, Picatinny Arsenal
The recently retired Project Director Joint Ammunition and Weapons Systems (PD JAWS) at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, joins NIOA as Business Development Manager – North America.
With extensive experience in weapons and protections systems, munitions procurement and defense technology integration, Mr Altamura brings a wealth of knowledge to the company’s United States operations which include Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms.
During his tenure at Picatinny Arsenal, Mr Altamura was instrumental in leading technical innovations, implementing acquisition changes, developing Department of Defense policy and regulation adjustments and coordinating munitions logistics with foreign partners.
More recently, he managed development of the next generation of terrain shaping obstacle capability to meet the latest international agreements.
“We are thrilled to welcome Frank to our US team,” NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa said. “As we continue to strengthen and diversify our participation in the US defense industrial base, Frank’s expertise will be invaluable.”
Mr Altamura said: “I’m excited to join the NIOA team. The NIOA portfolio and allied nation customers coupled with an international partner base is a great fit for what I bring from my Army career.
“It is also obvious that NIOA’s leadership promotes innovation and encourages creativity by team members. I find their vision for the future as an exhilarating opportunity for me to help NIOA grow in the industry.”
Mr Altamura has a Master’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Technical Institute and Bachelor’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology as well as multiple executive leadership certificates.
NIOA has had a permanent office at Picatinny Arsenal, the US Army’s garrison for armaments development and procurement, since July last year.
About the NIOA Group…
The NIOA Group includes NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, NIOA Inc [USA], Barrett Firearms [USA], NIOA UK and joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.
Established in 1973, NIOA Group is a global firearms, weapons and munitions company with operations in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and United Kingdom with a distribution network covering 75 US State Department approved countries.
NIOA is a major tenant at the Australian government owned, contractor operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in Victoria where it operates 30mm Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, 35mm cannon and 120mm Abrams tank ammunition manufacturing capabilities.
The company is a joint venture partner with Rheinmetall of Germany in the Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions 155mm artillery forging facility in Maryborough, Queensland, delivering key munitions for allied nations.
