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American Rheinmetall Systems Joins American Rheinmetall as a Unified Business Entity

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

American Rheinmetall Systems (ARS) is pleased to announce that it will now operate under the unified name American Rheinmetall, aligning with the company’s broader strategy to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and deliver greater value to its customers across the defense industry.

This move strengthens American Rheinmetall’s position as a leading U.S. defense partner by integrating the exceptional capabilities of the Biddeford, Maine team into the broader American Rheinmetall enterprise. The change does not impact current contracts, programs, or services secured by American Rheinmetall Systems. Existing customers will continue to receive the same world-class support as part of a more connected, large scale, and capable organization.

“American Rheinmetall Systems has long been a cornerstone of Rheinmetall’s U.S. operations proudly operating in Maine where we are committed to remaining and growing,” said Matt Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall. “ARS has a deep legacy of innovation and expertise that will continue to thrive while new opportunities for synergy and growth will arise for the Biddeford facility as part of the larger American Rheinmetall enterprise.”

With decades of experience in electronic mission systems and components, the Biddeford team supports next-generation modernization priorities for the U.S. Armed Forces. As a leader in the development and production of crew-served and vehicle-based EO/IR systems, remote weapon station components, airburst ammunition programing units, and counter-UAS solutions, among other technologies, the company adds tremendous value to American Rheinmetall’s growing portfolio.

“Bringing ARS into the core of American Rheinmetall reinforces our commitment to delivering solutions for combat readiness as a prime OEM and Tier 1 supplier focused on Army modernization and American Manufacturing,” added Jason Atkinson, President of American Rheinmetall.

This natural transition marks an exciting step forward in American Rheinmetall’s continued growth, adding scale, capabilities, and synergy that drives new opportunities across the enterprise.

www.rheinmetall-us.com

Darley Welcomes Jim Johnson to Fire Advisory Board

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

ITASCA, IL – July 9, 2025Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Johnson to its Fire Advisory Board. Jim Johnson brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise in serving the fire industry.

Jim Johnson served as President of Pierce Manufacturing from 2010 to 2023. He also served as an Executive Vice President of Oshkosh Corporation and President of Oshkosh’s Fire & Emergency business segment with responsibility for the Frontline, Maximetal and Oshkosh Airport Products brands in addition to Pierce. Most recently, Jim served as the President of the company’s Vocational business segment with the added responsibility for Oshkosh’s refuse vehicles, airport ground support equipment, utility, and concrete truck brands in addition to his Fire & Emergency responsibilities before retiring in 2024. Jim started his career in Indianapolis as an attorney practicing commercial litigation.

“We are truly honored and proud to have Jim Johnson join our Fire Advisory Board,” said Paul Darley, CEO of Darley. “We have been business associates and close friends for almost 20 years. He is a strategic visionary with an eye toward innovation and people. Under his leadership, Pierce grew to be the largest company in the fire industry. Jim’s combination of operational experience, legal mindset, executive presence, sound ethical corporate governance, and industry experience make him an invaluable board member.”

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Announces Major Growth in 2025: New Hires, Dealer Expansion, Law Enforcement Milestones, and the Launch of the MK1

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

San Antonio, TX – July 8, 2025 – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), maker of the World’s Finest Fighting Rifles, is proud to announce several key developments from Q2 2025 that mark a period of unprecedented growth and expansion across military, law enforcement, and commercial markets.

To support the company’s continued upward trajectory, SOLGW has made two strategic hires: Sean Murphy has joined as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, bringing a decade and a half of industry experience in sales, marketing, training and business development roles. Scott Petersen also joins the team at Director of Special Projects, having recently retired from the prestigious U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, and has been working on a range of initiatives from increasing production capacity to pushing the edge of performance on new product development projects.

The company has also seen ever growing presence with law enforcement agencies, with over 60 new agencies adopting SOLGW rifles in the first half of 2025 alone. Among the major successes is the delivery of more than 375 EXO3 rifles for patrol use with a major southeastern US agency, representing one of the largest single-agency deployments in the company’s history.

As demand for Sons of Liberty rifles grows, so too does the reach of our Platinum Dealer Network. In June, we proudly welcomed several elite retailers to the fold, including:

Real Street Tactical (FL)

Midwest Shooting Centers (7-locations across Midwest)

Ray’s Sporting Goods (TX)

Texas Gun Experience (TX)

XCal Shooting Sports (VA)

Shark Coast Tactical (FL)

…and more to be announced.

These partners represent the best in service, training, and community presence—and reflect the same standards of excellence SOLGW demands in our products.

Adding to this momentum is the launch of the MK1 Rifle, SOLGW’s next generation fighting rifle platform, engineered for unmatched reliability and shooting performance, with a multitude of refinements that make the MK1 a premiere option for both professional and civilian applications.

“We’re scaling without compromise,” said Nate Horvath, CEO of Sons of Liberty Gun Works. “Everything we do—from dealer partnerships to law enforcement support to military programs—is driven by a commitment to mission-first performance. Our growth is a direct result of that focus, and we’re proud to be earning the trust of professionals across the country.”

“This is a pivotal moment for Sons of Liberty,” said Mike Mihalski, founder and Chief Product Officer. “We’ve always said we build rifles for people who rely on them when it matters most. That mission is resonating across agencies, units, and responsible citizens alike. We’re grateful—and we’re just getting started.”

For more information on SOLGW products, dealers, or law enforcement programs, visit solgw.com.

Rheinmetall Wins Major Order for Artillery Ammunition – Order Value in the Hundreds of Millions of Euros

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

A European NATO country has signed a multi-year contract with Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RF) Pty Ltd (RDM) in South Africa for the delivery of 155 mm projectiles from the Assegai family and bimodular propelling charges. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2025 and is worth several hundred million euros. Deliveries will begin in 2025 and conclude with final delivery in 2027. The order is the largest in the history of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.

The Rheinmetall Assegai 155mm projectiles and bi-modular propelling charges will be integrated into the customer’s artillery weapon systems, delivering range capability of more than 40,000m with optimal performance in the target area.

“The Rheinmetall Assegai user group is growing rapidly across the globe, and we are delighted that another customer has now also selected Rheinmetall Assegai to be delivered fast and in volume.” says Dr. Frank Dirksen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.

Capacity

Rheinmetall continue to invest heavily into capacity enhancement of existing facilities and establishing new manufacturing facilities which provide the ability to serve the growing demand for modern 155mm projectiles and charges. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of large-calibre ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based Technology Corporation Rheinmetall has been increasing its production capacity since 2022, and aims at producing around 1.5 million 155 mm artillery shells per year by 2027.

Technology

The Assegai suite of projectiles and Charges are qualified and in-service with multiple user nations, providing interoperability and a fast-track integration into service.

The Assegai projectile suite consist of ballistically matched High Explosive, Illumination, Infrared Illumination, Smoke, Pre-formed Fragmented (PFF) and Rocket-Assisted (V-LAP) projectiles.

South African Economic Benefit

“Rheinmetall Denel Munition is a proud member of the South African defence industry, employing more than 2,500 workers across South Africa. Major multi-year contracts like this provide us the ability to continue on our growth path which contribute directly to the South African economy.” says Dr. Dirksen.

About Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM)

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd is jointly owned by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (51 %) of Germany and Denel (Pty) Ltd. South Africa.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd specialises in the development, design and manufacture of large- and medium-calibre ammunition families and is a world leader in the field of artillery, mortar and infantry systems as well as plant engineering.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd invest and support more than 1,500 domestic suppliers including SMME’s which benefit more than 250,000 South Africans.

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Appoints Sean Murphy as Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

San Antonio, TX – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), a leading manufacturer of high-performance firearms and parts, proudly announces the appointment of Sean Murphy as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. This strategic addition to the leadership team follows the recent appointment of Nate Horvath as Chief Executive Officer, signaling a new era of growth and innovation for the company.

Murphy brings a wealth of experience in the firearms industry, having held roles in sales, marketing, training and product management at KGM Suppressors and Nightforce Optics. Additionally, he has extensive experience and success as a competitive shooter in many disciplines including action shooting and long-range disciplines. In his new role at SOLGW, Murphy will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing, aiming to expand the company’s market presence and strengthen its brand recognition. His strategic vision and industry expertise are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing SOLGW’s mission to deliver top-quality firearms to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sean to Sons of Liberty,” said Nate Horvath, CEO. “His deep understanding of the industry and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our values. We look forward to the innovative strategies and leadership he will bring to our team.”

Murphy expressed enthusiasm about joining SOLGW, stating, “I’m excited to be part of a company renowned for its dedication to quality and service. The products are built to perform, and the team holds no quarter on ensuring that standard is met. I look forward to being a part of SOLGW’s continued success, and with the amount going on behind the scenes, our passionate fan base and everyone else will soon find out we are just getting started.”

This appointment aligns with SOLGW’s ongoing commitment to excellence and its mission to provide the world’s finest fighting rifles for military, law enforcement, and civilian customers.

www.sonsoflibertygw.com

CMC Triggers and San Tan Tactical Welcome Jeff Scheider as New Vice President of Sales

Monday, July 7th, 2025

July 2025 – Fort Worth, TX – CMC Triggers and San Tan Tactical, leading innovators in the firearms industry, are pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Scheider as the new Vice President of Sales, effective July 2025. Jeff will oversee sales strategies for both companies, bringing his extensive expertise to further drive growth and strengthen market presence.

Jeff Scheider joins the team with over a decade of experience in sales, business development, and team leadership across several industries, including defense, apparel, and optics. Prior to joining CMC Triggers and San Tan Tactical, Jeff served as National Sales Manager at Primary Arms, LLC. In this role, he successfully led sales strategy and execution across the Southeast U.S., underscoring his ability to drive results and achieve operational excellence.

Jeff’s career also includes key roles at Nine Line Apparel, where he was instrumental in scaling national retail operations. His foundational experience in client relationship management and talent acquisition at Aerotek further complements his robust leadership skills. Jeff’s track record reflects a consistent pattern of driving growth and fostering strong partnerships while leading high-performing teams.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff brings a touch of Southern charm to his role. A native of Coastal South Carolina, he spent four years as a fishing captain during college—a testament to his diverse background and commitment to perseverance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Scheider to our team,” said Jennifer Biegel, CEO and owner. “His extensive experience and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our footprint in the firearms industry.”

For more information about CMC Triggers and San Tan Tactical or to get in touch with Jeff Scheider, please contact him directly at jeffs@cmctriggers.com or jeffs@santantactical.com.

Contacts:

cmctriggers.com

santantactical.com

Jennifer Biegel Returns as CEO/President of CMC Triggers, San Tan Tactical, and SOUSA Optics – Ushering in a New Era of Innovation and Growth

Monday, July 7th, 2025

Fort Worth, TX – CMC Triggers is proud to announce the return of Jennifer Biegel as Chief Executive Officer and President of CMC Triggers, San Tan Tactical, and SOUSA Optics. With a powerful blend of legacy, leadership, and vision, Jennifer’s return marks a bold new chapter for this growing family of firearm and optics brands.

Jennifer began her career in the family business in 2010, playing a pivotal role in transforming CMC Triggers into one of the industry’s most respected and elite trigger manufacturers. Under her leadership, the company experienced rapid growth, expanded its product lines, and became a household name among competitive shooters, military professionals, and firearm enthusiasts.

During her tenure, the company strategically acquired San Tan Tactical, a precision firearms manufacturer known for its superior craftsmanship and innovation, and SOUSA Optics, a rising optics brand committed to performance and durability. These acquisitions expanded the company’s portfolio and positioned the group to deliver a complete firearms solution—from trigger to rifle to glass.

In 2021, Jennifer stepped away from the family business to launch a firearms industry consulting firm and successfully opened her first retail gun store in Phoenix, Arizona. Her hands-on experience as both a strategic advisor and retail operator further deepened her industry expertise and customer insight.

“I’m incredibly excited to be back,” said Jennifer Biegel. “This is more than a business—it’s my legacy and my passion. I’m committed to pushing innovation, empowering our teams, and delivering products that exceed the expectations of today’s shooters. With CMC Triggers, San Tan Tactical, and SOUSA Optics under one roof, we’re uniquely positioned to lead the industry.”

Under Jennifer’s leadership, the companies are poised for expansion into new markets, deeper customer engagement, and continued excellence in quality, service, and performance.

About CMC Triggers

Based in Texas, CMC Triggers is an industry leader in drop-in trigger systems for AR-platform rifles and handguns. Known for exceptional reliability and precision, CMC Triggers is trusted by law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters nationwide.

About San Tan Tactical

San Tan Tactical is a manufacturer of precision-machined firearms and components, proudly made in the USA. Known for innovation, durability, and exceptional design, San Tan Tactical serves both professional and recreational shooters with American-made excellence.

About SOUSA Optics

SOUSA Optics is a forward-thinking optics brand offering rugged, high-performance scopes and sights for hunters, competitive shooters, and defense professionals. Built to perform in the harshest environments, SOUSA stands for strength, clarity, and trust.

Contacts:

info@cmctriggers.com

www.cmctriggers.com

www.santantactical.com

www.sousaoptics.com

MARTE – Main ARmoured Tank of Europe

Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

Key Facts:

MARTE ARGE leading a consortium of 51 entities from 11 EU Member States plus Norway

MARTE project awarded by European Commission with a grant of approximately €20 Mio. from the European Defence Fund (EDF)

Comprehensive Consortium to design the next generation, future Main Battle Tank system

Grant Agreement signed and Kick-Off-Meeting conducted: Project successfully launched

The European defense sector takes a significant step forward with the launch of the Project MARTE (acronym for Main ARmoured Tank of Europe), a cutting-edge and highly promising initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy by addressing the crucial asset of a Main Battle Tank (MBT) System.

Coordinated and led by MARTE ARGE GbR, a joint venture company between KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the MARTE project brings together complementary industrial partners including leading, large entities as well as MidCaps, research institutions and innovative Small and Medium Enitities (SMEs). The ambitious proposal prepared and submitted to the European Commission has been awarded with a Grant from the European Defence Fund of approximately €20 Mio. In addition to the funding granted by the European Commission, the MARTE consortium receives strong support from in total 11 Ministries of Defense (MoDs) as potential future customers. Led by the German MoD, the MoDs from the following Member States are contributing: Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania and Sweden. At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, this initiative expresses the desire for greater strategic autonomy in defense and security matters and thus MARTE represents a strategic investment in Europe’s defense capabilities.

MARTE aims to conduct study and design activities to create a future MBT-System, that adequately meets current and future threats, and the harmonized needs of the European Member States involved. By integrating innovative and disruptive technologies a resilient defense system is to be designed, tailored to the evolving challenges of modern warfare and considering lessons learned from current conflicts.

To achieve this ambitious goal, a consortium composed of 51 legal entities from 12 European Countries (11 Member States plus Norway) has agreed to contribute their respective expertise and gained experiences in the best possible way. MARTE is fostering technological innovation and leveraging cross-border collaboration.

In its role as coordinator, MARTE ARGE takes over the project coordination and manages the project with support of the consulting company Erdyn and a core team of five top-tier defense companies: KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co.KG and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (both Germany), Leonardo SPA (Italy), Indra Sistemas SA (Spain) and SAAB AB (Sweden).

Building on their pertinent and significant know-how and know-why in the field of Main Battle Tanks, each of them manages one of the five technical Work Packages in which the project’s scope has been clustered – with all further companies (see depiction below) contributing with their relevant technical knowledge.

With MARTE ARGE and the European Commission signing the Grant Agreement, the MARTE project started on 01st of December 2024 officially. By conducting the Kick-Off Meeting on 5th and 6th of December 2024 in Stockholm, MARTE ARGE as project coordinator brought together both key stakeholders as well as all consortium partners and launched the project with great success.