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PROOF Research Announces Sean Murphy as Director of Sales and Marketing

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. – September 16, 2026 – PROOF Research is proud to announce the hire of Sean Murphy as director of sales and marketing. Murphy joins PROOF Research with 15 years of experience in the firearms industry, spanning sales, marketing, product management and training in the premium optics, suppressor and firearms sectors.

Murphy most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing at Sons of Liberty Gun Works, where he played a key role in driving the company’s commercial, law enforcement and military growth. Previously, he held positions with Nightforce Optics and KGM Suppressors, building a broad understanding of both civilian and professional markets.

“Sean brings an incredible combination of industry experience, sales leadership, competitive shooting expertise and knowledge of PROOF Research,” said KK Jense, CEO of PROOF Research. “His knowledge of multiple markets will be an essential contribution to our work as we continue to expand our reach. We’re excited to welcome Sean to the PROOF team in this new capacity and look forward to what we’ll accomplish together.”

Murphy’s experience extends well beyond the business side of the industry, having been a competitive shooter for 20 years across various disciplines, including action shooting and long-range precision. He has also been a member of the PROOF Research Shooting Team for a decade, giving him a longstanding firsthand understanding and appreciation of PROOF’s technology. Additionally, he formed a highly successful long-range duo with Greg Hamilton, PROOF Research’s director of special projects, further deepening his familiarity with PROOF’s approach to performance-driven product development.

“I’m excited to join the PROOF Research team that I’ve known and loved for many years,” said Murphy. “Being no stranger to the capabilities of their barrels and rifles, the company is leading the industry with innovations in technologies for next-generation weapon systems and unlocked performance previously unimaginable. It is an exciting time to be in the small arms industry and to join the great team at PROOF. I look forward to being a part of the company’s continued success.”

In his new role as director of sales and marketing, Murphy will focus on expanding PROOF Research’s sales efforts and strengthening relationships across different markets. His combination of industry leadership and firsthand knowledge of PROOF’s products and technologies positions him to help drive the company’s ongoing growth. Murphy’s addition to the team comes as PROOF Research continues to advance its lineup of next-generation small-arms technologies designed to deliver exceptional performance.

For more information about Proof Research, visit ProofResearch.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Garmin Acquires Applied Ballistics, a Leading Provider of Research and Technology for Long-Range Shooting

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) has acquired Applied Ballistics, a leading provider of ballistic research, projectile data and integrated solver technologies dedicated to enhancing accuracy. The acquisition extends Garmin’s ability to provide comprehensive solutions for customers across its tactical, shooting sports and hunting markets.

“Applied Ballistics is a natural complement to Garmin’s outdoor and tactical product portfolio. Building on a successful relationship spanning nearly 10 years, this acquisition brings industry-leading software, proprietary projectile data and precision firing solutions in-house. By bringing our teams together, we can accelerate innovation and deliver even more capable, integrated solutions to customers who depend on accuracy.” —Brad Trenkle, Garmin Co-Chief Operating Officer

Applied Ballistics develops professional-grade ballistic solvers and radar-validated projectile models for hunters, competitive shooters and other long-range customers. The company continues to expand its ecosystem of connected products, helping users improve accuracy, better understand their equipment and share trusted ballistic data across devices and applications—providing an unparalleled, science-based approach to long-range shooting.

Headquartered in Howard City, Michigan, the Applied Ballistics portfolio includes the Applied Ballistics Quantum app, a premier ballistic solver and ecosystem management program that enables users to optimize their performance and make informed decisions. Financial terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the aviation, automotive, fitness, marine and outdoor markets. Dedicated to helping people make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

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

GA-ASI Opening a New Facility in Dayton, Ohio

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026

World Leader in Uncrewed Aircraft Establishing an Innovation Hub for Hardware and Software Development Supporting USAF Programs

DAYTON – 14 September 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the world leader in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, JobsOhio and the Dayton Development Coalition today announced that GA-ASI is expanding its footprint with a new 22,000-square-foot innovation hub in Dayton, Ohio, focusing on hardware and software development for U.S. Air Force (USAF) programs. With the support of Synergy Building Systems, the new facility will open in Spring 2027 near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), home to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

The new facility is in addition to GA-ASI’s existing location outside WPAFB that opened in 2014. The addition will expand GA-ASI’s local footprint by more than seven times the existing square footage. It is expected to employ 50 full-time employees initially, drawn primarily from the local community, with support from JobsOhio and the Dayton Development Coalition, which will help promote and fill these new positions. Anyone interested in applying for a position at GA-ASI should go to www.ga.com/careers.

“GA-ASI’s decision to choose Ohio for its new innovation hub speaks to Ohio’s aviation heritage and the ingenuity of our people,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This continued growth is part of a long-term strategy to deliver the facilities, infrastructure and talent necessary to ensure UAS pioneers can scale operations and succeed here in Ohio.”

The facility will serve as a central hub for open, modular, and affordable hardware, software, and autonomy development, supporting rapid prototyping, integration, and testing of next-generation UAS capabilities. It will also feature a state-of-the-art mission operations center, enabling remote flight control of GA-ASI aircraft, as well as experimentation, training, and demonstration activities in close coordination with the company’s USAF and industry partners.

“Growing our footprint in Dayton allows GA-ASI to bring its long-standing UAS and sensing expertise to a region recognized as a premier center for advanced technology. This expansion will enable closer collaboration with local industry and more frequent interaction with our U.S. Air Force customer,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.

“GA-ASI’s latest investment in Ohio reinforces our state’s vital role in strengthening America’s national defense,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “In partnership with the Dayton Development Coalition, we welcome this cutting-edge facility, which will advance critical aircraft hardware and software systems, create 50 new jobs in Beavercreek, and position GA-ASI closer to its private-sector partners and customers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.”

Ohio’s Aerospace & Defense sector is built for the speed our mission now demands. More than 640 aerospace facilities and 400 defense contractor organizations — supporting 418,000 jobs and roughly $55 billion in annual economic output — operate in collaboration with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the NASA Glenn Research Center, and the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE). That concentration shortens the distance from concept to manufacturing: in Ohio, companies can dream it, build it, test it, and scale it without leaving the state.

Synergy Vice President John Kopilchack said: “We are very excited to welcome General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. into our growing Synergy Defense portfolio. Synergy remains committed to clients like GA-ASI who are inventing and pioneering modern solutions for our warfighters.”

GA-ASI has been a supplier of UAS, including the Predator® and Reaper® platforms, to the U.S. Air Force for the past 30 years. In June, GA-ASI was awarded a production contract from USAF to build the new FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a purpose-built uncrewed fighter jet developed as part of ongoing investment in next-generation semi-autonomous combat aircraft.

JobsOhio plans to provide assistance for the project, which will be made public after a final agreement is executed. In addition, the project may pursue a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Department of Development at a future Tax Credit Authority meeting.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Manufacturing, Press Release | Comments Off on GA-ASI Opening a New Facility in Dayton, Ohio

American Rheinmetall Selected to Support US Marine Corps with Advanced Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Sunday, September 13th, 2026

Auburn Hills, MI — American Rheinmetall has been awarded a $7.28M contract to support the U.S. Marine Corps through the manufacture and delivery of Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs), associated Marine Kits, and supporting equipment. The procurement is being executed through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) with ADS Inc. serving as the prime contractor in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL).

The effort includes the delivery of 12 Mission Master SP A-UGVs and five amphibious kits, marking the most advanced Mission Master configuration developed by Rheinmetall to date. The vehicles will support continued operational evaluation, experimentation, and capability development as the Marine Corps expands its autonomous logistics and expeditionary mobility initiatives.

“This award represents a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with the United States Marine Corps,” said Matt Warnick, CEO, American Rheinmetall. “For more than four years, we have worked side-by-side with Marines to mature, refine, and advance autonomous ground capabilities. The Mission Master SP captures the full breadth of those lessons learned and showcases Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, reliable, and mission-ready autonomous systems.”

President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada Pietro Mazzei said, “This collaboration between Rheinmetall colleagues enables the U.S. Marine Corps to deploy the Mission Master SP in multi-domain environments and continue to push boundaries of Canadian innovation”.

A New Phase in Marine Corps Autonomous Capability Development

The new Mission Master SPvehicles incorporate Rheinmetall’s PATH autonomy architecture, expanded vehicle characterization, and modular payload integration. The systems also feature the Marine Kit—an upgrade enabling reliable, extended amphibious operations in littoral environments. The combined enhancements represent the latest evolution of the Mission Master family, driven by extensive user feedback, developmental testing, live-fire events, and operational experimentation.

The procurement includes a comprehensive suite of program management, engineering support, logistics coordination, technical documentation, operator training, and acceptance testing. Work will be led by American Rheinmetall in the United States with engineering and production support from Rheinmetall Canada, the original equipment manufacturer and technical partner.

Supporting Strategic U.S. Autonomy Initiatives

This effort aligns closely with American Rheinmetall’s strategy to expand U.S.-based autonomous ground vehicle capabilities and advance long-term technology transfer. It also supports the ongoing development of American Rheinmetall’s Maine facility as a future U.S. Advanced Land Autonomy Center of Excellence (ALACOE) focused on PATH integration, production, sustainment, and lifecycle support.

While this procurement does not immediately require facility expansion, it represents an important step toward future U.S. manufacturing, workforce growth, and long-term sustainment activities.

Strengthening Marine Corps Readiness and Modernization

The Mission Master SP systems will contribute to the Marine Corps’ efforts to enhance autonomous logistics, enable distributed operations, and extend operational reach while reducing personnel exposure to risk. The vehicles are designed to support emerging concepts related to expeditionary advanced base operations and multi-domain operations.

This effort builds on several major milestones, including:

• More than four years of collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps

• Successful fielding of twelve Mission Master systems supporting Fleet Marine Force operations

• Development and integration of the Marine Kit for amphibious tasks

• Integration and fielding of the Fieldranger Remote Weapon Station

• Ongoing expansion of PATH autonomous capability development

• Future establishment of American Rheinmetall’s ALACOE initiative

This award reflects the deep collaboration between American Rheinmetall, Rheinmetall Canada, and the U.S. Marine Corps, and underscores the collective commitment to advancing autonomous ground technologies that empower Marines in the field. With the Mission Master SP, American Rheinmetall is poised to continue supporting the Corps’ modernization objectives with proven, mission?ready systems.

www.rheinmetall.com/americanrheinmetall

Posted in Industry, Maritime, Press Release, Robotics, Unmanned Systems, USMC | No Comments »

5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Brand Joins Nationwide Movement Honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department Firefighters Lost on September 11, 2001COSTA MESA, Calif. (September 9, 2026) – 5.11®, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, today announced its partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in support of #ForThe343, a nationwide movement inviting Americans to honor the 343 New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, as well as the firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the years since.

As an official #ForThe343 Tribute Partner, 5.11 is supportingNFFF and using its platforms and community to help raise awareness and encourage participation in the campaign as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of September 11.

For more than two decades, the NFFF’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs have brought firefighters and communities together to climb 110 stories—the height of the World Trade Center towers—in tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who died in the line of duty on September 11.

This year, NFFF is expanding that tradition through #ForThe343, giving people across the country an opportunity to participate regardless of where they live or whether they can attend an organized stair climb. Participants are encouraged to climb the equivalent of at least one flight of stairs, share a photo or video on social media using #ForThe343, and challenge three others to continue the tribute.

The movement is already gaining significant momentum. According to NFFF, participants have collectively climbed more than 100,000 flights of stairs in honor of the campaign, with participation continuing to grow ahead of September 11.

“5.11 has always had a deep connection to the first responder community, and supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and #ForThe343 is incredibly meaningful to our entire organization,” said Will Ayres, Vice President of Professional Sales. “Twenty-five years later, we have a responsibility to continue honoring the courage and sacrifice of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since. We hope to use the strength of the 5.11 community to help carry their memory forward and inspire even more people to step up, participate and ensure we never forget.”

The #ForThe343 campaign builds upon NFFF’s longstanding 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb tradition. More than 115 official Memorial Stair Climbs are taking place nationwide, including events in major markets and at landmark venues across the country. For the first time, however, participation extends far beyond organized events, allowing anyone to honor the fallen from a firehouse, gym, workplace, neighborhood or home.

“At the NFFF, we believe remembrance is a shared responsibility, and we are proud to have 5.11 stand with us in honoring our fallen heroes and ensuring they are never forgotten,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, their support is helping us carry that promise of remembrance across the country and inspire people everywhere to join the #ForThe343 movement. Together, we can honor the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, one climb at a time.”

5.11’s support of #ForThe343 reflects the brand’s longstanding commitment to serving and supporting first responders and the communities they protect. Through its partnership with NFFF, 5.11 is helping amplify a simple but powerful call to action: climb, remember and challenge others to do the same.

Those unable to climb can participate by walking, running, biking or sharing a tribute in remembrance. Supporters can also contribute directly to NFFF, helping fund programs that honor fallen firefighters, support Fire Hero Families and strengthen the fire service community.

To participate in #ForThe343, find an official Memorial Stair Climb or learn more, visit ForThe343.org.

Posted in First Responders, Industry, Nonprofit | Comments Off on 5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343

Twenty-Six Defense to Strengthen Innovation and Domestic Manufacturing for America’s Warfighters

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Elbit Systems Ltd. strengthens long-term commitment to the U.S. defense market through evolution of its U.S. operating segment

FORT WORTH, Texas — Sept. 9, 2026 — The U.S. operating segment of Elbit Systems Ltd., will now operate as Twenty-Six Defense. This evolution reflects the company’s continued focus on supporting its U.S. customers through strong domestic design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

Twenty-Six Defense is an American defense company that employs 3,300 Americans who have supported the U.S. military for more than three decades.

“Launching Twenty-Six Defense underscores our growth in the American market and reinforces our commitment to supporting U.S. warfighters, wherever the mission takes place,” said Luke Savoie, president and CEO of Twenty-Six Defense.

This change reinforces the company’s deep commitment to domestic production at a time when the U.S. government is calling for increased industrial capacity and speed. Twenty-Six Defense will remain focused on supporting national security by delivering relevant, reliable capabilities with agility.

“We will increase domestic customer value as we expand manufacturing and invest in mission-critical technologies,” Savoie added. “The name Twenty-Six Defense was selected to symbolize strength, resilience and durability, drawing inspiration from the atomic number of iron.”

“For more than 30 years, the United States has been a very important market,” said Bezhalel Machlis, CEO of Elbit Systems Ltd. “We have implemented this new organizational structure for the company’s U.S. segment to better serve our American customers and partners—reinforcing our commitment to American-led innovation and a strong U.S. defense industrial base.”

Combat-proven technologies and solutions developed by Elbit Systems Ltd. will continue to be offered to the U.S. market under the Elbit America brand, which operates as a subsidiary of Twenty-Six Defense.

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, remains a reportable operating segment of Elbit Systems Ltd. and continues to operate under a Special Security Agreement.

Written by: Amy Hartley

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Edgar Brothers Collects the Keys to Its New Headquarters and National Defence Manufacturing & Innovation Centre

Monday, September 7th, 2026

Macclesfield, Cheshire — 3 September 2026

Edgar Brothers has collected the keys to its new headquarters and National Defence Manufacturing & Innovation Centre (NDMC). Fit-out of the building will now begin.

The purpose-built 70,000 sq ft facility is eight miles from the current Macclesfield site. Operations will continue there while the new building is fitted out, with the full move due to be completed in Q1 2027.

The NDMC supports the firm’s plans for continued growth in contracting and distribution, whilst allowing for moves in to manufacturing, testing, education and training. That means British jobs and a stronger UK industrial base as the company enters its 80th year.

“Proud day today as we picked up the keys to our new Edgar Brothers NDMC and Headquarters. There’s still plenty of work ahead to turn it into the finished product, but it feels fitting that as we move into our 80th year we now have a place that will be as impressive as our history. On a personal level, it feels real now. I couldn’t be prouder of every member of the team who has played a massive part in getting us here. Roll on 2027!”

IAN GORDON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, EDGAR BROTHERS

edgarbrothers.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

VG-Standard Connectivity Solutions at DVD 2026

Saturday, September 5th, 2026

~ WireMasters to highlight resilient supply chains and solutions for defence manufacturers ~

Military interconnect specialist WireMasters will showcase its portfolio of VG-standard wire, cable, connectors and harness components at DVD 2026, the UK’s flagship defence exhibition for land equipment on September 16-17, at UTAC Millbrook. The company will engage with defence manufacturers, systems integrators and procurement professionals to discuss the evolving connectivity requirements of modern military platforms.

As defence procurement programmes continue to evolve, manufacturers are under growing pressure to secure reliable supplies of mission-critical interconnect components throughout lengthy procurement cycles.

At DVD 2026, WireMasters will highlight its portfolio of VG-standard wire, cable, connectors, heat shrink tubing and other harness components. Developed to meet German military (VG) specifications, these products provide standardised and compatible, connectivity solutions for defence vehicle electrical systems, helping improve interoperability, reliability and long-term maintainability across military platforms.

Combined with its extensive inventory and established supplier network, WireMasters helps customers improve component availability and minimise supply chain disruption. By working with multiple approved market leading manufacturers, the company provides greater flexibility while helping safeguard programmes against shortages and fluctuating lead times.

“Customers are looking for suppliers that can offer dependable stock availability, stable pricing and confidence that the components they need will be there when they are needed most,” said Darren Scott, sales executive at WireMasters. “By maintaining stock and working with multiple approved manufacturers, we’re helping customers build greater resilience into their supply chains.”

WireMasters expects discussions at the exhibition to explore how the growing adoption of uncrewed systems is reshaping defence requirements and creating new opportunities for suppliers of specialist interconnect solutions. As these technologies evolve, resilient supply chains and trusted supplier relationships will remain essential to supporting future military capability.

Visitors to DVD 2026 can meet the WireMasters team at Stand C3-D06 to discuss current and future defence projects, explore its portfolio of VG-standard interconnect solutions and learn how the company’s supply chain expertise can help strengthen resilience across defence procurement programmes. To learn more about WireMasters’ defence capabilities, visit its website.

Posted in Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »