Aquaterro

Archive for the ‘Advertiser’ Category

Gentex Corporation Selected by Czech Ministry of Defence for Integrated Headborne Systems, Reflecting Global Trust in Proven Ops-Core Integrated Ballistic Helmet Solutions

Tuesday, October 28th, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, October 27, 2025 – Gentex Corporation has been selected by the Czech Ministry of Defence to deliver next-generation Ops-Core integrated ballistic helmet systems and AMP® Communication Headsets to soldiers across the Czech Armed Forces. This order was placed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) under the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE) contract, which is available to all NATO member nations strengthening interoperability across allied forces. The contract valued at over 1 billion CZK is scheduled for completion by October 2026. The official announcement of the selection by the Czech Ministry of Defence can be viewed here, with additional Q&A information here.

“As a global leader of integrated headborne systems, this selection reinforces what all our NATO customers already know, that Ops-Core systems deliver unmatched modularity, reliability, and operational flexibility,” said Tom Short, Senior Vice President of Global Defense at Gentex Corporation. “The Czech Republic is investing in a combat-proven solution with a global pedigree and strong NATO user base. We’re proud to be a trusted part of that modernization effort.”

The contract includes Ops-Core’s lightweight ballistic helmets, engineered for modern tactical operations, paired with a full suite of advanced, interoperable accessories including AMP Communication Headsets with Push-to-Talk capability, ballistic visors, full-face shields, mandible protection, and SOTR respirators with integrated microphones for contaminated environments. Together, they create a fully modular headborne protection system that enhances soldier safety, communication, and mobility in demanding combat conditions and are trusted by elite forces worldwide. This acquisition marks a significant step in the Czech Armed Forces’ modernization efforts, replacing legacy helmets with Ops-Core’s state-of-the-art protective solutions that deliver the next level of mission readiness and battlefield performance.
“Gentex was selected for our proven ability to deliver reliable, mission-ready solutions that meet the highest standards of protection and performance,” said Jim Clarke, EMEA Ground Systems Sales Director, Gentex Corporation. “We offer more than just advanced equipment, we deliver confidence on the battlefield. Our systems are already fielded across multiple NATO forces, ensuring seamless interoperability, simplified training, and streamlined sustainment.”

The purchased helmets and accessories are designated for brigade task forces within the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade and the 7th Mechanized Brigade, as well as for personnel across the ground forces, support elements (including cyber and information forces, air forces, and medical units), special operations forces, the Military Police, and the Cyber and Information Operations Command. Their considerable variability ensures that each set can be adapted to the specific needs of the individual user, enhancing operational effectiveness across diverse mission profiles.

Program Highlights

Customer: Czech Ministry of Defence (via NSPA competitive procurement).
Products and Integrated Accessories: Ops-Core ballistic helmet systems in two color variants, AMP headsets, AMP PTTs and radio cables; Step-In® Visors; SOTR respirators; ballistic mandible protection; and additional compatible mission accessories.
Operational Flexibility: Scalable from routine ground operations to contaminated/CBRN environments (compatible with protective masks and oxygen equipment).
Delivery Timeline: Program completion targeted by October 2026.
Procurement Transparency: Managed through NATO’s NSPA, which aggregates allied demand, runs international competitions, negotiates pricing, and addresses intellectual property considerations on behalf of member nations.

Fielding to the Czech Armed Forces will occur under the schedule coordinated by NSPA and the Czech Ministry of Defence. Gentex Corporation will support fit, training, sustainment, and lifecycle needs as defined in the program agreement. Organizations interested in similar integrated headborne solutions should contact Gentex Corporation.

Varusteleka – L4 Winter Combat Shirt, Pant & Field Jacket

Tuesday, October 28th, 2025

Varusteleka has introduced the Level 4 Winter Combat Shirt, Pant, and Field Jacket featuring Finnish M05 Snow Camo, as part of their clothing system which is and designed to be used according to layered clothing principles.

Made in the EU, each garment is available in Small through 2X-Large sizes.

Winter Combat Shirt

Features:

  • Warmer combat shirt with handy winter features
  • Sleeves insulated with Climashield Apex
  • Breathable torso made from Cordura-blend knit fabric
  • Stretch side pockets for electronics or such, with buttonhole openings inside for cable routing
  • Protective turtleneck collar with zipper and drawcord
  • Protective fabric behind the zipper – prevents the collar from gaping open
  • Raglan sleeves with articulated elbow reinforcements/pockets for pad inserts
  • Zippered sleeve pockets with internal attachment loop
  • Hook-and-loop panels on the upper sleeve pockets for patches
  • Small zippered wrist pockets with internal attachment loop
  • Hook-and-loop adjustments at the cuffs
  • Sleeves insulated with Climashield Apex 67g/m2

Winter Combat Pants

Features:

  • Moderately high waist, slightly higher at the back
  • Zipper fly with button closure
  • Strong, non-rustling fabric
  • Adjustable elastic waistband, easy to remove/replace
  • Diamond gusset in the crotch
  • Articulated knees with pleats
  • Hook-and-loop tightening and zipper at the cuffs
  • Knee reinforcements with pad pockets
  • Two side pockets with zipper closure
  • Two thigh pockets with flap (button/hook-and-loop closure)
  • Two small calf pockets with hook-and-loop flap

Winter Field Jacket

Features:

  • Handy sleeve pockets and a helmet-compatible hood
  • Strong, non-rustling fabric
  • Crotch strap between the legs
  • Made in the EU
  • Generous fit to allow necessary mid-layers underneath
  • Zipper closure with wind flap and external storm flap
  • Two-way pit zips for ventilation
  • Helmet-compatible hood with drawcord adjustments for height and depth
  • Elastic, adjustable drawcord at the hem
  • Crotch strap with snap closure, can be stowed neatly inside the jacket
  • Hook-and-loop cuff adjustments
  • Reinforced elbows with pad pockets (we recommend CPE inserts)
  • Hook-and-loop fields for name, rank, and sleeve patches
  • Five pockets:
  • Two zippered chest pockets with mesh lining, one with an internal hook-and-loop pocket
  • Two sleeve pockets with button and/or hook-and-loop closure, familiar from our Recon Smock

Flux Defense Announces Military M17/M18 Raider Program

Monday, October 27th, 2025

Flux Defense shared this message late Friday via social media.

Unit procurement reps, S8’s, and GPC holders, we are actively scheduling capabilities demonstrations with units/installations for the Flux Raider M17/M18 program.

BLUF: Non-serialized grip module converting issued pistol weapon systems into collapsible Personal Defense Weapons. Limited penetration, overpressure exposure mitigation, confined space ready, modular with currently issued lights/lasers/optics.

Contact leo-mil@fluxdefense.com

Primary Arms – SLx 4.5-27×56 Scope Now Available

Friday, October 24th, 2025

Primary Arms has released the SL 4.5-27×56 telescopic sight for range for long-range versatility.

Key Features:

  • First Focal Plane reticle for consistent subtensions
  • High-quality multi-coated objective lens
  • 0.1 MIL click value with interchangeable Easy Stop precision turrets
  • 34mm tube with 32 MIL of Elevation Adjustment
  • ACSS Deka G2 and ACSS Athena BPR MIL reticle options
  • Red illuminated reticle with 6 brightness settings

Check it out here.

Radical Defense Answers Blast Over Pressure Challenge with Unconventional Weapon Personal Protective Equipment

Friday, October 24th, 2025

In recent articles we’ve introduced you to the hidden threat of Blast Over Pressure (BOP) coincidental to firing and being near friendly weapons as well as being an effect of enemy induced BOP, along with considerations on what industry is doing to deal with this newly recognized phenomenon.

To get everyone back up to speed, let’s review the DoD definition for Blast Over Pressure:

The sudden onset of a pressure wave, above normal atmospheric pressure, which occurs from blast (e.g., explosions and weapons firing events). The pressure wave is caused by the energy released during explosions and weapons firing.

Now, let’s take a look at what a small business in Texas is doing to mitigate those effects through focused suppressor design.

Radical Defense has been in the suppressor business for well over a decade and earned its reputation as an innovator by focusing on very specialized suppression projects for US and allied SOF. Always on the lookout for a new problem to solve, they have spent millions of internal research and development dollars.

Radical examined BOP and immediately saw where their suppressor technology could be applied. They began to refer to their approach as Unconventional Weapon Personal Protective Equipment.

To beat the BOP challenge, Radical first had to develop a test protocol to measure against. Working with industry partners, they established a protocol similar to that used to test sound measurements. However, there are certain challenges to measuring BOP with the microphones used for standard sound pressure reduction as opposed to a blast microphone or a blast gauge. The microphones are capable of capturing the full pressure curve of an overpressure event, whereas the blast gauges record the event itself, but only if the pressure event is over a certain, predetermined value. Additionally, the microphone provides a delta that is easily observed for comparative analysis of unsuppressed to suppressed. The blast gauges themselves act as “Go / No-Go” gauge of sorts, immediately alerting the user of an event, while the microphone offers fidelity recording the entire event as well as capturing and assigning a value in Pascal (Pa) or Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). Radical Defense has informed me that they would be willing to share their protocol with others interested in working to mitigate BOP through the use of suppressor technology.

Like many companies in the suppressor business, Radical Defense has leaned heavily into computer modeling and additive manufacturing. This allowed them to quickly modify designs to increase their effectiveness in mitigating BOP.

Initially they sought out a solution for .50 weapons. For one thing, between the M107, M2, and M3, the caliber is found in every service throughout the military except for Space Force and is one of the calibers which places service members at risk. Additionally, since they had already done the hard work on suppressing the M2, it was a natural progression.

One such project was the BAD-21 suppressor (designed for the GAU-21). Internal testing revealed an 88% reduction in blast over pressure measured 4 feet on either side of the muzzle with a 77% reduction at the shooter’s head.

As an added bonus, Radical Defense found that their work on Blast Overpressure mitigation protects sensitive electronics and sensors from undue wear and tear as well as from errant readings during operations. The same goes for ground vehicles which increasingly carry vulnerable items like satellite antennas, shot locators, and Unmanned Aerial Systems countermeasures.

Radical Defense continues to develop new Unconventional Weapon Personal Protective Equipment for an ever increasing number of calibers and weapons. Some of them may even surprise you. Hopefully, they’ll let me share some of the other systems as well as results of work they have done for the military.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: FS Icon Hoodie

Friday, October 24th, 2025

FirstSpear’s FS ICON HOODIE blends comfort, functionality, and timeless design. Made from a soft, mid-weight blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, this all-purpose garment offers lasting comfort and exceptional durability.

Featuring the iconic Speartip logo, the FS ICON HOODIE transitions seamlessly from casual wear to outdoor adventures, making it a versatile staple for any wardrobe. 

As the ideal companion for fall weather it can be layered under an FS WIND CHEATER for excursions or worn solo for a relaxed, stylish look. Its clean design ensures you’re prepared for whatever the day brings.

The FS ICON HOODIE balances warmth and breathability to keep you cozy on chilly mornings while remaining comfortable for all-day wear. 

Whether you’re traveling, training, or simply relaxing, the FS ICON HOODIE supports your lifestyle with ease and versatility. It’s the go-to essential for anyone who values quality and functionality in their everyday gear.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.

UNITY Adds New Version of CTM and Switches with Long Laser Cables

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

CTM™ Now Available for iRay RH25 and Long Laser Cables for AXON™ and AXON™ SL

Broussard, LA. (Oct. 22, 2025) – UNITY Tactical®, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, is releasing a new version of its Combat Thermal Mount™ (CTM™) specifically for the iRay RH25. It is also expanding its line of AXON™ and AXON™ SL switches to include options with longer laser cables, allowing lasers to be mounted further back on the handguard.

The compact and lightweight CTM for the IRAY RH25 includes all standard features, such as the force-to-overcome mechanism that flips the thermal to the side for stowage. It also comes standard with a FAST™ QD lever, which enables quick detachment and reattachment while maintaining optic co-alignment, allowing the thermal to also function as a handheld imager (HHI). CTM was previously only available for the Trijicon® SkeetIR™x and Pixels on Target™ VooDoo-S™; the three models are not interchangeable.

New AXON and AXON SL variants offer seven-inch light cables and a choice of nine-inch or 13-inch laser cables. Standard single lead AXON SL switches for Crane laser or NGAL laser are also available in nine- or 13-inch lengths. These longer cables provide greater flexibility for users, enabling laser mounting further back, such as on the FAST™ Accessory Riser, while positioning the switch at the front of the handguard.

Both the CTM for the iRay and long laser cables are currently in stock and available for purchase through authorized UNITY dealers and on unitytactical.com.

AUSA 25 – Safran DSI NIGHTWOLF

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

NIGHTWOLF is a multispectral observation and laser range finder device offering daylight, thermal, low light, color CMOS, and SWIR (between 1100 nm and 1700 nm) with laser range finder from 10m to 12km and and accuracy +/- 1.5m: Observation ranges: 7x day view (glass) optics (even ­without power), Up to 10 km with DVO, Up to 8 km with CMOS, and Up to 6 km with SWIR.

Within the screen there is a picture-in-picture feature which will show outside feeds like live overhead imagery as well other sources including digital maps depicting your location along with the target’s.

The software is amazing. Although you can receive GNSS signals from Navstar GPS, Galileo, Glonass, and QZSS, in a GPS denied environments NIGHTWOLF provides target location independent of GNSS by setting its own position with the device’s digital map (1m accuracy) and reverse triangulating.

You can also display the target measurement on the map and correct the measurements with ­ digital imagery and achieve up to TLE CAT I. This also allows you to designate targets without active laser ­measurement and beyond line of sight.

It weighs just 1.5kg and can be handheld or tripod mounted.

www.safran-group.com/products-services/nightwolf-unique-handheld-multi-spectral-targeting-system