FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

B.E. Meyers & Co. Invited to Present at APFIT Event on Capitol Hill

Friday, August 7th, 2026

AUGUST 6, 2026 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.™ was invited to present the successful results of its APFIT award (Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies) to APFIT program stakeholders in Congress and the Department of War at the Cannon House Office Building on July 21, 2026. Funding from APFIT was used to accelerate production of the Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP), a multi-function, multi-platform aiming laser. This support enabled significant increases in manufacturing throughput and contributed to the successful adoption of the SAL?UHP by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Established in fiscal year 2022, APFIT provides procurement funding for innovative projects that have completed development and are ready to transition into operational use. The B.E. Meyers & Co.™ SAL-UHP is a variant of the DAGIR®?V1, which was tested, validated, and ultimately adopted by USSOCOM as the LA-30, thanks in part to APFIT support. B.E. Meyers & Co.™ and the SAL-UHP were ideal fits for the APFIT program, which is specifically designed to help small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors bridge the “valley of death” between completion of development and large-scale production.

At the APFIT event, Senior Business Development Manager and U.S. Army veteran Chris Austin, along with CEO Matthew Meyers, showcased the SAL-UHP and highlighted the program’s success. Meyers, representing the second generation of family ownership, was joined by third?generation member Jack Meyers, who assisted with the presentation.

The DAGIR® series represents a major advancement in multi-function aiming and illumination technology. It combines a Near-Infrared illuminator with both NIR and visible aiming lasers in a compact, ruggedized system. Engineered with advanced optical design, the DAGIR® series delivers exceptional illumination quality, intuitive ergonomics, and a refined form factor. USSOCOM previously selected the DAGIR®?V1 under the SAL-UHP program, designating it the LA-30 (NSN 5855-01-724-3043). The DAGIR®-V2, which includes an additional visual laser override button, has also been adopted by USSOCOM under the Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (MAL-UHP) contract.

The DAGIR®’s advanced capabilities align closely with the U.S. Department of War’s efforts to maintain and expand U.S. warfighter advantages in night-fighting technology. As a veteran/operated company, B.E. Meyers & Co. is proud to support the enhancement of warfighter night-fighting capability and remains committed to delivering the highest-quality advanced photonics systems for those who serve.

Third generation Meyers family member Jack Meyers with House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA)

CEO and second-generation Meyers family member Matthew Meyers briefing Rep Ken Calbert (R-CA)

U.S. Army Veterans Matthew Meyers and Senior Business Development Manager, Chris Austin

Who We Are:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.™ is a Defense Technology Manufacturer located in Redmond, Washington. As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 52nd year, we are a global leader in tactical laser systems for combat applications, as well as optoelectronic systems for rotary wing aircraft, fixed wing platforms, and UAVs, along with other integrated systems. We are a true “Made in America” operation, with design, development, production, and final assembly occurring in our Redmond, Washington headquarters.  We are proud of our work and who we serve as we evolve critical defense technology and reenergize American Manufacturing.

Who We Support:

Our customers include all branches of US Department of War, US Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies, select US consumer channel partners, international allies in over 50+ countries, as well as defense primes both in the US and internationally.  Our key product brands in these spaces include VSLAP®, IZLID®, GLARE®, MAWL®, DAGIR®, BOARS®, MILR®, KIJI®, and others.

Made in America:

B.E. Meyers & Co.™ operates in multiple market segments as a defense-centric Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) at our core. Our business and our products are:

§     US based

§     US owned

§     Certified SBA Small Business

§     ITAR compliant

§     ISO 9001:2015

§     Made in America

§     Buy American Act compliant

§     Berry Amendment compliant

Strategic Sourcing:
With respect to strategic sourcing amid the U.S.-China trade war, B.E. Meyers & Co.™ is dedicated to an, “Anywhere But China” supply chain policy wherever possible, and especially for key components.

We continually promote efforts to diversify our supply chain, and we also invest in ensuring critical components are stocked to avoid disruptions.

Product Lines:
The DAGIR® series is currently under contract with various US DoW and other entities.
Please see Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting’s overview of the DAGIR® series here, as well as Steele Industries overview here.

For sales information on the DAGIR®, and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or connect with us at info@bemeyers.com.

“DAGIR”, “IZLID”, “MAWL”, “MILR”, “KIJI”, “GLARE”, “DIAL”, and “BOARS” are federally registered trademarks of B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.

Tobyhanna Army Depot Enters First-of-Its-Kind Arrangement for Rapid sUAS Component Production

Friday, August 7th, 2026

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – In a move set to reshape the Defense Industrial Base, Tobyhanna Army Depot signed a landmark cooperative arrangement with a defense industry partner. This arrangement merges capabilities aimed at rapidly advancing domestic manufacturing and military readiness.

The strategic agreement empowers TYAD and Darkhive, a company focused on modern hardware and software solutions for aerospace and defense use, to combine strengths in support of critical Department of War requirements. This cooperative agreement focuses on the future of combat and defense, including the rapid development, production and sustainment of small-unmanned aircraft systems, or sUAS.

“The Organic Industrial Base is the backbone of Army readiness, but the world is changing, and the OIB needs to change too,” said Chris Mohan, commanding general of Army Materiel Command. “We are using new business practices, in coordination with the defense industrial base, to transform ourselves while simultaneously supporting high operational demands for U.S. forces and allies.”

The cooperative arrangement serves as a pioneering use of use of Title 10 of U.S. Code section 7544, which authorizes a working capital-funded Army industrial facility to enter into an agreement with a non-Army entity to carry out a military or commercial project. In this instance, the first time this authority has ever been leveraged by TYAD, the arrangement merges the Army’s premier Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center of Excellence with industry best practices and capabilities.

The arrangement also comes on the heels of the Army’s OIB Transformation Strategy, signed in April 2026, to convert depots, arsenals and ammunition plants from a fragmented, maintenance-focused enterprise into a strategically aligned industrial engine capable of delivering combat-ready formations in competition, crisis and conflict.

“This is more than just a partnership as this agreement represents the future— the first of many designed to close the gap between commercial tech innovators and the military’s Organic Industrial Base,” said Jon Strzelec, AMC advanced manufacturing lead for sUAS. “By combining the speed and agility of the commercial sector with the massive production capability of our depots and arsenals, we are creating a new model for rapid defense innovation and product delivery.”

The agreement enables a dynamic sharing of resources allowing TYAD to utilize its state-of-the-art infrastructure to manufacture cutting-edge parts, perform sustainment services and directly produce industry-standard products for government use.

The arrangement also opens the doors of TYAD to Darkhive personnel, who will be able to lease and operate within the depot’s facilities, tapping into its extensive equipment and production capacity to further research and innovate sUAS technology while also generating working capital funds for TYAD.

“The arrangement allows Tobyhanna Army Depot to take advantage of DIB speed while Darkhive can develop new solutions for the government using OIB production lines that are already established,” Strzelec said. “And this synergistic approach won’t just stop with production of sUAS components.”

This cooperative arrangement is setting a new standard for modern defense collaboration with the OIB, ensuring a more resilient defense industrial base capable of meeting tomorrow’s national security challenges.

By Lindsay Grant

When Industry Leaders Unite, Innovation Follows

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Barrett CEO Bryan James recently met with Strategic Sciences CEO Russ Oliver and President Patrick Kisgen to explore how Strategic Sciences’ advanced technologies can integrate with Barrett systems while advancing the future of shoulder-fired capabilities.

Together, we’re building the next generation of battlefield capabilities and delivering innovative solutions for today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s mission.

United Shield International and NP Aerospace Join Forces to Enhance Support for US Law Enforcement Bomb Disposal Teams

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

NP Aerospace, the global armor manufacturer, has formed a strategic partnership with United Shield International, a US manufacturer and specialist provider of advanced ballistic and blast protection solutions for law enforcement and military customers. The partnership brings together two complementary businesses that will strengthen the delivery and through-life support for the NP Aerospace 4030 ELITE Bomb Suit and Helmet System across the US law enforcement market.

The collaboration combines NP Aerospace’s advanced protective technology and EOD suit capabilities with United Shield International’s specialist law enforcement expertise, established customer networks, and dedicated US-based sales and support infrastructure. Together, the two organisations will provide bomb disposal units with streamlined access to the 4030 ELITE system, underpinned by comprehensive technical assistance and operational training.

Certified to the rigorous US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0117.01 Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard, the 4030 ELITE Bomb Suit and Helmet System is an established solution for global public safety and military agencies. It delivers advanced blast resistance and operational performance alongside exceptional mobility, comfort and is available in five-sizes. This strategic alliance signals a shared commitment to delivering innovative technology backed by expert through-lifecycle support.

The partnership is designed to provide its customers with access to one of only two companies with a bomb suit that meets the NIJ-certified level of accreditation, providing an extensively tested, quality controlled and audited product. Additionally, the collaboration will utilise United Shield International’s dedicated US-based service support, enhanced product demonstrations and training, ensuring responsive aftermarket support designed to maximise operational readiness.

Brian Banducci, President of United Shield International, said, “Bomb technicians operate within the most demanding environments in public safety, necessitating the best equipment backed by exemplary customer support. Through this strategic partnership with NP Aerospace, we are integrating world-class bomb protection systems with a dedicated through-life support framework designed to serve US law enforcement agencies throughout every stage of procurement and subsequent deployment. Our shared objective is to cultivate enduring partnership, providing operators with the absolute confidence that expert technical assistance remains continuously accessible.”

James Kemptston, CEO NP Aerospace, added, “NP Aerospace has established an international reputation for engineering innovative, high performance EOD protective systems designed to address the dynamic requirements of bomb disposal technicians. Aligning with United Shield International marks a pivotal advancement in amplifying the calibre of support accessible to our US Law Enforcement personnel, uniting deep technical engineering expertise with localised operational presence. As modern bomb squads evolve their capabilities, agencies increasingly prioritise trusted partnerships, agile support and long-term asset sustainment alongside core product efficacy. This alliance underscores our mutual dedication to safeguarding those who serve, delivering pioneering solutions reinforced by seasoned EOD engineering professionals.”

Greenside Training Announces Gerald Hooee as New Instructor for CamoStalk360

Monday, August 3rd, 2026

Greenside Training LLC announces a new instructor for the first time in 15 years other than its founder Freddy Osuna. Greenside Training is proud to announce Mr. Gerald Hooee as our newest Premiere Instructor for CamoStalk360™. Gerald is also Handling curricullum design and research.

Welcome to the Team, Mr. Gerald Hooee.

A Marine Corps Scout Sniper, combat veteran, and seasoned sniper instructor, Gerald brings decades of experience developing professionals who must move unseen, observe with precision, and perform under pressure. Hailing from the Zuni Nation of New Mexico, he blends ancient Indigenous fieldcraft with modern human perception and performance science to create an unmatched learning experience.

In CamoStalk360™, you’ll learn that true camouflage isn’t about hiding—it’s about understanding how the human mind detects, processes, and overlooks information.

See. Move. Disappear. His first class August 30- Sept 1st, 2026 Avery Texas.

greensidetraining

B&T USA Scales Utah Manufacturing Operation to Increase Production, Enhance Customer Service and Build a Foundation for the Future

Tuesday, July 28th, 2026

Herriman facility grows from three employees to more than 55 in under a year, bringing design, machining, finishing and shipping under one roof
HERRIMAN, Utah — July 27, 2026 — B&T USA, a premier designer and manufacturer of suppressors, firearms and related accessories, today announced a significant expansion of its Herriman, Utah, operations facility, a buildout that has multiplied the company’s staff, equipment and in-house production capacity in less than a year.

B&T USA began upgrading the 88,000-square-foot facility and expanding staff in the fourth quarter of 2025. At the outset, the operation consisted of just three employees, two industrial 3-D printers and a single CNC machine. Today, the location employs more than 55 staff members and runs nine 3-D printers and seven CNC machines.

The staff expansion has brought aboard customer service representatives with proven experience in the suppressor and firearm industry, more than 20 machinists to run the fully operational in-house machine shop, and dedicated teams for quality assurance, assembly, shipping and receiving, and more.

The result is a facility that now handles product design and development, printing, machining, Cerakoting, engraving and shipping, all from a single location. By pairing an expanded team with leading-edge technology and in-house experts, B&T USA can now produce up to 7,000 suppressors per month, with enhanced quality control and assurance, reduced shipping times and improved customer service.

“For years we’ve been committed to American innovation, engineering, manufacturing and jobs,” said Ridley Key, CEO of B&T USA. “The expansion of our Utah facility with advanced technology, additional equipment and experienced staff provides an unshakable foundation for us to enhance that commitment and to offer elevated service to our customers, retail partners, U.S. military and government partners, and our employees. And we’re just getting started.”Expansion at the facility will continue throughout the year as the brand looks to onboard additional staff across a variety of roles and incorporate more technology and equipment.

To learn about B&T USA, its product offering or employment opportunities, visit www.bt-usa.com.

American Suppressor Association Applauds Major Step For Suppressor Exports

Monday, July 27th, 2026

Washington D.C. – On July 23rd, the Trump Administration posted two coordinated interim final rules, transferring “sound suppressors for non-automatic and semi-automatic firearms” from State Department jurisdiction to the Commerce Department. The new rules, which will take effect on November 20, 2026, will allow American suppressor manufacturers to compete with certain products in commercial markets abroad. 

“With this change, the Trump Administration has taken a major step towards allowing American hunters to travel with their suppressors and American businesses to compete in thriving, well-established international commercial markets,” said Knox Williams, Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “For more than a decade, the ASA has led the charge to legalize the commercial exportation of suppressors. Not only will American hunters be able to better protect their hearing, but this change will also create hundreds of jobs at a time when our country needs them most.”

The effective prohibition on the commercial exportation of suppressors was based on the bureaucratic misconception that suppressors, also known as silencers, are capable of eliminating the noise of a gunshot. Simply put, they cannot. On average, suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by 20 – 35 decibels (dB), roughly the same sound reduction as earplugs or earmuffs.

According to the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), “although firearm suppressors do not completely eliminate the risk of [noise-induced hearing loss] from firearm noise, the risk can be significantly reduced…Therefore, NHCA supports the use of firearm noise suppressors…to reduce hazardous firearm noise exposures.”

Join us in the fight to help protect and expand your right to own and use suppressors by becoming an ASA Member at  www.ASAMember.com.

DoW Updates Naughty List of 130 Foreign Academic and Research Institutions Engaged in Problematic Activities

Saturday, July 25th, 2026

?

The Department of War published its Fiscal Year 2025 update listing 130 foreign academic and research institutions in China, Russia and Iran engaging in problematic activities. The NDAA Section 1286 List serves to counter unauthorized technology transfers and protect taxpayer-funded research.

Effective FY 2026, the Department is prohibited from using any funds for fundamental research that involves collaboration with any entity on the most recent Section 1286 List. The Department advises researchers, academic institutions and industry partners to exercise strict caution regarding collaboration or data sharing with the named entities on the Section 1286 List.

View the Section 1286 List here: www.cto.mil/fy25-ndaa-section-1286-list

– via DoW CTO