POL-TEC recently signed a contract to supply the German Bundeswehr with Pepperball TCP Pistols and Ammo.
The TCP (Tactical Compact Pistol) is a PepperBall launcher that gives offers a multi-shot, non-lethal capability.
The Value of the contract is 3.6 mil Euro.
We are pleased to announce that Neros Technologies, an enterprising start-up establishing their own unique niche in the defense and aerospace manufacturing industry, has chosen Manufacturo as its manufacturing solution provider.
Neros is on a mission to build effective, practical, unmanned systems that keep military deterrence viable and directly save American and allied lives on the battlefield. The young, ambitious company aims to be a leader in the restoration of our country’s depleted industrial base, building back up the gaps in American supply and manufacturing.
Neros has hit the ground running, recently breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art factory in El Segundo, California. Manufacturo’s integrated manufacturing management solution was a natural next step in their growth and expansion, with an end-goal of building a new generation of drones from an American supply chain at scale.
Manufacturo’s cloud-based platform provides Neros with the right combination of tools and technology to manage and synchronize their production lifecycle, achieve operational efficiencies, and simplify the complexities of high-volume UAV manufacturing.
As a young company looking to iterate and scale production, we needed a partner that could move at our speed and provide an integrated manufacturing management solution that was flexible, agile, and meets our unique needs and requirements
Manufacturo ‘s all-in-one system checked all those boxes, providing us with operational efficiencies across our production and supply chain. From the start, Manufacturo was highly engaged, honest and transparent, showed a genuine interest in our sustained success. We are very excited to partner with their team and grow our relationship.
– Soren Monroe-Anderson
CEO & Co-Founder at Neros
It’s an honor to be selected as Neros’ manufacturing solution system provider, supporting a noble mission to meet soldiers’ needs and help keep them safe. Secondarily, helping them achieve their goal of a supply chain and production process that is American based. We are very excited to be joining Neros on their journey, closely collaborating with a truly impressive organization that’s making a difference where it matters.
– James Montgomery
Chief Product Officer, Manufacturo
San Antonio, Texas – December 13, 2024 – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW™) is thrilled to announce the addition of Chris Greenfield, a highly accomplished U.S. Army Infantry combat veteran, to its expanding team. With 13 years of dedicated service, including three tours in Iraq, Chris brings a wealth of leadership experience that is a tremendous asset to the SOLGW family.
Chris’s military career includes significant roles such as Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and ultimately, Basic Training Drill Sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood. His transition to civilian life has been equally impressive; he began his firearms training career in 2010 and hosted open enrollment classes in 2012. In 2016, he graduated with honors from Sam Houston State University with a BA in History and has since excelled in various industry positions.
Most recently, Chris served as Vice President of Operations at Big Tex Ordnance, where he oversaw daily operations and marketing strategies. His previous role as Director of Marketing and Training at Saddle River Range further solidified his reputation as a leader in the firearms sector.
Kyle Grothues, CEO & Co-Founder of SOLGW™, expressed his enthusiasm for Chris’s appointment: “We always strive to hire the best to build our team. Chris is at the top of his game in marketing and eCommerce, bringing much-needed skills and leadership to the Sons of Liberty family. We look forward to massive improvement in our online experience, bringing it on par with our dedication to unbeatable products, best-in-class warranty, and relentless customer service.”
William Phebus, Director of Sales and Business Development, added, “Chris’s extensive background in both military and civilian leadership uniquely positions him to enhance our sales and marketing initiatives. His expertise in eCommerce and training will not only elevate our brand presence but also empower our sales team to connect more effectively with our customers. We are confident that his contributions will drive significant growth for Sons of Liberty Gun Works and help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
The outdoor footwear industry is ever-evolving, with advancements in technology, materials, and construction methods constantly driving new standards in performance. From enhanced cushioning systems to breathable fabrics and waterproofing innovations, the sector propels rapidly, often outpacing the defence sector in terms of technological progress and performance quality.
Whilst outdoor brands certainly deliver high-performance footwear, many leading products are unsuitable for military use, with aesthetic limitations and operation-specific functionality often overlooked in their design and construction. To meet this need, leading military equipment specialist, Brigantes has joined forces with iconic Italian bootmaker, Asolo, to develop a new line of military-specific footwear. By combining Brigantes’ military expertise with Asolo’s rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation, this line will promise to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of military customers operating in complex tactical environments.
Bespoke Military Footwear
The Asolo Tactical footwear line marks a groundbreaking development in the defence industry, but these two companies are not strangers to collaboration. Brigantes and Asolo have enjoyed several years of successful partnership and have already seen significant success with the development of their flagship product, the Fugitive Tactical GTX boot – an adapted take on Asolo’s Fugitive GTX, with some key adjustments made for military customers. The expanded line of tactical footwear will encompass a broad range of environmental needs, offering six bespoke styles from approach shoes to high-altitude mountain boots, each precision-engineered to support military personnel to perform at their best.
Asolo’s Fugitive Tactical GTX boots have already seen huge popularity within the military community
Traditional Craftsmanship
Pioneers of innovation and creators of the very first Gore-Tex lined mountain boots, Asolo are an established brand who have been influential in shaping the outdoor footwear market. Founded in 1975, this family business has since expanded significantly, becoming renowned for their commitment to traditional craftsmanship, quality materials and cutting-edge innovation. A commitment which has earned them a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Military Expertise
Founded in 2014 by ex-military personnel, Brigantes are specialists in on-the-soldier equipment and a trusted supplier to NATO military, government, and elite police units. With a product range spanning apparel, footwear, vertical movement, signature management, technology, mobility, and sustainment, Brignates unite decades of military experience with advanced technical expertise and keen industry awareness to deliver unparalleled solutions to their customers.
This partnership between the two brands, each experts in their field, will mean that military customers can tap into the best of both worlds when it comes to operational footwear requirements. Asolo’s timeless craftsmanship and technical ingenuity uniting with Brigantes’ extensive intelligence on the subject of operational intricacies. More than just a tactical colour change, the two brands are going in depth with the design considerations for the new line of footwear. The Asolo Tactical range will cover the full spectrum of operational capability, from 6000m Arctic boots to cold weather specific footwear, long distance styles and light and fast approach shoes. Each piece will be designed with the unique requirements of military personnel in mind.
Speak to us
The design and development of this exciting new line is well underway, with stock expected to be available as early as Autumn/Winter 2025. Asolo’s Fugitive Tactical GTX boot is already in existence and available to purchase through Brigantes. If you would like to learn more about this or any of their other equipment offerings, get in touch with them: brigantes.com/contact
CLEVELAND, OH – December 11, 2024 – MMI Textiles Inc., a global diversified supplier of industrial and custom fabrics and textile components with military, tactical, medical, commercial, and apparel expertise, has acquired New Jersey-based manufacturer of knit textiles, Jason Mills, LLC. Effective January 2, 2025, the acquisition instantly expands the MMI Textiles product line, accelerating a key strategic growth initiative for the company.
“We have had the privilege of working with Jason Mills for many years and have tremendous respect for their approach to business, which aligns seamlessly with the culture we’ve built at MMI Textiles,” says Amy Bircher Bruyn, Founder, and CEO of MMI Textiles. “This acquisition marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow and strengthen our position in the textile industry. We are eager to integrate their expertise, resources, and innovation to better serve our customers and address the evolving needs of the market.”
Founded in 1976, Jason Mills is known for its high-performance knits and operates in several major markets, including recreational trade, occupational safety, aeronautical, automotive and marine, healthcare, filtration, and industrial textiles.
“We are proud to announce that Jason Mills has been acquired by MMI Textiles in Ohio,” said Michael Lavroff, CEO and President of Jason Mills, LLC. “Since 1976, Jason Mills has been providing quality fabrics to industries as diverse as healthcare, occupational safety, aeronautical and in recent years to the indoor golf simulator market – and we will continue to provide innovative solutions, quality materials and outstanding customer service to the industries it serves well into the future.”
Together Jason Mills and MMI Textiles will continue to deliver unmatched service to customers, industry innovation and seamless collaboration with all of the company’s partners.
Dan Pezold, president of PezTex Consulting, whose firm assisted MMI Textiles in the valuation, structuring and negotiation of the acquisition notes: “Jason Mills is a great addition to the MMI Textiles portfolio and further expands its product lines, market segments and customer list. MMI Textiles is growing rapidly and continues to develop into a world-class leader in the textile space.”
PezTex is seeking additional acquisition opportunities in the textile industry for MMI Textiles.
Rheinmetall, a leading system supplier for defence technology and Auterion, the leading supplier of drone operating systems, will be working closely together to develop standardised software-based components for unmanned drone systems. The two companies signed an agreement, thereby establishing a long-term co-operation.
The two partners are combining their expertise in order to create a military industry standard for controlling and operating unmanned aerial, land and naval drone systems. The co-operation includes joint product development and sales activities for unmanned platforms. The resulting homogeneous operating system is expected to provide military users with a significant advantage.
As a drone manufacturer, Rheinmetall is drawing on the operational experience gained from the Luna NG and Aladin systems and incorporating it into its work with the customer. Various drone systems from the Düsseldorf-based technology group have already been in service for many years with the German Armed Forces / Bundeswehr and have been deployed in Ukraine for several months.
Dr Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer at Rheinmetall AG, explains: “We see over two hundred different aerial unmanned systems in Ukraine. This makes military training very costly and time-consuming, and system interoperability is not guaranteed. Co-operation with Auterion and the development of a homogeneous operating system will enable the efficient and scalable deployment of unmanned systems. With our approach, there will be no need for system-dependent user training or system-specific integration into an overall system network in the future”.
Lorenz Meier, CEO of Auterion: “In the future, drones will be used in large quantities and, like computers and smartphones, they need a common operating system to make this happen. AuterionOS allows the customer to combine all drones on a common basis and to integrate different manufacturers into a common architecture. Our software stack has already been tried and tested in operation and thus enables software-defined defence”.
KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (05.12.2024)
Jože Kastelic, Managing Director of UF PRO, recentlyprovided valuable insights into UF PRO’s vision and goals for expanding into the US market, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
As part of UF PRO’s long-term strategy, the company is establishing a strong presence in the US, building on itssuccess in Europe. The company’s expansion into theUS is focused on offering its premium tactical clothing to American military, law enforcement, and special forces units, continuing its mission of delivering high-performance, innovative solutions for professionals in extreme environments.
Q: What prompted UF PRO to target the US market as a key focus for expansion?
A: The US market is the largest tactical clothing market in the world, representing immense potential for growth. Over the years, UF PRO has developed a strong foundation in Europe, building its reputation as a premium provider of innovative, high-quality tactical clothing. Expanding further into the US is a natural evolution, supported by a robust logistics framework, growing demand for UF PRO products, and the company’s proven success in the highly competitive European market.
UF PRO has already made a significant impact in the US, with partnerships extending beyond SWAT units to include police departments, DEA teams, NASA laboratories, and a growing base of end consumers. Now, with UF PRO USA Inc. and operating office located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company is making a clear commitment to the US market, supported by a dedicated local team. This team ensures a more personalised approach to US customers, allowing UF PRO to better understand and address specific needs. The expansion is not just a market entry; it’s a strategic move to establish UF PRO as a long-term presence in the American tactical clothing landscape.
Q: What specific goals does UF PRO aim to achievein the US market?
A: UF PRO’s primary objectives in the US include increasing overall sales and market share while establishing itself as a trusted and recognisable brand among military and law enforcement professionals.
Q: How does UF PRO plan to maintain highstandards while scaling in the US?
A: Scalability does not mean compromising on quality or customer service—two pillars that UF PRO is built upon. The company will ensure its standards remain consistent by implementing rigorous quality controls and leveraging its existing expertise.
Having a local team in the US will allow UF PRO to focus more directly on customer needs, ensuring swift responses and culturally aligned communication. The team will also facilitate better after-sales support and closer collaboration with end users, creating a feedback loop that helps improve both service and product innovation.
Additionally, UF PRO’s existing logistical network provides a strong backbone for this expansion, minimising risks during scale-up and maintaining operational efficiency.
Q: What challenges are anticipated in the US market, and how will they be addressed?
A: Although UF PRO is not new to the US market entering directly presents unique challenges. The market is highly competitive, with strong domestic brands and complex regional requirements. Additionally, differences in customer expectations and preferences between the US and European markets demand tailored approaches.
To address these challenges, UF PRO will focus on expanding brand awareness, leveraging its existing partnerships, and highlighting the proven quality and innovation of its products. Building a local team will ensure closer alignment with cultural and operational nuances, enabling the company to provide personalized support and maintain its high standards for customer satisfaction.
Q: How does UF PRO differentiate itself fromcompetitors in the US?
A: UF PRO’s core differentiator is its focus on solving customer problems through superior product design and functionality. The company listens carefully to its customers, understanding their needs and tailoring solutions accordingly. This approach is especially valuable for smaller units and specialised teams who often have specific requirements.
Furthermore, UF PRO stands out in the market byoffering after-sales support that goes beyond industry standards. From rapid response times (often within two hours) to incorporating feedback into product development, UF PRO fosters a deeper connection with its customers. This customer-first philosophy, combined with products that offer exceptional performance for their price, sets UF PRO apart.
Q: What impact will the US expansion have on UF PRO’s operations elsewhere?
A: The US expansion leverages UF PRO’s established presence in the market to amplify the brand’s visibility and reputation both domestically and internationally.
Direct engagement with American end-users will provide invaluable insights, driving product innovation and refinement that benefit professionals worldwide. By combining this closer connection with a strengtheneddistribution network, UF PRO is well-positioned to enhance its ability to meet customer needs across all regions. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership in tactical clothing on a global scale.
Q: How will direct market entry complement UF PRO’s existing distribution network?
A: UF PRO’s direct entry into the US market is designed to complement and enhance the work of its existing distribution partners.
A dedicated US-based team will provide additional resources to drive brand awareness, offer better support to distribution partners, and engage more closely with end-users.
This strategy will create a stronger ecosystem where distributors benefit from increased brand visibility and direct feedback loops from American customers. By combining its established network with local operations, UF PRO ensures that all efforts contribute to mutual growth without compromising existing partnerships.
Q: What changes are expected in UF PRO’s market approach with the US team?
A: With an already established presence in the US UF PRO’s new team will further strengthen its direct engagement with customers. Acting as a local point of contact, the team will ensure faster, more personalized communication and enhanced support.
While the company’s core principles and operational approach remain consistent, the US-based team will provide deeper insights into market-specific needs and challenges. This localised presence will allow UF PRO to adapt more effectively to the demands of the American market while maintaining the high standards that have earned it recognition globally.
Q: Which events and trade shows will UF PRO prioritise in the US?
A: UF PRO plans to attend a mix of large-scale industryevents, such as the SHOT Show, and more specialists gatherings like SWAT competitions and sheriff’s department showcases. These events allow UF PRO to engage directly with key decision-makers and end users, fostering stronger relationships and increasing brand visibility.
Q: How will event participation strengthen UF PRO’s presence in the US, and what goals does the company aim to achieve?
A: Participating in events is vital for UF PRO to build connections, gather feedback, and demonstrate product capabilities. These interactions allow the company to refine its offerings and establish trust with keys stakeholders. By educating potential customers about its unique tactical clothing and fostering long-term relationships, UF PRO positions itself as an active participant in the professional community it serves. Events also provide a platform to showcase innovation and solidify its reputation as a premium provider in the industry.
Q: What is UF PRO’s vision for its position in the global market?
A: UF PRO aims to solidify its position as the premier choice for tactical clothing among military, law enforcement, and professional users worldwide. Thecompany is committed to excelling across all three channels—B2G, B2B, and B2C—ensuring its products meet the diverse needs of government organisations, businesses, and individual professionals alike.
To achieve this, UF PRO focuses on expanding its global market presence through targeted marketing, strategic partnerships, and a direct-to-consumer approach that emphasises user engagement and satisfaction. By continuously innovating and tailoring its solutions for specialised units, large organisations, and individual operators, UF PRO reinforces its reputation for exceptional performance, reliability, and versatility in tactical clothing.
This multi-channel strategy enables UF PRO to remain adaptable, serving a wide range of customers while maintaining the high standards that have established its global reputation.
Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, and OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT and frontier AI models such as GPT 4o and OpenAI o1, are proud to announce a strategic partnership to develop and responsibly deploy advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for national security missions. By bringing together OpenAI’s advanced models with Anduril’s high-performance defense systems and Lattice software platform, the partnership aims to improve the nation’s defense systems that protect U.S. and allied military personnel from attacks by unmanned drones and other aerial devices.
U.S. and allied forces face a rapidly evolving set of aerial threats from both emerging unmanned systems and legacy manned platforms that can wreak havoc, damage infrastructure and take lives. The Anduril and OpenAI strategic partnership will focus on improving the nation’s counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) and their ability to detect, assess and respond to potentially lethal aerial threats in real-time. As part of the new initiative, Anduril and OpenAI will explore how leading edge AI models can be leveraged to rapidly synthesize time-sensitive data, reduce the burden on human operators, and improve situational awareness. These models, which will be trained on Anduril’s industry-leading library of data on CUAS threats and operations, will help protect U.S. and allied military personnel and ensure mission success.
The accelerating race between the United States and China to lead the world in advancing AI makes this a pivotal moment. If the United States cedes ground, we risk losing the technological edge that has underpinned our national security for decades. The decisions made now will determine whether the United States remains a leader in the 21st century or risks being outpaced by adversaries who don’t share our commitment to freedom and democracy and would use AI to threaten other countries. Bringing together world-class talent in their respective fields, this effort aims to ensure that the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community have access to the most advanced, effective, and safe AI-driven technologies available in the world.
“Anduril builds defense solutions that meet urgent operational needs for the U.S. and allied militaries,” said Brian Schimpf, co-founder & CEO of Anduril Industries. “Our partnership with OpenAI will allow us to utilize their world-class expertise in artificial intelligence to address urgent Air Defense capability gaps across the world. Together, we are committed to developing responsible solutions that enable military and intelligence operators to make faster, more accurate decisions in high-pressure situations.”
“OpenAI builds AI to benefit as many people as possible, and supports U.S.-led efforts to ensure the technology upholds democratic values,” said Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO. “Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects U.S. military personnel, and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free.”
Anduril and OpenAI’s shared commitment to AI safety and ethics is a cornerstone of this new strategic partnership. Subject to robust oversight, this collaboration will be guided by technically-informed protocols emphasizing trust and accountability in the development and employment of advanced AI for national security missions.
