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KOR Receives Contract Award from US Special Operations Command for Advanced Protective Systems

Thursday, March 26th, 2026

Modular, Vacuum-Rigidizing Military Equipment Protection System for Drones, Optics, and Mission-Critical Gear.

[SCOTTSDALE, AZ] KOR is honored to announce the award of a contract from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for its advanced KOR Protective System, a modular, reusable military equipment protection system designed to safeguard mission-critical equipment in the most demanding operational environments.

This award validates KOR’s breakthrough approach to protective packaging for defense applications, supporting operators who require reliable shock and vibration protection, rapid deployment, and adaptable load configurations across dynamic mission profiles.

KOR 4214 Double Panel Protective System

A New Standard in Military Equipment Protection

The KOR Protective System represents a fundamental shift away from traditional foam-based inserts and fixed-case solutions. At its core is a proprietary vacuum-rigidizing structure (VRS) a dynamic material system that transitions from flexible to rigid on demand, conforming precisely to the shape of any object and locking it securely in place.

Unlike traditional foam systems that degrade, require custom cutting, and limit flexibility, KOR delivers a scalable protective case alternative to foam, enabling:

Instant Customization — Forms around virtually any equipment profile without tooling

Reusable Protective Packaging — Supports multiple missions with a single system

Superior Shock & Vibration Protection — Engineered for high-impact, vibration-intensive environments

Reduced Logistics Burden — Eliminates foam replacement and multiple case types

Load Stabilization & Impact Attenuation — Secures equipment while distributing energy across the structure

Berry Compliant Materials — Designed to meet U.S. defense sourcing requirements

How the KOR Protective System Works

The KOR system uses vacuum-rigidizing panels to create a secure, adaptive protective structure:

1. Equipment is placed within a flexible/fluid panel system

2. Air is removed to form a rigid, molded structure

3. The system locks the equipment in place, eliminating movement

4. Impact forces are absorbed and distributed across the internal medias millions of touch points

This process enables a modular protective system that adapts instantly without fabrication, tooling, or waste.

Built for Mission-Critical Performance

From drone protection and UAV transport systems to night vision optics, weapons platforms, and sensitive electronics, KOR is engineered to perform where failure is not an option.

The system can function independently or integrate into existing ruggedized cases, providing a flexible military-grade packaging solution that enhances both protection and operational efficiency.

Applications Across Defense and Tactical Operations

KOR Protective Systems are deployed across a wide range of use cases, including:

– Drone and UAV transport protection

– Night vision and optical systems storage

– Weapons and tactical gear transport

– Sensitive electronics and communications equipment

– Field-deployable mission kits

– Law enforcement and federal agency operations

This versatility positions KOR as a leading solution for rugged equipment transport across military, defense logistics, and high-value commercial sectors.

Operational Advantage Through Adaptability

Traditional protective systems lock users into fixed configurations. KOR enables continuous adaptation:

– Rapid reconfiguration in the field

– Support for evolving payloads and equipment upgrades

– Reduced preparation time and faster deployment cycles

– Consistent protection across changing mission requirements

KOR is not just a protection system, it is a force multiplier for modern operations.

Supporting the Future of Defense and Beyond

As defense technologies evolve across autonomous systems, advanced optics, and portable electronics, the need for intelligent, scalable protective packaging systems continues to grow.

While designed for military and special operations, KOR is increasingly adopted across law enforcement, aerospace, and commercial equipment transport, delivering unmatched versatility and sustainability.

About KOR

KOR is a U.S. based innovator in modular protective systems, specializing in vacuum-rigidizing technology that redefines how sensitive and high-value equipment is transported, stored, and deployed.

Built for durability, adaptability, and performance, KOR systems are trusted by operators and organizations that demand uncompromising protection.

“KOR isn’t just protecting equipment, it’s redefining how operators deploy, adapt, and move mission-critical gear in real time.”

Learn more:

www.kortechnik.com

Explore KOR’s modular protective packaging systems, technical specifications, and deployment applications at: www.kortechnik.com

DOT&E Report on Next Generation Squad Weapons, Ammunition and Fire Control

Thursday, March 26th, 2026

On 13 March, 2026, the Department Of War’s Director, Operational Test and Evaluation Office (DOT&E) released their 2025 annual report to Congress. DOT&E provides oversight for acquisition related testing of new capabilities and releases an annual report. The report covers acquisition programs from each of the services and United States Special Operations Command, as well as missile systems. You can check it out here.

This article concentrates on the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) and Ammunition (W&A) and NGSW – Fire Control (FC) section.

As a reminder, the NGSW system includes the M7 Rifle, M250 Automatic Rifle, 6.8mm ammunition common to both weapons, and XM157 Fire Control mounted on each weapon. Recently added to the NGSW program is the XM8 Carbine. The M7, XM8, and the M250 are replacements for the 5.56mm M4/M4A1 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon currently used in the close combat force (CCF).

I’d like to note that the report refers to the XM157 FC without the eXperimental designation prefix it continues to carry. Over the years I have noted such instances of small details slipping through the cracks on their reports which remain at a very generic, high level for executive use.

NGSW is being procured under two separate Middle Tier of Acquisition programs: weapons and ammunition in one and Fire Control in the other. These are not traditional procurement programs but rather much more adaptive and fast paced. The NGSW W&A are manufactured by SIG SAUER, Inc, and the NGSW-FC is manufactured by Sheltered Wings, Inc, doing business as Vortex Optics.

According to the report, the Army completed an Operational Assessment of the NGSW system in October 2024 and limited lethality testing of the 6.8mm SP ammunition in December 2024 to support the planned transition of both the NGSW W&A and NGSW-FC programs from the MTA rapid fielding pathway to separate major capability acquisition programs in 3QFY26. The Army anticipates completing Live Fire Test & Evaluation (LFT&E) of the 6.8mm GP ammunition by 2QFY26. NGSW is no longer under DOT&E oversight for Developmental or Operational Testing. It has completed those tests. It does however, remain under Live Fire oversight.

The Army anticipates completing LFT&E of the 6.8mm GP ammunition at Aberdeen Proving Ground by 2QFY26. DOT&E will report on the 6.8mm GP ammunition LFT&E results in a classified lethality report in 3QFY26.

An Early Fielding Report (EFR) assessed individual soldier and squad performance using the NGSW system on static and maneuver ranges; highlighted the weapons’ suitability and soldiers’ safety concerns; and compared performance of the SP ammunition to that of current ammunition against specific types of targets.

Overall results of testing revealed these comments regarding the EFR report:

– Individual soldiers consistently qualified with their NGSW and, when firing on the variable distance range, demonstrated the ability to engage targets at extended distances.

– The 6.8mm SP ammunition generally provides increased lethality over the M855A1 (i.e., the SP ammunition for the legacy M4A1 weapon) against the tested targets.

– Improvements to system reliability, safety, human-systems integration, and compatibility with cold weather operations are needed.

– During the OA, soldiers reported negative physiological effects caused by the noxious off-gassing from their weapons, as well as concerns about the extreme heat from the weapons’ suppressors after firing.

– Most M250s equipped with M157s did not retain zero during the OA or the airborne test.

– Ergonomic complaints about the M157 persisted.

– The NGSW is compatible and safe for use during static line and military free-fall airborne operations.

In the end, the report leaves this lone recommendation:

The Army should:

1. Address the recommendations in the June 2025 EFR and classified limited lethality annex.

Naturally, we have no idea what is the classified annex. In fact, no information has been released regarding ammunition performance of NGSW than a mention that it performs similar to the commercial 270 WSM cartridge. However, considering the NGSW program remains under DOT&E oversight for the LFT&E portion of testing, we may learn more in the future.

Until then, NGSW remains a fast track program that has fielded over half of its basis of issue plan.

Thin Air Gear Introduces the Next Evolution: Olympus Lite Deployment Bag

Wednesday, March 25th, 2026

Since its introduction in 2007, the Olympus™ Deployment Bag has become a trusted loadout solution for military professionals, with tens of thousands of units fielded across the force. Developed by Thin Air Gear and refined through four generations, the Olympus™ platform continues to set the standard for durability, modularity, and mission-ready organization.

Building on that proven foundation, Thin Air Gear introduces the Olympus Lite™ Deployment Bag—a next-generation evolution designed to deliver the same field-proven performance in a lighter, fixed-volume configuration.

This is not a redesign. It is a refinement of a system already trusted in deployment.

20% Lighter. 20% More Capacity.

The Olympus Lite™ is engineered to improve efficiency without sacrificing capability:

• 12 lbs vs. 15 lbs – 20% lighter

• 8,160 cu in vs. 6,750 cu in – ~20% more usable space

Note: The 6,750 cubic inch figure represents the Olympus™ in its collapsed (unexpanded) configuration. When expanded, the Olympus™ increases to approximately 9,000 cubic inches.

Reducing weight while increasing usable capacity directly impacts mobility and loadout efficiency.

Dimensions & Fixed-Volume Design

Olympus Lite™: 30″ x 17″ x 16″ (fixed volume)

Olympus™ (Gen 4): 30″ x 15″ x 15″ (expandable)

The Olympus Lite™ increases internal volume through added width and height, eliminating the need for expansion panels.

Built on a Proven Platform

The Olympus Lite™ retains the core features that made the original Olympus™ a category leader:

• Wheelable, fully ruckable design

• Durable 1000D Cordura® construction

• ABS frame system with 360° closed-cell foam protection

• Modular three-shelf internal organization system with full Velcro adjustability

• YKK® #10 lockable zippers

• Double-stitched, bartacked construction

It also retains one of the most recognized features of the platform:

Patented 4″ Shark Wheels (dual ball bearing, 200 lb load capacity)

They are retained because they work.

Enhanced Access & Mobility

The Olympus Lite™ maintains the usability features operators rely on in movement:

Top-access lid with integrated pocket for quick access into the main compartment

Stowable backpack straps for rapid deployment and hands-free movement

Designed for movement and transitions without friction.

Next-Generation Handle System

Derived from the upcoming Gen 5 Olympus™ platform, the Olympus Lite™ introduces an upgraded telescoping handle with a three-position locking system:

• Stow Mode – fully locked down

• Mid Position – optimized for shorter pull height

• Full Extension – standard height for rolling under load

This upgraded system improves durability, ergonomics, and control in real-world conditions.

Mission-Ready Configuration Options

The Olympus Lite™ is optimized for users who prefer a fixed-volume loadout, offering consistent capacity without the need for expansion.

For units requiring expanded capacity, the original Olympus™ platform remains available, offering up to approximately 9,000 cubic inches of storage, supporting a wide range of mission profiles.

Together, the Olympus™ and Olympus Lite™ platforms provide operators with two distinct, purpose-built configurations:

Olympus™ – expandable, adaptable loadout

Olympus Lite™ – fixed-volume, streamlined efficiency

Continuing the Olympus™ Legacy

As Thin Air Gear prepares to release the full Gen 5 Olympus™, the Olympus Lite™ represents the next step in that evolution—combining over 15 years of real-world feedback with targeted improvements in weight, capacity, and usability.

Availability

The Olympus Lite™ Deployment Bag is now available for unit evaluation and procurement.

For specifications, inquiries, and ordering:

thinairgear.com or anthony@thinairgear.com

About Thin Air Gear

Thin Air Gear designs and manufactures deployment-grade loadout systems and tactical travel gear trusted by military professionals. Veteran-owned and field-tested, each product is engineered for durability, mobility, and long-term use, designed to perform under operational conditions and repeated deployment cycles.

Sneak Peek Tracer Tactical – Lunger Harness

Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

Named after the infamous gunfighter, Doc Holiday, the Lunger is a new low-profile, minimalist chest rig from Tracer Tactical.

These photos of are V2 Prototypes and are about 90% there. It’s combined with the Bino Placard which answers many complaints about other binoculars harnesses.

The minimalist design is intended for comfortable sustained wear, low-vis operations and minimized printing. The design merges a Bino Harness style shoulder harness, eliminating the need for a back strap, and a tactical chest rig system that accommodates most placards on the market. According to Tracer Tactical, it will accommodate the most widely used tactical and competitive shooter binos on the market.

The placard features a sewn-in Bino pouch with removable padding, reinforced with Curv insert, and an adjustable/removable lid that features their Viper Closure System.

The placard also accepts 2 AICS or 2 20 round 5.56 mags and has snaps built into the bottom to support the weight of the equipment in the placard. This snap system is also built into the backside of The Lunger Chest Rig. The side of the Bino pouch also has a single column of MOLLE for attaching a Kestrel Pouch if desired.

tracer-tactical.com

X-Pac Tactical x Haley Strategic: Built for the Mission.

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

When Haley Strategic set out to build the next evolution of their iconic FlatPack X, they turned to X-Pac® Tactical – the laminate brand trusted by leading gear brands across the defense and outdoor markets.

The Limited Edition FlatPack X showcases the performance of X-Pac® Tactical X50, a rugged laminate built for demanding environments. Constructed with a 500D CORDURA® nylon face fabric, signature X-PLY® reinforcement, and a waterproof film backing, X50 delivers exceptional abrasion resistance, structural stability, and weather protection with optimized weight efficiency. Paired with Haley Strategic’s refined FlatPack platform featuring upgraded hardware, expanding gussets, and next-generation shoulder straps with laser-cut MOLLE the result is a pack designed to move seamlessly from the street to the field.

X-Pac® Tactical is proud to collaborate with industry leaders such as Haley Strategic Partners. Together, we continue to work in close partnership to bring high-performance, innovative products to market—driven by a shared commitment to superior quality and cutting-edge solutions for the end user. We value this collaboration and look forward to continuing our support with advanced materials that help shape the next generation of products.

For gear brands that demand the best, partnering with X-Pac® Tactical means a competitive advantage:

Superior Weatherproofing: Unlike traditional materials that absorb sweat and moisture, X-Pac® fabrics stay dry, enhancing comfort during extended wear.

Lightweight & Abrasion Resistant: Engineered for long-lasting durability without adding unnecessary weight to the end product.

Manufacturing Efficiency: X-Pac® fabrics perform exceptionally well under robotic sewing systems, showing minimal distortion and streamlining production — helping brands lower labor costs and boost capacity.

Versatility Across Applications: Trusted for a wide range of products including slings, plate carriers, pouches, packs, and more.

Proven Under Stress: Tested across fabrics including X-Pac® VX21, X33, and X50, the material holds up under real-world stressors and demanding sewing conditions alike.

About X-Pac® Tactical

Born from X-Pac® legacy on the world’s most challenging peaks and longest trails, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics are lightweight, durable, incredibly strong, and 100% waterproof. At the forefront of innovation, these fabrics offer peak performance in the harshest environments. Leveraging a proprietary lamination technology, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics combine trusted face fabrics and strategic fiber reinforcement — specifically designed for the most demanding missions. This unique construction elevates equipment’s functionality and longevity.

TRUST ONLY X-Pac® —  www.x-pactactical.com and follow us @x-pactactical

BFG Monday: Lightweight Load-Carriage for the Warfighter

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

Warfighter equipment is always in a constant state of evolution, where the difference between adequate and exceptional can be measured in ounces. For over two decades, Blue Force Gear has not just kept pace with that standard, they have set it. Ever since the early BFG days, making gear as lightweight as possible has always been their design philosophy. BFG is truly meticulous about it; they will go out of their way to design and re-design a product, simply to reduce weight by a few ounces (sometimes even grams).

The question is why? Why is this so important?

The modern warfighter carries a tremendous amount… heavy armored plates, ammo, comms gear, trauma kits, water… and the weight compounds quickly. Every pound added to a Soldier or Marine’s kit is a pound of performance, endurance, and survivability subtracted from the mission. A Pub Med study showed that “each kilogram added to the foot increases energy expenditure 7% to 10%; each kilogram added to the thigh increases energy expenditure 4%.”1

These warriors will often retire after years of service with broken knees, hips, and backs from the effect of that extra weight. Another Pub Med study stated that injuries can span from “musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., joint/ligamentous injuries and stress fractures) to neurological injuries (e.g., paresthesias).”2 Many gear manufacturers noticed this issue, but none made it their mission to reduce weight with the same passion and dedication as Blue Force Gear. 

Their design philosophy acknowledges the old military axiom: ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain. It sounds simple, but acting on it requires rejecting the assumption that heavier automatically means more durable. BFG proved that wrong. By combining superior materials, precision manufacturing, and relentless user feedback driven design, BFG became known as the industry leader to systematically engineer weight out of every component of a warfighter’s load carriage system. They did this without sacrificing a single standard of strength or durability but rather, increasing performance and making gear last longer.

That obsession produced results no one had ever seen. Now, Blue Force Gear’s product line is the world’s lightest and is trusted by the most elite professionals. A few of their revolutionary technologies include Ten-Speed, a military-grade elastic pouch that offers a truly multi-use carrying capability; Helium Whisper, the lightest and strongest MOLLE pouch attachment system in the world; and MOLLEminus, the ground-breaking concept of removing fabric to create rows of MOLLE (i.e., webless MOLLE).

These innovations are only part of what sets BFG apart as the leaders in the lightweight load carriage pursuit. Reducing weight for the warfighter while also enhancing their effectiveness and survivability is and always has been the goal. Ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain.

Stay tuned for next week’s article where we take a deeper look at the Ten-Speed technology.

References:

1Joseph J Knapik, Katy L Reynolds, Everett Harman; 2004 Jan;Soldier load carriage: historical, physiological, biomechanical, and medical aspects; pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14964502

2Robin Orr, Rodney Pope, Thiago Jambo Alves Lopes, Dieter Leyk, Sam Blacker, Beatriz Sanz Bustillo-Aguirre, Joseph J Knapik; April 11, 2021; Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach; pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33920426

What Makes Kitanica Different?

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

kitanica.com

TacJobs – Tomahawk Performance Seeks Commercial & Government Sales Manager

Friday, March 20th, 2026

LOCATION: Nashville, TN (Hybrid)

POSITION TYPE: Full Time

Tomahawk Performance is seeking a Commercial & Government Sales Manager to lead sales strategy across commercial and government sectors. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in technical apparel along with hands?on experience navigating MIL?GOV?LE procurement environments. This role will shape market expansion, build critical partnerships, and strengthen our presence across both B2B and B2G channels.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Commercial Strategy & Growth

• Develop and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy aligned with company objectives.

• Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities within MIL-GOV-LE sectors.

• Integrate multi-year market and consumer insights from MIL-GOV-LE channels into strategic planning.

Sales Leadership

• Oversee B2B, B2G, government procurement, international, and e-commerce channels.

• Act as internal subject matter expert on MIL-GOV-LE procurement pathways and contracting processes.

• Develop domestic and international sales leads across commercial and MIL-GOV-LE markets, assessing fulfillment feasibility.

• Build and maintain relationships with key accounts, distributors, channel partners, and military procurement officers.

Pricing & Margin Optimization

• Establish pricing strategies that balance profitability with market competitiveness across commercial and B2G channels.

• Produce competitive pricing schedules and commercial documentation for government bids.

Market Intelligence

• Analyze industry trends, competitor positioning, and customer insights across SOCOM, tactical, performance wear, and MIL-GOV-LE sectors.

• Monitor requirements specifications, terms, and conditions from solicitations and translate them into clear internal briefs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product Development and Design to ensure product solutions meet both commercial and MIL-GOV-LE operational needs.

• Join cross-functional contract bid teams and support development of technical data sheets, compliance records, testing reports, and bid packages.

• Identify gaps or areas of opportunity across processes to drive continuous improvement and risk mitigation.

Business Development

• Negotiate partnerships, licensing agreements, and distribution deals across commercial and government channels.

• Support both B2B and B2G business development initiatives alongside CEO and COO.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years in commercial leadership roles within technical apparel, outdoor gear, or performance wear.

• Proven track record across B2B and government sales, including MIL-GOV-LE complex procurement.

• Strong understanding of technical fabrics (e.g., GORE-TEX, Polartec) and performance standards.

• 10+ years of MIL-GOV-LE experience (preferred specialist background such as SOF, HRT, or ERT).

• Exceptional negotiation, leadership, analytical, and strategic planning skills.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.

Technical & Professional Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Apple iWork, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and project management tools (Basecamp, Smartsheet, MS Project).

• Familiarity with ERP and CRM systems.

• Ability to travel regionally and internationally for trade shows, account visits, and business development activities.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be considered for the role, please apply directly at careers@tomahawkperformance.com.