

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.

Prometheus Design Werx releases their newest FT series water bottles, featuring a custom fluted body design which increases material strength and improves tactile grip when wet. These hold 950ml/32oz of liquidwhich is just about 1L, less a sip. Durable, food grade, copper lined 18/8 stainless-steel and vacuum sealed to keep drinks cold or hot, longer. As lifelong backpackers and dispersed campers, PDW prefers and chooses to design their bottles with a “lab-standard wide mouth” opening, which is easy to fill with ice, compatible with many popular backcountry water filters, as well as many aftermarket caps. The unique design of the FT water bottle series was inspired by vintage bicycle parts, deflective armor, industrial-tool handles, precision barrels, and vintage bicycle racing bottles from the 40s-50s.
The FT Insulated Water Bottles comes in a powered coated Wilderness Green, Mission Gray, and a brushed Stainless-Steel finish.
PDW’s Founder and Chief Designer Design states:
“When designing these water bottles, I simply looked around my workshop for the many industrial and tool inspirations surrounding me. From the vintage Campagnolo gruppo on one my bikes, tool-machine levers and handles, to precision barrels. Fluting on the water bottle bodies not only increase the tactile nature for gripping when wet but also increases the stiffness and resistance to deformation. We use only the best manufacturing processes, which includes adding the copper lining inside the vacuum walls for the best thermal efficiency, a food-grade 18-8 stainless steel body, and now includes a plastic-free stainless-steel cap as well as a nylon sport cap with flip-top.”
The FT Insulated Water Bottles will be available Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 12:00pm Pacific via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com.
We are pleased to visit Nuremberg and will be attending EnforceTac 2025.
You can book a meeting with
https://calendly.com/hudsonsupplies/enforcetac or send an email to marc@hudson4supplies.com
Will do a patch swap with our limited enforcetac edition – limited stock!
See you soon!
SALT LAKE CITY — February 18, 2025 — HUXWRX Safety Co. is proud to announce its sponsorship of The Tactical Games, a premier competition that merges marksmanship with elite physical fitness. As a new sponsor, HUXWRX is committed to supporting the competitors and the growing community that defines this high-intensity sport.
The Tactical Games has rapidly expanded, drawing law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians who embrace the challenge of endurance, precision shooting and tactical skill. With regional events across Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Ohio, and soon Florida and Tennessee, and several other states, the competition will culminate in the National Championship in Texas this November. The Tactical Games is also expanding internationally, with a Poland event on the horizon.
“This sport is about pushing limits—physically, mentally, and technically,” said Nick Thayer of The Tactical Games. “The community is made up of people who embrace hard challenges and turn past failures into future successes. Having HUXWRX as a partner strengthens that mission.”
As suppressor usage grows within the sport, HUXWRX is leading the charge with its advanced suppressor technology. Its suppressors, which are renowned for their superior performance, are becoming the go-to suppressor among competitors. Delivering its patented Flow-Through® Technology, HUXWRX offers unparalleled sound suppression while maintaining firearm reliability.
“I personally shoot with the HUXWRX FLOW 556K—I’ve found it to be a game-changer for those of us who are left-handed shooters,” Thayer said. “We see more and more suppressors on the field, and HUXWRX is setting the standard.”
HUXWRX’s support extends beyond financial backing—it includes prize table contributions and hands-on involvement at events. With up to 2,500 spectators per competition, The Tactical Games continues to attract athletes beyond traditional shooting sports, many from fitness backgrounds.
HUXWRX joins industry leaders like Under Armour, US Patriot and SIG Sauer in supporting the event, reinforcing a shared commitment to excellence, performance and Second Amendment advocacy.
The first event of the 2024 season kicks off February 22, and HUXWRX will be there.
About HUXWRX
HUXWRX specializes in advanced suppressor technology designed to enhance firearm performance. With a focus on safety, reliability, and cutting-edge innovation, HUXWRX products are trusted by operators worldwide for unparalleled sound suppression and durability. For more information, please visit https://huxwrx.com.

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (12.02.2025)
UF PRO is unveiling a new campaign, Pro’s Guide to Tracking with Rangers and K9s, showcasing the critical role of tactical tracking in wildlife conservation and the efforts of those on the frontlines protecting endangered species.

The four-part series premieres on February 12, 2025, with new episodes airing weekly. It follows Boris Vos, former Royal Netherlands Marine and founder of LEAD Conservation, and his team as they track threats across south Africa’s challenging terrain. The goal? To demonstrate how tactical tracking, paired with K9 units, community collaboration, and cutting-edge technology like helicopters, plays a crucial role in safeguarding wildlife.

“It’s not just about the chase, it’s about making a real impact. This is about saving species from extinction,” says Vos. “We’re using our skills to track, catch, and top poachers—and we’re showing the world how tactical expertise can make the difference.”
Each episode will provide an inside look at the tools, techniques, and relentless drive of the team. From extreme heat to unforgiving terrain, this campaign is a tribute to the men and women using tactical tracking to protect wildlife, day in and day out.

To further the cause, UF PRO is launching the exclusive Ranger’s Band, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting LEAD Conservation, an organization dedicated to empowering wildlife rangers in Africa. These wristbands serve as a symbol of commitment to wildlife protection and to those risking everything to ensure endangered species survive.
“Wearing the wristband means you’re standing with us. You’re standing with the rangers, the trackers, the teams who are out there every day making sure that poaching doesn’t win,” Vos adds.

The campaign will run across social media channels and on the UF PRO website, providing updates and insights into how tactical tracking is helping shape the future of wildlife conservation.
For more information, visit the campaign’s website. To support the cause and make a difference, get a Ranger’s Band here.
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), soldiers started wearing shades of green and brown that would allow them to better blend in with their environment, but World War 1 marked the true beginning of a systematic military camouflage. The French Army created the first dedicated camouflage unit in 1915, called the Section de Camouflage. This unit, comprised largely of artists and designers, developed some of the earliest woodland patterns. The term “camouflage” itself entered the English language during this period, borrowed from the French word camoufler, meaning “to disguise.”
World War II saw an explosion in camouflage development. The U.S. Marine Corps introduced the famous “Frogskin” pattern in 1942, featuring green and brown irregular spots on a light background. The German Wehrmacht developed several innovative patterns, including the Splittertarnmuster (splinter pattern) and its various iterations, which influenced camouflage design for decades to come.
During this period, the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) conducted some of the first scientific studies of camouflage effectiveness, leading to the development of the Denison smock pattern used by paratroopers.
Cold War Era and the Birth of M81 Woodland Pattern
The post-war period saw the emergence of what would become one of the most influential and widely-used woodland patterns: the U.S. Military’s M81 Woodland pattern. Introduced in 1981, this pattern combined black, brown, green, and khaki in a distinctive arrangement that proved highly effective in temperate forests. The camouflage mimics the natural interplay of light and shadow found in wooded areas and stands as one of the most iconic and enduring military camouflage patterns ever created. Effective woodland camouflage relies on three key principles: color matching, pattern disruption, and shadow elimination. Colors must accurately reflect the operating environment, while patterns break up the wearer’s outline. The design must also minimize the sharp shadows that human forms typically cast, helping personnel blend seamlessly into forest environments.
What made M81 Woodland particularly remarkable was its versatility and effectiveness across a wide range of environments. The pattern proved surprisingly effective not just in forests, but also in jungle environments and even semi-arid regions with sufficient vegetation. It became the standard issue pattern for all branches of the U.S. military throughout the 1980s and 1990s, seeing extensive use in operations from Grenada to Panama, and during the first Gulf War. It gained the nickname “God’s Plaid” from service members’ recognition of its exceptional effectiveness and reliability in the field.
The influence of M81 Woodland extended far beyond American forces. The pattern was so successful that it was widely copied and adapted by military forces worldwide, with numerous countries either directly adopting the pattern or creating close variants. Even after the U.S. military began transitioning to digital patterns in the 2000s, M81 Woodland remained in use with various units and continues to be used by some U.S. military and law enforcement units today. The pattern’s enduring legacy and effectiveness have made it a benchmark against which newer camouflage patterns are often measured, and its influence can still be seen in modern military and civilian camouflage designs.
Vickers Sling Limited-Edition in Woodland Camo
For a limited time, we’re offering our flagship sling – the Vickers Sling – in the classic Woodland Camo pattern. This limited-edition sling pays homage to the iconic pattern made popular over 40 years ago. Crafted with the same uncompromising quality and attention to detail that defines Blue Force Gear, this sling is built to perform under the toughest conditions.
This limited run celebrates both form and function, offering collectors and operators alike a piece of tactical heritage without compromising performance. Like the other limited runs we release, this sling won’t be available for long so act fast! Don’t miss your chance to own this unique combination of proven design and classic camouflage.
If you’re reading this article and missed the exclusive release, don’t fret! Sign up for our newsletter so you’re the first to know when we have limited edition items.
Presented by our friends at Blue Force Gear.
Las Vegas, February 14, 2025 – Strike Industries is launching a new division dedicated to revolutionizing smart textile technology for combat, duty, and first responder use. This effort is made possible through Strike’s most recent collaboration with Little King Global, one of the world’s most advanced fabric developers and is a major supplier of smart high performance textiles to major athletic brands including Nike and Under Armour.
This new division’s key mission is to help develop next generation fabric technologies tailored for tactical operations, enhancing comfort, durability, and performance in the field. After months of intensive research and development, we are excited to introduce two breakthrough innovations which are now available for licensing and collaboration with industry leaders and defense forces.
Silent Magazine Pouches

Traditional hook-and-loop (Velcro) fasteners have provided excellent security for magazine pouches and a variety of load bearing equipment for many years. However, the noise they generate can compromise stealth during critical operations.
“Taco” and kydex insert style solutions have been a major improvement but they still leave some room for the possibility of magazines or items falling out. There’s also still some sound inevitably made when removing mags or other gear.
To address these concerns we’ve created a Silent Magazine Pouch which features a 3D Sheer Force Distribution Design (Patent Pending) that completely eliminates all sound when the cover flap is lifted to access your mags or other items while maintaining a strong and reliable fastening performance.
Reactive Camouflage

Strike has also developed a prototype, which was first displayed at 2025 SHOT Show, of a UV Reactive Camouflage fabric that enables soldiers to have their uniform adapt its color based on the UV exposure in their environment – naturally enhancing concealment in the matter of seconds.
Future developments will focus on expanding the reactive properties based on additional environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and thermal signature management to further aid the modern soldier’s ability to survive and effectively fight in various combat situations.
Join Us In Shaping the Future of Next Generation Textiles and Gear Strike Industries’ Next Generation Textiles and Gear Division is committed to pushing the boundaries of textile technology and is seeking collaborative partnerships to pursue new solutions for our Armed Forces and Allies.
For more information or inquiries, please contact sales@strikeindustries.com (Attn: NGTG)