La Verne, CA — AARDVARK Tactical, a leading provider of operator-focused solutions for elite military and law enforcement units, has expanded its strategic alliance with Dark Systems, the global leader in cutting-edge K9 helmets, electronics, and camera systems.
Building on Dark Systems’ recent announcement as a distributor of the P7K9 ballistic vest in Europe—exclusively supplied by AARDVARK—this expanded partnership positions AARDVARK to distribute Dark Systems’ full line of K9 technologies across the United States. Offerings include the DarkFighter K9 Helmet & Camera, DarkMesh MANET System, and a full suite of muzzles, hearing protection and K9 electronics delivering comprehensive physical protection, live video intelligence, and real-time situational awareness.
“Our collaboration underscores our shared mission to push the limits of what’s possible for tactical K9 teams,” said Jon Becker, CEO of AARDVARK. “By integrating Dark Systems’ modular technologies with others such as P7K9, teams can operate with full confidence that their working dogs are protected and mission-ready.”
This collective solution offers an elite edge for law enforcement and military working dog teams operating in high-risk, high-tempo environments, ensuring both handlers and K9s can operate with enhanced safety, agility, and effectiveness.
Posted in Armor, Industry, International, K9, Press Release | Comments Off on AARDVARK Tactical and Dark Systems Strengthen Partnership to Advance Tactical K9 Protection in the US
Introducing the M 11 Alpha Ballistic Facial Shield – A New Standard in Integrated Protection.
Werewolf Tactical has unveiled the M 11 Alpha, the first fully integrated facial protection system of its kind. Designed for those who demand uncompromising safety, the M 11 Alpha delivers Level IIIA ballistic protection to the maxillofacial region, safeguarding critical areas without compromising mobility or visibility.
Engineered with precision, the M 11 Alpha also features high-performance polycarbonate eye protection that exceeds military specifications, ensuring clarity, durability, and enhanced impact resistance in the field.
Key Features:
Full maxillofacial ballistic coverage (Level IIIA)
Above mil-spec standard polycarbonate eye shield
Seamless integration for tactical operations
Lightweight, ergonomic design for comfort and performance
Whether you’re operating in high-risk environments or preparing for mission-critical situations, the M 11 Alpha sets a new benchmark for facial defense.
Protection. Innovation. Confidence. – That’s the M 11 Alpha.
NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has launched their proven through-life support services package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) market. NP Aerospace currently supports over 18,000 vehicles across 30+ armoured, tactical, logistic and utility fleet types for a range of customers, globally, including the UK PMETS and CVSSP contracts. The know-how, practices and procedures developed to deliver this support are now being specifically shaped and offered into the global CAV marketplace, where it is estimated that there are over 100,000 vehicles in service across military, government, NGO and private security applications.
Support in this sector, to date, has been ad-hoc and decentralised. This fresh initiative will offer a one-stop-shop for fleet managers, no matter what vehicle types they may be operating.
In 2024, following the acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited, NP Aerospace inherited an established business stream in the specialist area of CAVs that includes both product (armoured vehicle designs, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300) and support services, delivered to a range of globally deployed in-service CAV fleets – around 100+ vehicles across 8 customers. In the last 12 months, a number of former Jankel supply and support CAV contracts have been novated to NP Aerospace and the continued support to global customers has been a key requirement of that transition process. Now, 12 months on, NP Aerospace is launching the CAV support capability offering more widely, to ensure that the very best support services can be delivered to current customers but also to expand that proven service offering across the global fleets. Potential new CAV support clients range from ministries of defence to NGO’s, and individual vehicle fleets are widely spread in terms of deployed geography. NP Aerospace recognises the resultant challenges and has developed a robust service offering that can be trusted to deliver and includes the additional and significant capabilities and expertise developed through NP’s legacy activity in this operationally critical vehicle support services arena.
Specifically, NP’s CAV support services package is vehicle type agnostic and includes: handover and commissioning; operator and maintainer training; deployed support (Field Service Representation – FSR); spare parts; service and maintenance; post design services; refurbishment and mid-life improvements; and secure disposal/destruction. NP Aerospace has recently increased the team size of this department by 50%, attracting some key talent to specific roles, to enable the successful delivery of this service offering – reassuring their specialist CAV customers.
James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, commented: “This is an exciting milestone as we expand our proven through-life support services into the civilian armoured vehicle (CAV) market. Drawing on our experience supporting over 18,000 military and security platforms worldwide, we are applying our expertise and trusted capabilities to civilian fleets, regardless of their operating environment. Importantly, this support isn’t limited to vehicles we manufacture – it can be delivered for any vehicle type, operated by any fleet manager, anywhere in the world.” He added: “At the same time, our LC300 armoured Toyota platform not only meets key requirements for compliance, protection, and safety – it’s also engineered with a strong focus on reliability and maintainability. By combining competitive pricing with extended service life through robust support, the LC300 delivers outstanding full-life value.”
Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Launches Their Proven Through-Life Support Services Package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles Market
Published in late May, the US Marine Corps guidance for the wear of PPE, restricting it to only issued items which have undergone testing and are on approved use lists. This ends the use of private purchase and commercial off the shelf items unless on the approved lists detailed in the message.
Below is the message followed by a video explaining the policy. We have redacted the email addresses and phone numbers of the POCs but they are easily found via Google search for this message.
R 201307Z MAY 25
MARADMIN 237/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC PPO POF WASHINGTON DC/FOO2//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS POLICY ON THE WEAR AND PURCHASE OF BODY ARMOR AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)//
REF/A/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO/YMD: 20070417//
REF/B/MSGID: GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO: 20090416//
REF/C/MSGID: GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO: 20090710//
REF/D/MSGID: GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO: 20170327//
REF/E/MSGID: GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO: 20181127//
REF/F/MSGID: GENADMIN/COMMMARCORSYSCOM: 20240509//
REF/G/MSGID: GENADMIN/COMMMARCORSYSCOM: 20240807//
REF/H/MCO 6260.3A SD: 20160926//
NARR/REF A IS MARADMIN 262/07, Marine Corps Policy on the Wear and Purchase of Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE). Ref b is MARADMIN 254/09, Marine Corps Policy on the Wear of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ref c is MARADMIN 415/09, Establishment of Body Armor Protection Levels.
Ref d is MARADMIN 151/17, change 1 to Marine Corps Policy on the Wear and Purchase of Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ref e is MARADMIN 667/18 Marine Corps Policy on the Wear and Purchase of Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ref f is the Safety of Use Message for the Enhanced Combat Helmet and High Cut Enhanced Combat Helmet Suspension Systems. Ref g is the Safety of Use Message for the Enhanced Combat Helmet with Hearing Enhancement Device. Ref h is the Marine Corps Hearing and Conservation Program.//
POC/E.T. Clark/COL/PPO POF/Branch Head/
POC/E.A. Benson/CIV/PPO POF/Dep Branch Head/
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. The Commandant of the Marine Corps directs the following policy for Marines and Sailors assigned to USMC and joint commands, on the wear and purchase of body armor and PPE. This MARADMIN supersedes references (a, b, c, d, and e). PPE refers to Marine Corps approved body armor, helmets, goggles, gloves, clothing, and other gear designed to protect the wearer’s body from battlefield injuries. The equipment and
training information for service-approved PPE systems can be found at https://app.mcboss.usmc.mil searching via program office: PMM-154.3 and via Marine Net course # mcsppe0306 – Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment
2. Individual Marines/Sailors may not use commercial PPE in lieu of government tested, approved, and issued PPE as outlined in the product information sheets referenced in paragraph 1.
Commanders are not authorized to utilize unit funds to purchase commercial PPE items that have not been approved for use by Marine Corps Systems Command.
3. Ballistic spectacles and goggles authorized for use are listed on the authorized protective eyewear list (APEL) and are compatible with the universal prescription lens carrier. While the Marine Corps will continue to issue a single spectacle and a single goggle, units may purchase other authorized ballistic eyewear on the APEL through the defense logistics agency or the post-exchange. The latest APEL can be found at: https://www.peosoldier.army.mil/equipment/
approved-eyewear-qpl/
4. All forms of hearing protection devices are considered PPE, and the Marine Corps issues Hearing Enhancement Devices (HED) (TAMCN C01142F) and High Noise Hearing Enhancement Devices (HN-HED) (TAMCN C00142F). Commanders must ensure Marines comply with ref (f) or ref (g) for helmet configuration and ref (h) guidelines to select appropriate hearing protection devices.
HEDS shall be evaluated at least twice per year for appropriate use and to replace any worn/deteriorated seals per ref (h).
Commanders will consult navy medicine occupational audiologists or industrial hygienists to determine from sound pressure measurements appropriate hearing protective devices for their operational needs, ensuring Marines have the correct single or dual hearing protection when necessary. Per ref (h), the safety objective is to protect Marines’ exposure to any steady-state noise having an 8-hour time-weighted average noise level greater than or equal to 85 decibels: or a single exposure to impulse and/or impact noise of 140 decibels peak or greater, regardless of duration.
5. Marine Corps Body Armor Protection Levels (APLS).
5.a. A service-level policy defining specific armor protection levels has been established with the intent of standardizing APLS, enabling commanders to tailor armor protection based on their estimate of the situation or based on guidance from service/joint/theater combatant commanders. Higher APLS provide increased ballistic protection through the addition of modular armor components, increasing the areas of coverage and/or ballistic protection. Higher APLS correspond to greater weight, increased thermal loading, and reduced mobility, thus degrading individual and unit performance over extended periods of time.
5.b. The following APLS are established and apply to all Marine Corps-issued armor systems. Read in two columns:
APL Description
Level 0 No body armor worn
Level 1 Marine Corps-issued plate carrier with soft armor only (defeats handgun and fragmentation threats)
Level 2 Marine Corps-issued plate carrier with soft armor, and front and back hard armor plates (defeats rifle and fragmentation threats)
Level 3 Marine Corps-issued plate carrier with soft armor, front and back hard armor plates, and side hard armor plates (defeats rifle and fragmentation threats).
Removal of the soft armor from the plate carrier compromises the ballistic protection of the issued armor systems. Soft armor must be worn in conjunction with ballistic plates in the issued plate carrier – failure to do so may result in severe bodily injury or death. There are currently two variants of ballistic plates fielded to the Fleet Marine Force: the Enhanced Small Arms Plate Insert (ESAPI) (TAMCN C30202E) and the Lightweight Plate (LWP) (TAMCN C01342F). Commanders may choose to utilize either variant based on the threat.
5.c. The Marine Corps-issued helmets authorized for operations include the Enhanced Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet (ECVCH) (TAMCN C49942F), Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) (TAMCN C01202E), High Cut Enhanced Combat Helmet (HC ECH) (TAMCN C02222F), and the Integrated Helmet System (IHS) (TAMCN C02222F) which were designed to provide both ballistic and blunt impact protection across the full spectrum of operational environments. The helmets consist of a shell, a suspension system (pads), a retention system (chinstrap), and include other accessories such as a night vision device mounting bracket and rail systems.
The ballistic protection of these systems is provided by the construction and materials of the shell. The blunt impact protection is provided by the construction, materials, and configuration of the suspension system. The suspension system must have pads in an approved configuration. In accordance with ref (f) or ref (g) the issued suspension system cannot be replaced with commercial pads. The screws in the helmet support the ballistic integrity and shall not be replaced with commercial screws. Unit leaders will ensure initial training is conducted for Marines upon issue of the helmet. Commanders shall ensure approved helmets are worn in an approved configuration.
5.d. Diving life preserver and buoyancy compensator listed in the authorized for navy use (ANU) are not authorized for ballistic protection until the configuration has been certified and approved by Marine Corps Systems Command. Commanders interested in requesting diving life preserver and buoyancy compensator for certification must follow the universal needs
process. Information can be found at: https://www.cdi.marines.mil/units/cdd/universal-needs-process/
5.e. Protective attachments may be worn with
Marine Corps-issued body armor. It is impractical to establish APLS that incorporate every possible configuration in which these attachments may be worn. Commanders will designate the wear of Marine Corps approved helmets; ballistic eyewear; and groin, neck, and throat protection as required by their units’ mission, the threat, and local environmental considerations.
5.f. The lightweight helmet (TAMCN C32152E) and the small arms protective body armor (stocklist-3 item of TAMCN C35012E) are only authorized for use by training command.
5.g. Ballistic protection vendor samples are not authorized for use without Marine Corps Systems Command oversight and approved safety releases for limited user evaluations.
6. Authority
6.a. Operating force commanders at the Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) level or higher are authorized to determine the required level of PPE (or APL when established) for wear by assigned personnel within the Marine Corps Systems Command approved systems. This determination will be made based on mission(including during training), unit type, threat, and environmental factors.
6.b. Combatant, Joint Task Force (JTF), and service component commanders retain the authority to prescribe the level of protection worn by all assigned personnel. In cases where combatant, JTF, and/ or service component commanders have established a required level of PPE that is more restrictive than that set by Marine Unit Commanders, Marines will adhere to the highest level. In cases where the APL is not designated, the Marine Corps service policy places the authority to designate the APL on commanders, Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) and higher.
6.c. Based on their unique mission requirements, Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) personnel may, within published MARSOC policies and subject to their commanders’ approval, wear special operations command-approved special purpose body armor.
6.d. Installation commanders are authorized to use government funds to purchase commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) body armor and PPE only for use by Military Police performing law enforcement duties aboard Marine Corps installations. COTS body armor must, at a minimum, meet National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-certified level RF2 as listed on the NIJ website. https://www.nij.gov/topics/technology/body-armor/pages/compliant-ballistic-armor.aspx. COTS body armor purchased for installation law enforcement duty will not be worn by Marines as a substitute for Marine Corps approved body armor and PPE in a combat zone or theater of operation.
7. Marine Corps organizations that do not receive class II PPE materiel support from the Logistics Command should direct all materiel requirements to DC, IL, IP.
8. Release authorized by MajGen J. L. Morris, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations.//
Mehler Protection, a leading provider of personal ballistic protection and part of Mehler Systems, is set to equip the Zurich City Police with the latest generation of operational waistcoats. Over the next four years, Mehler Protection will supply 1,800 waistcoats with integrated soft armour packs (SAP), providing enhanced protection, visibility, and modular adaptability for officers on duty.
The project spans a period of 60 months and highlights the strong synergies within Mehler Systems, with thewaistcoats being complemented by advanced beltssupplied by Lindnerhof, the Group’s specialist in load-bearing systems and tactical equipment.
The new waistcoats provide Zurich City Police officers with improved visibility. Lemon-coloured lettering is applied to the chest, back, and shoulders, making officers more easily identifiable in various operational scenarios. Additional visibility elements can also be attached as needed, enhancing both officer safety and public reassurance.
In addition to greater visibility, the waistcoat is engineered to meet the complex demands of modern police work. The waistcoat can be easily reinforced with ballistic plates, ensuring protection against both long- and short-barrelled weapons. It can also be fitted with arm protectors to provide extended coverage during spontaneous law enforcement operations. Depending on the mission profile, additional tactical equipment can be attached as required.
Mehler Protection has been working in partnership with the Zurich City Police since 2016. The new contractonce again reflects Mehler Protection’s position as a trusted partner of leading European law enforcement agencies. Alexander Mahr, Key Account Manager Mehler Protection | Body Armour, underlines the importance of this collaboration:
“Successful projects are the result of strong partnerships. Together, we have implementedcustomised requirements—efficiently, solution-oriented, and on the basis of a trusting collaboration that has already proven itself since 2016.”
The agreement also underscores the added value of theintegrated expertise within Mehler Systems, which enables the Group to deliver comprehensive solutions that combine personal ballistic protection, tactical load-bearing systems, and mission-specific adaptability.
In March, the Canadian Army awarded a $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply its light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment under the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) initiative.
At last week’s CANSEC, Logistik Unicorp exhibited the equipment. Some of the gear is based upon Logistik Unicorp subsidiary Australian Defence Apparel while the packs are from US manufacturer Stone Glacier.
Armour Carrier with 360° Protection
Mounted together, these components form a single vest that delivers both ballistic protection and load carriage capability. The PALS attachment system secures the user’s pouches as needed.
Designed to reduce total system weight, the Armour Carrier offers optimal protection while maintaining soldier mobility in both operational and training contexts.
Armour Carrier
Available in straight and contoured cuts
Breathable interior for optimal thermoregulation
3-action quick-release system for swift removal
Front and back modular configuration: ballistic panels only, ballistic plates only, or both
Micro-adjustable Cummerbunds at front and back
Cummerbunds allow insertion of ballistic panels or stiffeners for a stable pouch platform
Modular Accessory Protector Panels
Deltoid Protector Panels adjustable to bicep circumference and height
Neck Protector Panel offers side and rear ballistic protection; shoulder bands ensure the proper positioning of the Deltoid Protector Panels
Throat Protector Panel offers front ballistic protection
3-IN-1 Combat Belt Modular System
Designed to provide the soldier with the benefits of a padded belt, as well as those of a traditional inner-outer tactical belt rig. It features independent PALS webbing for versatile configuration and accepts non-PALS attachment pouches when required.
The system distributes the weight of pouches at the waist rather than the shoulders. This configuration particularly benefits users carrying multiple pouches, reducing the load on the upper body and preserving mobility.
Light Belt Comforter
Reinforced pad to carry large pouches and heavy equipment
Channel system ensures a snug fit around the waist
Light Battle Belt
Two configurations: can be worn stand-alone or inserted into the Light Belt Comforter
Compatible with MOLLE system
Light Trouser Belt
Attaches to pants belt loops for added support of the Combat Belt
R3 Bag and Pack System
R3 3300 Bag
The R3 Frame System features a modular design with an integrated load shelf for carrying gear between the bag and frame, or directly on the frame. When paired with the R3 3300 Bag, it functions as a 72-hour assault pack with PALS webbing for customizable load configurations. The optional R3 Radio Harness secures the AN/ PRC-117G radio and allows quick battery access, ensuring both functionality and comfort in all operational conditions.
R3 Frame
Supports loads over 150 lb (68 kg)
Shoulder straps can be angled inward or outward to accommodate various shoulder widths, angles and additional environmental layers
Hip Belt attaches to the frame at five points for optimal load transfer to the hips
Two lumbar pad options for compatibility with the Armour Carrier
R3 3300 Bag
Capacity: 55 L
Top-load access and clamshell-style zippered opening
Communication port for antenna and cable routing
R3 Radio Harness
Two configurations: mounted on the R3 Frame and placed inside the R3 Bag
R3 7000 BAG
The R3 Frame System features an integrated load shelf, allowing gear to be carried between the frame and the bag, or directly on the frame. The R3 7000 Bag functions as a rucksack for missions up to 96 hours. R3 Side Bags can be mounted on either the R3 Bag or Frame, extending load capacity while preserving the mobility required for demanding operations.
R3 Frame
Supports loads over 150 lb (68 kg)
Adjustable shoulder straps and a 5-point hip belt attachment to the frame ensure optimal load transfer
Two lumbar pad options for compatibility with the Armour Carrier
R3 7000 Bag
Capacity: 90 L
Top-load access and clamshell-style zippered opening
Top hook-and-loop communication port for antenna and communication cable routing
R3 Side Bags
Capacity: 25 L (set of 2)
Expand the R3 3300 and R3 7000 Bags using non-PALS attachments
Modular Platform System
Chest Rig
The Chest Rig configuration allows access to munitions and mission-critical equipment over environmental dress. Designed to keep pouches low on the front of the torso, it preserves the soldier’s upper-body mobility. An optional Top Front Platform can be added to expand the PALS attachment surface.
Chest Rig
Front PALS webbing
Internal pocket for cable management, storage of 5.56 x 30 Rd magazines or miscellaneous equipment
Chest Rig Harness and Backstrap
Cable routing via webbing or hook-and-loop fasteners; excess cables may be stowed in the front pocket
Back rescue handle supports the soldier and equipment up to 227 kg
Combat Belt and Light HarnessModular System
When combined with the Light Harness, the Combat Belt System supports the carriage of heavy equipment or loads over environmental dress. The slim and discreet design of the Light Harness does not impede mobility or performance, while enabling 360-degree pouch attachment. Its adjustable webbing straps allow the user to position the Combat Belt at the desired height, ensuring proper integration with the R3 Frame System.
Light Harness
Slim webbing design prevents bulk and excess layering
Adjustable front and back webbing straps
Light Belt Comforter
Reinforced pad to carry large pouches and heavy equipment
Channel system ensures a snug fit around the waist
Revolutionary, low-profile body armour meets urgent need for covert, scalable safety in protest policing
Huntington Beach, CA (06.02.2025) As law enforcement agencies adapt to the growing complexity of public demonstrations, D3O® has announced a partnership with DEFILADE Protective Systems to integrate its world-leading impact protection into DEFILADE’s innovative Discreet Deployment System (DDS).
The collaboration features low-profile, high-performance protection that aligns with modern best practices for protest policing, as outlined in Arizona State University’s recent guide, Dealing with Messy Democracy.
Developed in response to law enforcement demands for scalable, mission-specific safety gear, DEFILADE’s DDS consists of modular base layers including shirts, pants, and sleeves that feature removable D3O® impact protection.
Designed for covert wear under standard uniforms or plain clothes, the system enables officers to maintain mobility and discretion while protected against impact threats like thrown projectiles or physical confrontations.
“Effective protest policing is about visibility, quick reactions, and proportionate response,” said Mostyn Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer at D3O. “That starts with ensuring officers wear gear that’s protective, allows freedom of movement and doesn’t draw attention. This system gives them that protective edge without escalating tensions.”
The D3O-enhanced DDS aligns directly with the ASU guide’s recommendations for equipping officers in ways that improve safety, de-escalation, and community trust. The customizable system includes breathable, moisture-wicking, and FR-rated options designed for extended wear during evolving or high-stress environments.
Trusted by military, special forces, and leading tactical teams worldwide, D3O’s ballistic technology is already embedded in helmets, body armour, and riot control gear. This latest partnership with DEFILADE will help to advance safety, performance, and discretion for those serving on the front lines of society.
Now available at First-Spear.com/MultiCam-Black is our full line of MultiCam Black featuring products such as the Strandhogg v3, LaserFrame Primary Pocket Panel, Fleece Pullover, and more!
MultiCam Black features a distinctive pattern of blacks and dark grays, offering a sleek, aggressive aesthetic that emphasizes intimidation and authority and visually aligns with the gear used by SWAT teams and special response units. MC Black works well with night operations and urban landscapes. The subdued palette minimizes visual signatures under low-light conditions while maintaining a professional, unified look.
MultiCam Black represents a fusion of function and form, tailored for urban tactical use where visibility and presence matter just as much as protection.
Visit First-Spear.com/MultiCam-Black to view the full line of FirstSpear products now offered in MultiCam Black! FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.
