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Qore Performance Enhances ICEPLATE EXO Gen 3 Plate Carrier with New Berry Compliant Trelleborg Brigade Laminate

Friday, June 12th, 2026

Knoxville, TN – June 11, 2026 – Qore Performance, Inc., the leaders in human performance architecture and thermoregulation technology, is proud to announce an immediate material update for ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Ultralight Minimalist Plate Carrier. Starting this Thursday, ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 will feature an all-new, fully Berry Compliant Trelleborg Brigade laminate, offering procurement officers and end-users uncompromised compliance alongside elite structural performance.

Recognizing the diverse requirements of institutional purchasing organizations, Qore Performance now offers ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 in two distinct high-performance material configurations: the new Berry Compliant Trelleborg Brigade laminate option and the established USMCA Compliant Carolina Performance Fabrics Endurance Cordura® laminate option. This dual-material availability ensures that military, law enforcement, and federal agencies can easily meet specific domestic sourcing mandates without sacrificing the operational advantages of the platform.

Engineering the Unfair Advantage

ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 functions as a definitive human readiness infrastructure rather than a traditional plate carrier. By integrating patented ICEPLATE®, ICEFLASK®, and ICEVENTS® technologies, the platform transforms temperature from an environmental constraint into an advantage.

Key technical specifications and capabilities include:

Integrated Thermoregulation: Directly accepts ICEPLATE® Gen 3 (52.4 fl oz / 1.55 L) to deliver conductive cooling up to 70W or heating up to 52W per plate, optimizing operator core temperature while mitigating heat injuries and fatigue.

Ultralight Architecture: Features a dry chassis weight of approximately 15.2 oz (0.95 lb) without cummerbund, and approximately 23.2 oz (1.45 lb) when paired with an AXL Equinox cummerbund.

Premium Materials: Built with a Trelleborg Brigade laminate or Endurance Cordura® laminate chassis, premium Velcro®, shock cord, and 500D nylon.

NIR Compliance: Signature Management: Both Berry and USMCA options utilize a 500D Cordura® outer layer for native NIR compliance across all Mil / LEO colorways (excluding HiVis).

Armor Compatibility: Medium profile accommodates Medium ESAPI multi-curve plates (approximately 9.5″ x 12.5″ x 1.1″); Large profile fits Large ESAPI plates (approximately 10.25″ x 13.25″ x 1.1″).

Modular Integration: Equipped with laser-cut SwiftClip and G-Hook compatibility with SwiftClips included for seamless placard transitions.

“By introducing Trelleborg Brigade laminate, we are giving purchasing organizations the absolute best of both worlds: strict Berry Compliance and the unmatched thermoregulation dominance of the ICEPLATE EXO® platform. This update allows for seamless deployment across any federal, military, or agency procurement pipeline,” said Austin Pitsch, Marketing Manager of Qore Performance.

ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is available with Berry Compliant options starting this Thursday, 11 June 2026. Professional end-users can view product details and place orders directly at www.qoreperformance.com/products/iceplate-exo.

For corporate, institutional, or government procurement inquiries requiring official agency quotes, please visit the Qore Performance Procurement Portal to ensure rapid routing to a sales specialist.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Materials, Press Release | No Comments »

Cadre Holdings Subsidiary Safariland Selected as Ballistic Provider for FBI Armor Contract

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

Award Underscores Competitive Strength of Cadre’s Product Segment and Mission-Critical Market Position

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Cadre Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CDRE), a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of safety equipment and other related products for the law enforcement, first responder, military and nuclear markets, today announced that its subsidiary Safariland® has been selected as the ballistic panel provider integrated into Predictive Ballistics LLC’s Overt Armor Kit (OAK). Predictive Ballistics was recently awarded a five-year, $61 million Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The OAK system is also available to the United States Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other Department of Justice agencies.

The selection of Safariland’s SX™ HP ballistic panel, introduced in 2025, as the ballistic package for this contract demonstrates accelerating commercial adoption of the product and validates Cadre’s ongoing investment in next-generation protective equipment. The SX™ HP was chosen over 11 competing products following a rigorous evaluation process that assessed ballistic performance, construction quality and extensive end-user testing for function, fit and comfort, including some of the most demanding ballistic testing protocols in the industry.

“This award represents a major accomplishment for our team and underscores the constant commitment to innovation that remains at the heart of everything we do,” said Brad Williams, President of Cadre Holdings. “After introducing the Safariland SX™ HP ballistic panel in 2025, we are pleased to see broader adoption and enthusiastic feedback from customers that we have engineered one of the thinnest, lightest and most protective hybrid ballistic armor on the market. With best-in-class brands and a steadfast commitment to our life-saving mission, we believe Safariland is well positioned to drive growth over the long term.”

The contract adds to Cadre’s growing pipeline of federal law enforcement business and reflects the company’s strategy of developing highly engineered, mission-critical products that serve demanding end markets with rigorous performance standards and high barriers to entry. Federal agency contracts of this nature are typically characterized by multi-year terms, defined delivery schedules and strong recurring demand driven by equipment modernization cycles.

Posted in Armor, Contracts, LE, Press Release | No Comments »

Battelle Supports the Development and Test of the US Army’s New Hand Grenade

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 27, 2026) – Battelle recently partnered with the U.S. Army Close Combat Systems Program Office to support the Full Material Release (FMR) of the new M111 Offensive Hand Grenade (OHG), the first new offensive hand grenade since 1968.

The M111 was developed over many years of close collaboration between the Army and Battelle to ensure a safe, high-quality, and repeatable manufacturing process. Battelle supported various stages of the development, starting with an initial concept, completing Process Verification Testing (PVT) and executing FMR by prototyping nearly 7,000 grenades and conducting first article and lot acceptance tests.

Battelle and the Army worked closely together over multiple years to refine the technical processes required to improve the grenades’ safety and performance for the warfighter. This new system provides soldiers with a safer alternative to the M67 fragmenting grenade by utilizing a blast over pressure effect, removing fragmenting effects and providing an alternative to better achieve mission success with less risk for fratricide.

“Battelle’s support to the M111 program has enabled the Army to qualify and transition the M111 to full-rate production,” said Sam Knutson, Division Manager forAdvanced Materials and Energetics. “With our unique position as a trusted development partner, we were able to ensure the government is now positioned to meet current and future production needs.”

“Through our work with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armament Center (DEVCOM AC) and customers across the military, Battelle is focused on rapidly advancing innovative solutions that directly benefit the warfighter,” said Dan Pikora, General Manager of Battelle’s National Security Business. “We are excited to continue collaborating with DEVCOM AC to deliver technologies that support mission success.”

Posted in Armor, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

Rampart Range Day 26 – Talos Advanced Systems

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

The team at Talos Advanced Systems considered what would happen if Canada no longer had access to foreign materials for armor plates.

They came up with this, a a 100% Canadian plate backer to replace PE soft armor.

Posted in Armor, Rampart Range Day | No Comments »

C2R USA LLC Vault Carrier Selected as Overt Armor Kit (OAK) by FBI, USMS, and DEA

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina – 1 June, 2026 – C2R USA LLC has been awarded a contract to provide Overt Armor Kits (OAK) to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) United States Marshal Service (USMS) and Drug EnforcementAdministration (DEA) for their primary overt armor system.

C2R USA LLC are delighted to announce that in conjunction with our partners Predictive Ballistics and Safariland we have been awarded a five-year $61.0M Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) award to supply overt armor kits (OAK) to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and partner agencies. The successful submission combines the innovative, modular VAULT Armor carrier (designed specifically for this solicitation) with Safariland’s latestgeneration NIJ 0101.06 IIIA SXHP ballistic package, anddelivered by the exceptional customer service and logistics that are the hallmarks of winning prime awardee Predictive Ballistics LLC.

By truly understanding the requirement and creating a hyper-modular solution, C2R USA LLC’s OAK armor package fully captures the features specified in the requirement deemedessential for dynamic law enforcement operations. This package consists of the multi-functional VAULT™ armor carrier from C2R USA™, utilizing Safariland’s® new NIJ 0101.06 IIIA SXHP ballistic package – offering an areal density of only 0.65 lb/sqft.

Selected after a thorough vetting process, the offering was evaluated on factors such as design, ballistic performance, quality of construction and with significant emphasis placed on the end-user evaluations for function, fit, and overall comfort. This award, issued by the FBI, is also available to other Department of Justice agency components, including but not limited to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and United States Marshal Service (USMS).

“The Vault Armor carrier was developed specifically for this requirement. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team over the last 2 years that we have been successfulin a field of other quality brands who submitted products for this opportunity. We are proud and honored to be able to add the FBI, USMS and DEA to the distinguished list of organizations wearing C2R products”, said Paul Tate, COO of C2R USA LLC. “We are grateful to both Safariland and Predictive Ballistics for their trust and look forward to ensuring that the delivery and fielding of the systems match the quality of our submission.”

“We spent a significant amount of time analyzing the requirement set forth by the FBI, USMS and DEA with the goal of truly understanding their unique operational needs. We opted to build a completely bespoke solution to ensure that the system we proposed exceeded expectations. “Our experience creating bespoke carrier solutions for some of the world’s leading Law enforcement teams helped us to develop the Vault™ into the ideal system for US law enforcement. Developing and building systems in the United States is an honor for the team and this award is a testament to years of hard work. We are delighted to have been successful and are grateful to the agencies for entrusting us with their armor solution.”

“This contract award is the validation of a multiyear team effort to pair a world-class carrier system, designed for law enforcement by C2R USA™ with a robust and incredibly lightweight ballistic package created by Safariland®.” said Scott Wyatt, President and COO of Predictive Ballistics. “Taking these two industry leaders and combining them into an adaptive, creative ballistic armor system, more lightweight and comfortable than anything on the market, is something that makes the team extremely proud.”

About C2R USA LLC
C2R USA delivers custom body armor and load carriage solutions for elite law enforcement agencies and specialist organizations across the globe. Our development process combines user input, operational experience and textile engineering to develop world leading products tailored to the users’ requirements. The VAULT armor systems encompass the latest features to deliver world class systems tailored specifically to the operational needs of federal law enforcement agencies. VAULT armor systems are built 100% in the USA.

About Predictive Ballistics
Predictive Ballistics combines best-in-class personal protective equipment with industry leading ballistic education to help public safety teams select the ideal product, for their unique mission. Working with hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, we sync the world’s best ballistic and tactical products with teams looking to excel and push their operational limits. Headquartered in California, Predictive Ballistics is a Certified Small Business with a GSA MAS contract.

About The Safariland® Group
The Safariland Group is a leading global provider of a broad range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets. The Safariland Group offers a number of recognized brand names in these markets including Safariland® Armor, Duty Gear and Communications, Bianchi®, Break Free®, Hatch®, Med-Eng®, Identicator® and NIK®. The Safariland Group’s mission, “Together, We Save Lives®,” is inherent in the lifesaving and protective products it delivers. The Safariland Group is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. The Safariland Group is a trade name of Safariland, LLC.

Posted in Armor, Contracts, LE, Press Release | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: SIEGE-R Optimized

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

The SIEGE-R OPTIMIZED was built for operators who need their gear to move with them—not fight against them. It cuts unnecessary bulk while keeping the protection, scalability, and durability needed for real-world work. Its low-profile design moves better in vehicles, tight hallways, cramped doorways, and every other place your gear likes to get hung up.

FirstSpear’s Tubes® Fastener technology gives you rapid don/doff capability when seconds matter—or when the briefing suddenly turns into “grab your stuff and move.” Lightweight materials and breathable mesh help keep heat down during long hours under load, because sweating through your uniform by 0900 gets old fast.

The adjustable shoulder system spreads weight comfortably without turning your carrier into a couch cushion. Internal plate pockets keep armor secure and stable while maintaining a streamlined footprint.

The removable bellyband and scalable cummerbund let you configure the setup for mission requirements instead of carrying everything you own “just in case.” Integrated routing and attachment points support comms, cables, and essential equipment without turning your kit into a spaghetti disaster.

Every detail of the Siege-R Optimized was designed to reduce drag, increase mobility, and keep unnecessary nonsense off your body. It’s built for military, law enforcement, and specialized teams who need equipment that works as hard as they do. Whether you’re running warrants, working PSD, hitting objectives, or sitting in a vehicle longer than anyone should, the SIEGE-R Optimized stays lightweight, capable, and out of your way. Because the mission is already hard enough without fighting your gear too.

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.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

Mehler Systems Signed a Share and Purchase Agreement for the Acquisition of a Major Stake in the Leading Australian Armour Systems Manufacturer Craig International Ballistics

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY, 20 April 2026

Mehler Systems, a global leader in ballistic protection and tactical gear solutions, has signed a share sale and purchase agreement to acquire a major stake in Craig International Ballistics (CIB). The acquisition is still pending approval under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act of Australia.

Following the transaction, Craig International Ballistics will become part of the Mehler Systems Group – joining the group as a trusted partner. CIB will work closely with Mehler Protection’s body and platform armour divisions while continuing to operate under its established brand and local leadership. Headquartered in Queensland, the Australian company is a leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment and ballistic protection solutions for land, air and maritime platforms.

The investment strengthens Mehler Systems’ commercial footprint and customer proximity in the Asia-Pacific region, enabling Mehler Systems to address local requirements and service needs even more effectively. At the same time, it expands the group’s global reach and reinforces its position as a provider of high-quality, technologically advanced protection systems. The CIB site in Queensland will also serve as a key manufacturing, production and innovation hub within the group for customers in the Southern Hemisphere, supporting Mehler Systems’ international growth.

The investment strengthens Mehler Systems’ commercial footprint and customer proximity in the Asia-Pacific region, enabling us to address local requirements and service needs even more effectively. At the same time, it expands the group’s global reach and reinforces its position as a provider of high-quality, technologically advanced protection systems. The CIB site in Queensland will also serve as a key manufacturing, production and innovation hub within the group for customers in the Southern Hemisphere, supporting Mehler Systems’ international growth.

Commenting on the acquisition, Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems, said: “With Craig International Ballistics, we are welcoming an established Australian provider with a proven track record in supporting sovereign defence capabilities. By combining CIB’s strong presence and long-standing customer relationships in Australia with Mehler Systems’ portfolio, we will be able to serve customers in the Asia-Pacific region even more closely and respond to local requirements with enhanced speed, support and service. We gain direct access to existing programmes and relationships with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other government clients, while also expanding our global reach. This investment is intended to geographically diversify our customer base, increase the resilience of our supply chains, and accelerate Mehler Systems’ development as a globally recognised provider of protection systems.”

In recent years, CIB has significantly expanded its manufacturing and technological capabilities, substantially increasing its capacity for complex ballistic protection solutions. Its modern production facilities and in-house testing and development capabilities enable the company to rapidly develop, trial and bring new protection concepts into series production. At the same time, APAC markets are seeing rising demand for modular, weight optimised protection systems for armed forces, government agencies and critical infrastructure.

James Craig, CEO of Craig International Ballistics, outlines the company’s approach: “With our broad range of ballistic protection plates for naval, aerospace and structural applications, we have contributed to Australia’s sovereign protection capabilities for many years, delivering solutions that integrate seamlessly into international programmes. The close integration of research, development, manufacturing and testing enables us to swiftly adopt new materials and production techniques. Together with Mehler Systems, we will be able to deliver high-performance, weight-optimised protection solutions for the APAC region and beyond even more quickly in future.”

This development culture fits seamlessly into Mehler Systems’ own technology roadmap. With the acquisition of a major stake in Craig International Ballistics, Mehler Systems is pursuing long term growth based on clearly defined security and industrial policy principles: regional anchoring, technical excellence and reliable partnerships with customers and public authorities.

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Delta Three Oscar and Craig International Ballistics Announce NIJ 0101.07 Testing for Next Generation Body Armour

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

Blacksburg, Virginia, April 17th 2026 – Delta Three Oscar, the tactical division of D3O, the global leader in advanced protection materials, and Craig International Ballistics (CIB), a leading manufacturer of high-performance ballistic systems, today jointly announce successful testing of five new standalone hard armour plate models against the latest NIJ0101.07 test standard incorporating D3O’s next-generation Ballistic™ foam.

The testing validates the performance of the newly developed armour systems under the National Institute of Justice’s latest and most stringent ballistic protection standard. The newmodels integrate D3O’s advanced ballistic foam technology to specifically mitigate back face deformation, a critical factor in reducing blunt force trauma following a ballistic impact.

CIB, headquartered in Queensland, Australia, brings over 25 years of experience delivering high-performance body armour, hard armour plates, tactical shields, and platform protection systems to military and law enforcement customers worldwide. Testing of D3O’s advanced ballistic foam began in early 2024 at CIB’s onsite ballistic laboratory, where extensive evaluation confirmed measurable reductions in back face deformation while maintaining optimized weight and wearer mobility.

We expect these new models to receive NIJ Notice of Compliance and be listed on the NIJ Compliant Product List in the coming months, after which they will be available for purchase.

“Achieving NIJ 0101.07 validation across five stand-alone models is a powerful validation of what can be achieved when advanced material science and innovative armour engineering come together.’ Said Simon McNair, SVP of Sales at DeltaThree Oscar. “Our Ballistic™ foam was engineered to address the challenge of significantly reducing back face deformation, and this certification demonstrates its proven effectiveness within fully compliant armour systems. It is a great validation to have James Craig, and his team choose our Ballistic™ foam as we have so much respect for theiradvanced manufacturing capabilities, they are industry leading without a doubt.”

Delta Three Oscar/D3O and CIB continue to push the boundaries of material innovation and armour system design. This latest NIJ 0101.07 validation testing, reinforces both companies’ commitment to advancing protective equipment standards for military and law enforcement personnel worldwide.

Posted in Armor, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »