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New NP Aerospace UK Defence Facility Opened by Coventry MP

Friday, May 16th, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has formally opened its new 5.73-acre facility in Coventry, supporting UK job growth and global defence needs. The opening ceremony was conducted on Friday 9th May 2025, by Mary Creagh CBE, MP for Coventry East and NP Aerospace’s leadership team and workforce.

Located in Coventry, the 80,000 sq. ft. indoor site and large outdoor space for military vehicle fleets, will enhance vehicle integration, armour production, and engineering capabilities – creating jobs and strengthening the UK supply chain.

Facilities include vehicle assembly, fabrication, customer support and spares, engineering development, specialist equipment handling, machining and final finishing, and sustainable energy production.

The new site is also situated close to NP Aerospace’s armour production site in Foleshill, the area of the city where the company was established as part of Courtaulds Group, approaching 100 years ago.

NP Aerospace is a trusted global supplier of defence-related products and services for UK MOD and global defence forces. With this new facility, NP Aerospace is in the ideal position to deliver greater capacity for UK-based assembly and integration of full or partial defence systems, including vehicles and armour, for military customers and vehicle OEM industry partners. It also demonstrates NP Aerospace’s investment in the development of people, skills, and engineering know-how, whilst supporting growth in domestic and export business.

Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East MP said: “It’s a great pleasure to open NP Aerospace’s latest UK defence facility, here in the heart of Coventry. Last week, the Prime Minister showed he knows what it takes to deliver the deals we need for economic growth. This means well-paid skilled jobs, more money in your pocket, and more access to markets so UK-based companies like NP Aerospace can thrive. By opening this new facility, NP Aerospace is expanding their export capabilities and strengthening the UK supply chain. NP Aerospace already has a strong reputation in this city, in the industry, and internationally. In seeing this new facility for myself, I understand why.”

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, commented: “I’m thrilled to be opening our new UK facility today, and I’d like to thank Mary Creagh MP for joining us to cut the ribbon and mark this important milestone alongside our team. This investment represents a major step forward for NP Aerospace, strengthening the foundations for our continued growth. As a key defence employer in the West Midlands, we remain committed to developing our people, advancing skills and know-how, and expanding our engineering capabilities—delivering lasting benefits to both the region and the wider UK economy.” He added: “For our international customers, this new facility will serve as a central hub to support the continued delivery of our vehicle and armour export programmes, following the acquisition and contract novation activities completed in 2024. For the UK Ministry of Defence, it enhances our ability to deliver on major programmes, including Protected Mobility and Conventional Vehicle fleet contracts such as PMETS and CVSSP, while also reinforcing vital onshore defence capabilities well into the future.”

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Darley Recognized as a US Best Managed Company

Friday, May 16th, 2025

Itasca, IL, May 14, 2025 — Darley is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2025 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private* and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies.

The 2025 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people, as well as maintaining financial performance and governance. Designees drove their businesses forward while remaining dedicated to their people and focusing on their customers. Advanced technology including AI took a center role for most of these companies, to create efficiencies and enhance the quality of products and experiences.

“W.S. Darley & Co. is extremely honored and humbled to be recognized as one of the Best Managed Companies. This award is particularly meaningful because it is reflective of the dedication, professionalism and hard work of our entire management team and the dedication of all our Team Darley members over the past 117 years,” said Paul C. Darley, CEO & President.

Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. They join a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 44 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.

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

Daniel Defense Contributes $30,000 to Support the American Suppressor Association

Sunday, May 11th, 2025

Black Creek, GA—The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is thrilled to announce that Daniel Defense has contributed $30,000 to support ASA’s ongoing fight to protect and expand suppressor rights nationwide. As a Tier 3 sponsor, Daniel Defense continues its steadfast support of ASA’s mission to advocate for suppressor owners at both the state and federal levels.

“Defending the Second Amendment means supporting every aspect of responsible firearm ownership, and that includes expanding access to suppressors,” said Rod Reasen, Chief Executive Officer of Daniel Defense. “Suppressors are an important tool for safety and conservation, yet unnecessary restrictions still exist. The American Suppressor Association is leading the charge to change that, and we’re proud to support their ongoing efforts to remove barriers and secure suppressor rights for law-abiding Americans.”

Founded on the principle of providing professional-grade firearms to the public, Daniel Defense is known for its precision-engineered rifles, pistols, and suppressors. The company has long supported initiatives that strengthen and defend the rights of responsible gun owners, and are in fact one of ASA’s longest serving supporters.

“Daniel Defense’s continued support reinforces the strength of our movement to expand suppressor rights,” said Knox Williams, Executive Director of ASA. “Their commitment helps fuel our advocacy. Whether it’s pushing for 50 state suppressor legalization, countering anti-suppressor propaganda, or ensuring that lawmakers and the public have the facts on suppressed shooting, with Daniel Defense in our corner, we’re able to fight harder and smarter for the rights of suppressor owners nationwide.”

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PropertyRoom.com Awarded Contract with Sourcewell to Provide Online Auction Services for Government Agencies Nationwide

Sunday, May 11th, 2025

PropertyRoom.com, the nation’s leading online auction site for seized, stolen, abandoned, and surplus goods from police departments and government agencies, is proud to announce it has been reawarded a competitively solicited contract with Sourcewell, one of the largest cooperative purchasing organizations in North America.

This continuation of partnership ensures that Sourcewell’s more than 50,000 government, education, and nonprofit organizations can continue to access PropertyRoom.com’s secure, transparent, and efficient online auction services through Sourcewell’s Cooperative Purchasing Program. The process itself is faster and more efficient than the Request for Proposal (RFP) process typically used to secure bids from potential partners.

“We are honored to once again be selected by Sourcewell,” said Aaron Thompson, CEO of PropertyRoom.com. “This renewal affirms our longstanding commitment to delivering reliable, resultdriven auction solutions for agencies nationwide. We look forward to building on this partnership, helping even more communities manage surplus and unclaimed property with ease.”

Under this reawarded contract, PropertyRoom.com will continue to offer public agencies a compliant, competitively awarded procurement solution that eliminates the need for independent solicitations – simplifying surplus property management and asset disposition. Since its founding in 1999, PropertyRoom.comhas served over 4,400 law enforcement and municipal agencies nationwide and has streamlined the auction process to provide a no cost solution and frequent remit of proceeds from those auctions. This technique allows communities across the nation to collect income for infrastructure projects, improvements, and more.

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Leading Australian Defense & LE Contractor Aquaterro Launches Their New E-Commerce Store, Broad Arrow Tactical

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

May 8th, 2025

Aquaterro, a respected name in Australia’s defense and law enforcement industry, has officially launched Broad Arrow Tactical – an e-commerce platform delivering premium tactical gear, outdoor equipment, and apparel to both civilian and professional users.

Leveraging three decades of experience in defense and law enforcement innovation, Aquaterro bridges the gap between military-grade reliability and consumer accessibility. The online store features a curated selection of field-tested products, from the world’s best brands, including rugged backpacks, multi-tools, high-performance clothing, and advanced personal protective equipment.

“Our goal is to make high-quality, mission-ready gear available to Australians who value durability, performance, and design,” said Graeme Bulte, CEO and founder of Aquaterro. “Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, first responder, or someone who appreciates gear built to the highest standards, Broad Arrow Tactical delivers.”

Broad Arrow Tactical will also support Australian manufacturing by prioritising locally made products and partnering with veteran-owned businesses.

With the launch of this online store, Aquaterro expands its footprint beyond defense and government contracts, embracing innovation and entrepreneurship in the consumer market.

To explore the range or learn more, visit: broadarrowtactical.com.au

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International | Comments Off on Leading Australian Defense & LE Contractor Aquaterro Launches Their New E-Commerce Store, Broad Arrow Tactical

BFG Talks Tariff Impacts

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

POOLER, GA. – Blue Force Gear, Inc., the world leader in load carriage equipment innovation, confirms that the tariff talks this year have had no operational or pricing impacts to their brand while reaffirming their longstanding commitment to Made In America manufacturing.

“Since our beginnings in 2004, Blue Force Gear hasproudly manufactured our products on American soil, using American materials, while employing American workers,” said Ashley Burnsed, CEO of Blue Force Gear. “Our commitment to serve the U.S. Armed Forces and U.S. law-abiding citizens with Berry Amendment Compliant goods has always been a central principle of our brand.”

The Berry Amendment requires that gear manufacturers supplying to the Department of Defense must use domestically produced textiles, materials, and components throughout their manufacturing process. Blue Force Gear has producedstate of the art Berry Compliant goods for over two decades, ensuring complete American production from raw materials to finished goods.

As international trade tensions build, and global supply chains and foreign-made equipment faces increased import tariffs, Blue Force Gear remains unaffected due to their “Always Made In America” business standard.

“While others now scramble to relocate production or face rising costs, our customers can continue to count on the same reliable, high-quality equipment with NO PRICE INCREASES related to tariffs,” said Ashley Burnsed. “By maintaining domestic control over our supply chain, we’ve built resilience against global disruptions like the current tariff situation. This allows us to maintain consistent quality, pricing, and delivery timelines for our military, law enforcement, and civilian customers.”

Located in Pooler, GA, Blue Force Gear currently employs over 100 American workers and supports jobs for hundreds more. Blue Force Gear’s vision statement to “Empower everyday heroes with superior mindset, knowledge, and equipment needed to prevail in critical circumstances” is carried out not only by their team of Americans but also by those who trust their lives to BFG.

For more information about Blue Force Gear or any of their product offerings, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com.

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

Victory First Assumes Daily Operations of Ares Gear, Expanding Capabilities in Premium Tactical Equipment

Monday, May 5th, 2025

Fredericksburg, Virginia – May 5, 2025 – Victory First, a leader in firearms training, consulting, and product development, is proud to announce that it has officially agreed to assume all day-to-day operations of Ares Gear, the Ohio-based soft goods manufacturer renowned for its flagship product, the Aegis belt. The transfer of operations is set to begin June 1, 2025.

Ares Gear has long been a respected name in the tactical gear industry, known for producing rugged, high-quality belts and accessories tailored for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. The Aegis belt, in particular, has become a trusted staple in the everyday carry and tactical communities for its innovative design, durability, and functionality.

With this transition, Victory First will oversee all aspects of Ares Gear’s operations, including production, logistics, customer service, and product development. The partnership will allow

Ares Gear to maintain its commitment to craftsmanship and reliability, while leveraging Victory First’s industry expertise, expanded infrastructure, and proven leadership in product innovation.

“We’re excited to bring the Ares Gear brand under the Victory First umbrella,” said Matt Jacques, founder of Victory First. “I have known Jake and used Ares Gear products for years.

Our goal is to not only maintain the legacy and quality Ares Gear customers expect, but to enhance operations and product offerings as we move forward.”

“After nearly twenty years in this field, I can count on one hand the number of people I know who I would trust to carry Ares Gear forward with the same emphasis on quality products and the same level of service that we’ve been able to provide our customers,” said Jake Sebens, owner of Ares Gear. “I’m glad to be working even more closely with Victory First and Matt Jacques; there’s not a doubt in my mind that it’s the best choice for our customers and for our future.”

Current and future customers can expect uninterrupted service, with the same high standards of quality and customer support that Ares Gear is known for. Victory First plans to expand on Ares Gear’s product lines and explore new design innovations while continuing to support and grow the existing catalog.

For more information, visit www.victory-first.com and www.aresgear.com

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GA-ASI Statement on USAF CCA Program Updates

Monday, May 5th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 01 May 2025 – The CCA program represents a groundbreaking new era in combat aviation, and we remain on schedule to test and fly YFQ-42 in the coming months. Over the past three decades, GA-ASI has pioneered more than two dozen different unmanned aircraft types for the U.S. and its allies, including multiple unmanned combat jets flying today, and logged nearly 9 million total flight hours. Our work on YFQ-42 will further expand the field of unmanned aviation, and we remain excited for the future.

We congratulate the Beale AFB community on its selection to support this new era of air dominance, and we look forward to partnering with you as the program progresses. To that end, I’m pleased to announce that GA-ASI will give the Beale community a sneak peek later this summer, with an exhibition of our full-scale YFQ-42 model on display at the Beale Air and Space Expo beginning June 7.

David R. Alexander

President

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Statement on USAF CCA Program Updates