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NFM Launching New THOR MCVS Light Weight at EUROSATORY 2024

Friday, June 21st, 2024

NFM are launching their new THOR™ Modular Combat Vest System Light Weight (MCVS-LW) at EUROSATORY 2024. The innovative MCVS-LW will be showcased from June 17th to 21st, and visitors can explore its advanced features and light weight at NFM’s booth in Hall 6, stand G145.

Paris, France – June 17, 2024 – The THOR™ MCVS-LW an individual load bearing and ballistic protection vest, designed specifically for military and law enforcement personnel who prioritize low weight, slim fit and quick water drainage. This vest ensures comfort, modularity, light weight, and functionality in diverse operational environments.

“Our mission at NFM has always been to provide the best possible protection and solutions for those who serve on the front lines,” said Tor Inge Thun, Chief Product Officer at NFM. “The THOR™ MCVS-LW is a testament to this commitment, offering unparalleled weight efficiency and quick-drying capabilities without compromising on ballistic protection.”

Advanced features and superior design

The THOR™ MCVS-LW is constructed from laser cut flame retardant, hydrophobic and colorfast laminates, permitting to integrate functionalities such as pouch attachment interface. The Omega material used in the vest excels in water operations, ensuring no added weight when exiting the water and allowing for rapid drainage.

“The MCVS-LW’s design leverages the unique properties of the Omega material, enabling users to maintain high mobility and comfort even in wet conditions. This vest is truly a game-changer for operations involving water”, says Thun.

Key Features of the THOR™ MCVS Light Weight:

• Optimal weight-performance ratio: The vest’s low weight does not come at the expense of protection, ensuring optimal performance in the field.

• Modular design: Primarily set up for plate carrier configuration, the MCVS-LW offers the same modularity as the MCVS 3.0, allowing users to customize their loadout as needed.

• Advanced protection: With front and back ballistic protection panels and plates, the MCVS-LW safeguards against high-speed fragments, handgun, and rifle ammunition, protecting vital anatomical structures within the thorax.

• Load bearing capacity: The laser-cut pouch attachment system on the vest’s front, back, and sides ensures efficient load distribution and easy access to mission-critical equipment.

• Enhanced mobility and comfort: The padded shoulder supports distribute pressure evenly, while the front and back comfort pads enhance airflow, reducing moisture buildup and ensuring maximum comfort.

• Quick release mechanism: The slim G-hooks on the shoulders and Tubes® buckles on the sides allow for quick release and easy closing, providing a secure fit that is easy to manage even with gloved hands.

• Field repairability: The waist Tubes® can be easily exchanged by the user without the need for specific tools, ensuring the vest remains functional in the field.

“The THOR™ MCVS-LW is designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring they have the best possible equipment to perform their duties effectively and safely,” says Thun. “We are proud to introduce this innovative vest at EUROSATORY 2024 and look forward to demonstrating its capabilities.”

NFM invites all attendees of EUROSATORY 2024 to visit our booth in Hall 6, stand G145, to explore the THOR™ MCVS-LW and witness the future of lightweight, modular combat vest systems.

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on NFM Launching New THOR MCVS Light Weight at EUROSATORY 2024

AFSFC Reaches Final Phase of Fielding Model Defender Gear

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —

A four-year initiative to modernize the day-to-day equipment of active-duty Air Force security forces defenders reached its fifth and final phase recently with the award of a $39 million contract for state-of-the-art defender gear.

In addition to securing the contract award through the Air Force Installation Contracting Center’s 773rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, the Air Force Security Forces Center worked with Air Force Materiel Command logisticians to get the equipment into the Logistics Readiness Inventory Control System.

“Because of this effort, not only will it be easier to account for equipment, defenders will now be able to move from one installation to another with their Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit under the Gear for Life program,” said Master Sgt. Derek Walton, AFSFC Model Defender and Gear for Life program manager. “This means they will no longer need to have that equipment issued at each installation as they progress in their careers.”

At the direction of Air Force Security Forces, the Model Defender initiative began in June 2020 with a focus on standardizing must-have daily gear for every defender in the Department of the Air Force.

“The establishment of the Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit was crucial as it standardized gear across the Air Force security forces enterprise enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring the safety and professional appearance of personnel and fostering modernization within the Total Force,” said Dennis Rodriguez, AFSFC individual protective equipment branch chief.

AFSFC started the new initiative by developing a standardized equipment list of 23 items which was then coordinated, amended and approved through major commands and security forces headquarters. This resulted in a final Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit.

Working with industry and Air Force contracting partners, the center then conducted phase 1 testing of state-of-the-art equipment using active-duty, National Guard Bureau and Air Force Reserve Commanddefenders in the San Antonio area.

“This collaborative effort with industry partners for phase 1 testing also streamlined the acquisition process, ensuring that all security forces are well equipped and ready for their duties,” Rodriguez said.

Based on testing results, AFSFC continued to phase 2 for expanded day-to-day testing at eight installations across four major commands, and phase 3 where the center consolidated and scrutinized collected data before presenting their findings to the Air Force Equipment and Weapons Configuration Board for validation.

During both of these phases, AFSFC worked with AFICC’s contracting experts for an acquisition strategy that would move the purchase forward once decisions were made about what equipment was best for the defender force.

“By conducting ongoing testing with the consolidation and analysis of test results, we were able to swiftly transition through the phases,” Rodriguez said. “This parallel processing allowed for immediate adjustments and expedited the validation and acquisition processes.”

As a result, the equipment procurement plan was set to go immediately after the team confirmed the best equipment for the security forces enterprise, he added.

Phase 4, the first purchase of Model Defender kit equipment took place May 2023 with Blue Force Gear and marked a significant milestone in the timeline.

“Blue Force Gear developed a kit specifically to meet the needs of our security forces enterprise,” Walton said. “Their laser cut technology is cutting edge and integrates seamlessly with the body armor solution that was selected by the Air Force.”

Upon receiving the initial small equipment purchase, the AFSFC team shifted focus to begin collaboration with Headquarters Air Force.

“The goal was to integrate the Model Defender items into the supply system through the Gear for Life initiative,” Rodriguez said. “Which was crucial for us to ensure the newly acquired equipment would be seamlessly incorporated into the broader system, enhancing the overall readiness and capability of the SF enterprise.”

“Our collaboration with headquarters was pivotal,” he added. “Integrating the Model Defender equipment into the Gear for Life initiative is not just a step, it’s a leap toward equipping defenders with the tools they need to face the future head-on.”

The final phase award was the career field’s largest purchase ever when the full contract of $39 million was awarded to Blue Force Gear in April.

Equipment rollout to the field is expected to begin in December with full delivery to the field by early 2025.

The finalized Model Defender kit consists of:
– M-4 magazine pouches
– M-18 magazine pouches
– Dump pouches (for easily stowing a variety of items like empty magazines)
– Holster adapters
– Mollie belts (a webbed belt that allows gear to be attached in a variety of configurations)
– Utility and handcuff pouches
– Flashlight and baton pouches

By Debbie Aragon, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Armor, Guest Post, LE, Load Carrying | Comments Off on AFSFC Reaches Final Phase of Fielding Model Defender Gear

NP Aerospace Acquires the Assets of Jankel Armouring Limited

Monday, June 10th, 2024

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited – in administration.

Jankel Armouring Limited entered administration on 27 February 2024 and Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed as Administrators. NP Aerospace has now acquired assets which include Jankel Armouring Limited’s intellectual property, patents and inventory and the right to transfer, assign and/or novate existing contracts. The acquisition will allow NP Aerospace to integrate a globally proven and successful vehicle product and support line into their already strong portfolio, which will now include Jankel Armouring Limited’s tactical vehicles, civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs), armour technologies, seating systems and through life support services.

Having received UK National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) approval, NP Aerospace can formally engage with key customers, including the Belgian MoD (BeMOD) and UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) regarding the delivery of former Jankel Armouring Limited contracts. With an existing pedigree of successful defence vehicle production, integration and support activities, NP Aerospace is ideally positioned to deliver on customer requirements, bringing production programs through to successful conclusion, onshore in the UK.

NP Aerospace has been successful in securing talent from the original Jankel Armouring Limited staff including pivotal engineers and critical executives with the required knowledge of the acquired assets. In addition, it is expected that the acquisition will create and/or sustain around 60-70 skilled jobs. The acquisition does not include any aspect of, or formal relationship with the US based Jankel business, including Jankel Tactical Systems and does not include any liability to former creditors, which sits in the hands of the joint administrators, Alvarez and Marsal.

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “The announcement of the acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets marks a significant phase of growth for the company, creating additional value for customers through new business synergies.” He added: “Our immediate priority is to push forward with existing customer contracts and deliver successful programmes to a global customer base. Beyond that, this announcement is good news for the defence industry, enabling continuation of capability, products and supply, whilst enhancing a very strong global defence export line, under the NP Aerospace brand”.

Mike Denny, Joint Administrator, Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, commented: “The completion of the sale of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited to NP Aerospace will provide continuity to its customer base and create new opportunities for some of its skilled workforce. We are confident that the business will thrive under the ownership of NP Aerospace”.

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Acquires the Assets of Jankel Armouring Limited

FirstSpear Friday Focus: NEW Universal Shoulder Strap Kit & Tri-Fold Shoulder Pad

Friday, June 7th, 2024

Introducing the universal shoulder strap. It offers end users and teams a myriad of options — it bridges the gap between running a shoulder on all of the platforms. Easily transition or fit a universal shoulder on a Strandhogg, Siege R or AAC. One size shoulder strap would suffice to fit all your sizes. You are able to size up or size down as needed.

The Universal Shoulder Straps come as a pair.

The Universal Shoulder Strap Kit comes as a pair of straps and then a pair of 2-inch female split bar Tubes with a heat shrink pulls.

Please note if you are buying this to swap out a SIEGE R Shoulder, you will need the KIT. End users can cut at bar tacks along the shoulder to shrink down the sizing. Those that buy the kit can also run a FirstSpear ECP on the shoulder as well.

Always innovating, FirstSpear has improved upon this critical comfort item, introducing the Tri-Fold Shoulder Pad. Taking into account field feedback and utilizing new, advanced materials, this load carriage support item has been redesigned to enhance functionality and comfort. The lower tri-fold flap provides cable and tube management with greater security. It also allows end users to purchase a 2-inch female split bar Tube to integrate M.A.S.S. Biceps.

For more information, check out www.first-spear.com/low-profile-tri-fold-shoulder-pad or www.first-spear.com/universal-shoulder-strap-kit-1

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: NEW Universal Shoulder Strap Kit & Tri-Fold Shoulder Pad

Premier Body Armor to Exhibit at 2024 NRA Annual Meetings

Tuesday, May 14th, 2024

GASTONIA, N.C. – May 13, 2024 – Premier Body Armor will be in attendance at the 153rd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, May 17-19, 2024. The event takes place in Dallas, Texas at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. Premier Body Armor will be exhibiting on the show floor in booth #9664.

Premier Body Armor will feature its newest collection, the Fortis Line, available for purchase at exclusive NRAAM pricing. Where high performance meets high value, the Fortis Line delivers an affordable line of rifle-rated plates and a robust plate carrier, without compromising the industry-leading ballistic protection Premier is known for. The Fortis plate collection includes four (4) rifle-rated plates, each offering competitive pricing while remaining extremely lightweight. In addition to the comprehensive line of rifle-rated plates, the Fortis Line also delivers the Fortis Alpha Carrier.

In addition to purchase opportunities, Premier Body Armor will also be hosting a giveaway with a complete Fortis Plate Carrier Loadout, including 2 Level IV Fortis Plates, the Fortis Alpha Carrier and MAAP (Medical/Admin/Assault Pouch). This giveaway is exclusive to NRA conference attendees. Visit Premier Body Armor at booth #9664 and scan the QR code to enter the giveaway for a complete Fortis Plate Carrier Loadout.

Invited members of the media are encouraged to contact Emily Stuchell at premierbodyarmorpr@murrayroadagency.com to schedule a meeting to visit the Premier Body Armor booth and get a first-hand look at the new Fortis line.

Learn more about Premier Body Armor and their complete Fortis line of armor at premierbodyarmor.com.

Posted in Armor, NRA, Press Release | Comments Off on Premier Body Armor to Exhibit at 2024 NRA Annual Meetings

NP Aerospace Extends Ukraine Support with Norway Contract

Thursday, April 25th, 2024

Ukraine soldiers wearing NP Aerospace body armour (image copyright NATO)

NP Aerospace is continuing its support for Ukraine with the delivery of a further 2,000 sets of body armour and carrier vests via Norway and the UK Ministry of Defence.

This takes the total number of ballistic plates sent to Ukraine from NP Aerospace to over 180,000 since the start of the war. In addition to NP Aerospace ballistic helmets and bomb disposal suits which are being used on the frontline.

The latest delivery is in support of Operation Ellisiv a Norwegian Ministry of Defence operation. Previous deliveries have been in support of Operation Interflex, aBritish-led multinational military operation to train the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and part of the UK’s commitment of £3 billion in military aid for this year. The 2,000 sets of body armour (4,000 plates and 2,000 vests) were contracted and delivered from Coventry in the UK in less than three months.

Peter Hardisty, Managing Director and Senior Vice President of NP Aerospace’s Composites and Armour Systems business, said: “Our team in Coventry are honoured to continue to support Ukraine with life-saving body armour and associated military equipment. We have expanded our facilities and team to deliver NATO programmes and will continue to do so for as long as the war continues.”

Posted in Armor, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Extends Ukraine Support with Norway Contract

Together, We Save Lives: Safariland Hosts SAVES CLUB Event to Honor Injured Officers

Saturday, April 13th, 2024

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group®, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands, is proud to host its annual SAVES CLUB® Presentation on April 11, 2024, at its Jacksonville headquarters. The Safariland SAVES CLUB recognizes and honors officers who endured a life-threatening incident while in the line of duty, in which their Safariland Group armor or gear played a crucial role in saving their lives.

“The event serves as a platform to celebrate the bravery and resilience of the remarkable 2,193 SAVES members. We are excited to welcome three officers to share their inspiring SAVES stories,” said Brad Williams, president of Safariland. “These officers have not only survived life-threatening situations but have also become advocates for the law enforcement community. They are living proof of Safariland’s creed: Together, We Save Lives.”

Safariland will proudly host Officer Genevieve Bone, SAVES #2186, from the Memphis Police Department. On September 3, 2023, Officer Bone responded to an armed party disturbance at a convenience store. Despite facing a suspect armed with guns, knives, and a hand grenade, Officer Bone fearlessly confronted the assailant. She sustained three strikes to her chest with a fixed-blade knife. Thanks to her Safariland XT03 level II armor, Officer Bone’s life was spared, and she successfully apprehended the suspect, who has since been charged with attempted second-degree murder.

Officer Derek Williams from the Dallas Police Department, SAVES #2185, will also be honored. On September 14, 2023, Officer Williams and his partner witnessed a suspect commit a homicide. During the pursuit, the assailant opened fire with a .9mm handgun, hitting Officer Williams in the lower right abdominal area. Fortunately, his Safariland SX02 Level IIIA armor stopped the round. The Dallas SWAT team later apprehended the assailant, and Officer Williams has since returned to full duty.

The third honored SAVES member is Narcotics Detective Sean Stumpf from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, SAVES #2168. On January 2, 2023, Detective Stumpf and his partner engaged in a high-stakes pursuit of a suspect who had taken the life of the Chief of Police of a local agency earlier that day and injured another officer. During the pursuit, the suspect opened fire with a fully automatic 9mm Glock, hitting Detective Stumpf in the arm and center of his chest. His Safariland SM02 Level II armor protected his chest, and he was able to return fire alongside his partner, ultimately ending the threat. After undergoing surgery on his arm, Detective Stumpf made a full recovery and is back on active duty.

Safariland is honored to recognize these brave officers and their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities. The SAVES CLUB event will serve as a testament to Safariland’s commitment to providing high-quality protective equipment to the law enforcement community and reaffirm their dedication to prioritizing officer safety.

Safariland continues to innovate and provide solutions that enhance the performance and effectiveness of those who rely on safety equipment for optimal protection. To learn more, visit Safariland.com.

Posted in Armor, Industry, LE, Press Release | Comments Off on Together, We Save Lives: Safariland Hosts SAVES CLUB Event to Honor Injured Officers

Hometown Army Fellow Joins PEO Soldier as Next Gen Body Armor Engineer

Monday, April 8th, 2024

Born and raised in Alexandria, Va., Britt Wieland grew up going to the Ft. Belvoir summer camp.

Now, as a civilian engineer with PEO Soldier, she works on the Army’s next generation body armor at Fort Belvoir.

Wieland’s primary focus as a Body Armor Engineer is the Army’s new hard armor. In her current position, she enjoys seeing the direct impact of her work on the warfighter every day.

“We procure and field the latest body armor to our Soldiers,” explained Wieland.

“I have some friends serving in the Army, and every time they receive the newest gear, they call me to rant and rave about how excited they are, and I take a sense of pride in knowing I get to play a part in serving those who serve us. There aren’t many jobs that give you that kind of opportunity and fulfillment.”

Having trained as both a Hard and Soft Armor Engineer, Britt frequently is called upon to brief Soldiers, Army Senior Leaders, and industry partners on the Vital Torso Protection (VTP) system.

VTP is a subsystem of the Soldier Protection System, the Army’s newest Personal Protective Equipment. The Army is currently collecting data to verify trade space of weight reduction with protection ability for Soldiers to reduce the Soldier’s load and increase mobility in tactical environments.

“Our goal is to rebalance the testing to optimize the time and cost spent, while maintaining performance. This will allow industry to redirect resources towards developing more advanced designs and technologies, which in turn, benefits the Soldier.”

As the chair for the Vital Torso Protection Purchase Description project, Wieland has had an opportunity to work on the Army’s newest hard armor, where she has demonstrated her leadership skills during the process of changing the testing and evaluations for VTP.

“We’re looking to make the test procedures more statistically significant, operationally relevant, and aligned with the original requirements,” explains Wieland.

“I feel really special knowing my leadership trusted me to represent them even though I was less than a year into my career.”

Britt has served in key briefing roles to the special operations community, including the Spear Side-by-Side, which aimed to develop understanding and communality amongst the kit used in SOF versus the general Army, and USASOC Women in ARSOF, which supports holistic improvements to not only the kit of female Soldiers, but also improvements to uniforms, healthcare and quality of life.

“Britt has been able to brief key senior leaders and a large group of female Sergeants Major from ARSTAFF on improvements to PPE and paths forward for iterative changes based on Soldier feedback. She’s also taken part in HFEs to gain knowledge on Soldier kit,” said Maj. Kim Pierre-Zamora, the assistant product manager for the body armor team.

“There’s also a special place in my heart for the Army’s mission to better equip female and small statured soldiers,” Britt Wieland said.

“As a smaller female myself, I take pride in being a female engineer that gets to help take on this task and find it extremely rewarding every time I get to fit a female Warrior with a new kit that was made with them in mind,” Wieland said.

Britt Wieland graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lawrence Technological University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. She became an Army Fellow in 2020 and joined PEO Soldier as a Department of the Army civilian in 2023.

By Scott Sundsvold, Army

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, PEO-Soldier | 8 Comments »