XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Whiskey 7 // New Ownership, Same Mission

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

La Familia,

Telling the story of Whiskey 7.

It’s officially under new ownership—but not new hands.

For those who’ve been with us for a while, I’m not a brand-new face, but you may not know me. And that was by design. My name is Riley, I’ve been quietly working behind the scenes across the tactical space—building gear, leading production, and designing for companies you’ve likely come to trust:

Free State Gear — where I was the only employee. 

Bald Bros — where I served as manager.

And most recently, Whiskey 7 — where I served as Production Manager. 

I’ve lived the grind, the late nights, the trial-and-error, the stitched fingers, and the problem-solving that turns good ideas into gear that lasts. Over time, my role grew— because I gave everything I had to the craft. That same mindset brought me here. 

So what’s changing? Nothing important. And everything that matters.

The same mission remains: gear that’s functional, durable, and made for those who don’t just talk tactics—they live them. But you’ll also see a new life—fresh designs, deeper community engagement, and a commitment to honoring the legacy while forging something entirely our own.

This isn’t a rebrand. It’s a continuation. And the best is yet to come. 

Thank you for being here. Thank you for trusting Whiskey 7.

Our dedicated production team is here with us and they are instrumental in what drives us forward as well.

Now let’s carry on mission.

Riley 

Owner, Whiskey 7

Chemring Group PLC: Acquisition of Landguard Systems

Monday, June 30th, 2025

Chemring is pleased to announce the conditional acquisition of Landguard Nexus Limited (“Landguard”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries Landguard Systems Inc and Landguard Systems Limited (collectively the “Landguard Group”) (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition creates further opportunities for Chemring to enhance the growth of its Roke business.

Acquisition overview

Landguard, based in Fareham, Hampshire, designs, manufactures, and supports, software defined radio (“SDR”) systems and associated security products that enable defence, government, and law enforcement customers to protect crucial operational assets. These specialist systems include high performance tracking products operating across satellite communications, cellular networks and other radio frequency technologies, as well as SDR transceivers which provide flexible and reprogrammable radio capabilities incorporating the latest interoperability standards.

Landguard’s operational agility, and unique technologies, enables it to satisfy customer requirements across the complete product lifecycle of design, manufacturing, and after-sales operational support. The acquisition brings thirty specialist engineers to Roke in addition to a suite of market leading products, unique intellectual property and a range of complementary customer relationships. The current owner-managers of Landguard are expected to remain with Chemring following completion of the Acquisition.

The consideration of up to £20m will be satisfied by a £14m cash payment on completion, funded from Chemring’s existing bank facilities, and cash earnouts totalling up to £6m subject to certain performance targets. In the year ended 31 January 2025, Landguard’s turnover was c.£7m. The acquisition is expected to be marginally earnings enhancing in the year ending 31 October 2026.

Completion of the transaction is subject to approval under the UK National Investment and Security Act.

Opportunity and rationale

The Acquisition creates further opportunities for Chemring to enhance and accelerate growth of its Roke business whilst driving strong operational synergies. The combination of Roke’s Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (“CEMA”) pedigree and Landguard’s modular, high-performance technologies creates a unique UK Sovereign portfolio of Defence, National Security and Law Enforcement products and capabilities that can be immediately shared with Roke’s existing Defence and National Security customers and also used to enhance its significant (>£300 million) international sales pipeline.

Michael Ord, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented:

“The acquisition of Landguard further enhances Roke’s significant operational capabilities and is further evidence of Chemring delivering its strategy of delivering growth through a combination of organic investment and bolt-on acquisitions in high-priority defence and national security markets.”

Sierra Bullets Celebrates Sponsored Shooters’ Success in 2025 Hodgdon Punisher Positional

Sunday, June 29th, 2025

SEDALIA, M.O. – June 26, 2025 – Sierra Bullets congratulates Levi Wilson and Ryan Adams on their outstanding performances in the 2025 Hodgdon Punisher Positional, held June 21 at Severance Training Center in Conway Springs, Kansas. Competing against a group of 106 shooters in this one-day Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match, Sierra-sponsored shooters Levi Wilson and Ryan Adams both placed in the top five of the open division.

Levi Wilson secured third place, and Ryan Adams secured fifth place. Both shooters showcased exceptional marksmanship and consistency throughout a challenging match. The 2025 Hodgdon Punisher Positional featured 20 meticulously designed stages, where shooters had to navigate both man-made barricades and natural terrain. The positional-style match included targets ranging from 350 to 940 yards, most falling within the 800-yard mark, testing precision under varied conditions.

“Sierra Bullets is incredibly proud of Levi and Ryan for securing spots in the top five at the Hodgdon Punisher Positional” said Sierra Bullets’ VP of Marketing and Business Development Andrew Sparks. “It was an intense competition that demanded outstanding skill and precision, and they truly rose to the challenge. We’re grateful to work with such a talented group of athletes and look forward to what’s ahead.”

As both Wilson and Adams continue to distinguish themselves as standouts in the PRS community, their commitment to excellence sets Sierra-sponsored shooters apart as leaders in the sport. Both shooters competed with Sierra’s 6mm 110 grain HPBT/CN MatchKing, demonstrating the bullet’s precision and reliability in competition. Their performances at the 2025 Hodgdon Punisher Positional are a strong demonstration of Sierra Bullets’ focus, delivering unmatched accuracy and consistency in the most demanding precision shooting environments.

Shooters sponsored by Sierra Bullets compete at the highest level with Sierra’s Match/Targetproduct line. Winning takes dedication and determination, which is the heart and soul that goes into every Sierra bullet. To shoot the bullets used by top athletes around the world, shop Sierra Match/Target bullets. Sierra Bullets looks forward to continuing its support of these talented athletes and is excited to see what the future holds for them in upcoming competitions.

For more information on the latest new products and offerings from Sierra Bullets, visit www.sierrabullets.com.

Chemring – Norwegian Feasibility Study moves to Second Stage

Saturday, June 28th, 2025

Chemring’s 2025 interim results announcement, published on 3 June, provided an update on the joint feasibility study between the Norwegian Government and Chemring Nobel, Chemring’s Norwegian subsidiary. This study, which commenced in October 2024, was initiated to assess the feasibility of an additional new production facility to significantly increase the production of military explosives, which are crucial to multiple NATO missile and munitions systems.

The first phase of this co-funded feasibility study investigated the geographic location, infrastructure requirements and environmental considerations of building a new production facility.

Chemring is pleased to announce that the Norwegian Government has confirmed that the study will now progress to its second phase. This concept selection phase will determine the size of the facility, along with the commercial arrangements, and is expected to be finalised next year.

Michael Ord, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented:

“We are delighted that the Norwegian Government has confirmed that this important study will continue to the next phase. This decision is a further indicator of the critical need to rapidly increase capacity across the European defence industrial base.

“This decision is further evidence of Chemring delivering its strategy of delivering growth through a combination of organic investment and bolt-on acquisitions in high-priority defence and national security markets.”

www.chemring.com

GA-ASI Announces Investment in Dutch Technology Innovator Arceon

Friday, June 27th, 2025

Selection Follows Successful Pitch During Blue Magic Netherlands Event

SAN DIEGO – 26 June 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announces an investment in another Dutch business, Arceon, following the inaugural Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event held in November 2024. GA-ASI is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and related mission systems.

GA-ASI selected Arceon following a compelling pitch they made during the BMN event and after detailed business and technology discussions with GA-ASI and GA’s affiliates, General Atomics Energy and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. Arceon joins Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors as companies receiving investment from GA-ASI following the BMN event.

Arceon is revolutionizing high-performance ceramic composites through their innovative, fast, scalable, and cost-effective melt infiltration process. Their cutting-edge Carbeon carbon-ceramic components — engineered for applications such as nozzles, nozzle extensions, leading edges, nose caps, and airframes — are tailored to meet the increasing and rigorous demands of the space and defense sectors.

“We are honored to collaborate with General Atomics in advancing hypersonic development. This milestone marks our official entry into the U.S. defense sector, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate our technology on a global stage. We look forward, with great anticipation, to the journey ahead,” said Rahul Shirke, founder and CEO of Arceon B.V.

“We’re excited to be working with Arceon,” said Brad Lunn, managing director for GA-ASI. “Their technology could have a broad range of applications for GA, from high-temperature engine exhaust materials to hypersonics and fusion containment.”

At the Blue Magic investment and innovation conference in the Netherlands last November, GA-ASI and its partners heard pitches from innovative Dutch companies about the important technologies they are developing. The event was organized collaboratively between GA-ASI, the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Brainport Development in Eindhoven, and Brabant Development Agency (BOM). GA-ASI is delivering eight MQ-9A aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

GA-ASI is continuing to work with the Dutch government and Dutch industry in supporting the growth of technology innovation in the Netherlands and anticipates holding its second BMN event in Eindhoven later this year. The company hosted its first Blue Magic event in 2019 in Belgium, with subsequent events held in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Supacat Asia Pacific Signs a New Strategic Alliance Agreement with ISTEC Services Limited

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

Supacat Asia Pacific, a leading provider of specialist defence vehicles and support solutions has just signed a new strategic alliance agreement with ISTEC Services Limited, a British company with 36 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture, supply and support of complex weapon integration solutions for military platforms, to collectively enhance regional defence and security solutions.

Supacat Asia Pacific welcome ISTEC to Supacat Asia Pacific Global Partners which is a partnership that leverages the strengths of the global supply chain and enables more comprehensive solutions to be offered to better serve regional customers. This strategic alliance brings together Supacat Asia Pacific’s proven expertise in high-mobility defence platforms and ISTEC Services’ specialised technical capabilities with weapon mounting solutions for military use across land, sea and air platforms, thus creating a powerful combination to enhance capability for military, law enforcement and security organisations throughout the region.

ISTEC has over 20 years of expertise providing Supacat UK with weapon mount solutions across the Jackal fleet supporting Urgent Operational Requirements for the UK Ministry of Defence. This strategic alliance ensures that Supacat Asia Pacific can also leverage ISTEC’s expertise to collectively deliver superior integrated defence solutions, whilst expanding their combined technical capabilities and market reach in a competitive defence sector.

Anne Quelch Director of ISTEC Services, added: “We are excited to form a strategic alliance with Supacat Asia Pacific and join their Global Partners, whose reputation for innovation and quality aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence. This collaboration will enable us to deliver enhanced value to our customers while expanding our service capabilities.”

Bruce Tait Managing Director of Supacat Asia Pacific commented: “ISTEC Services represents a significant step forward in our regional strategy. This partnership is in addition to our existing mount suppliers which we will continue to support. It provides additional comprehensive offering to the customers across all environments, by combining our strengths, we can offer our customers more comprehensive solutions and superior support throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is Formally Opened by the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Poland

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced the formal opening of their Production Hub in Poland by Her Excellency, Catherin Godin, the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Poland, at a ceremony held on 23rd June 2025. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities fully operational, Galvion is now able to serve their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

First announced in September 2023 and declared fully operational in April 2025, this major investment was driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions. The opening event was held at the new Gdansk facility, with guests including HE Ambassador Godin, the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Mieczys?aw Struk and other VIPs, customers, partners and selected media, attending the milestone celebration. The event included a formal opening ceremony, followed by factory tours. Guests were able to interact with live models wearing helmets from across Galvion’s broad program portfolio, see Galvion’s product and systems on display, as well as get a glimpse into Galvion’s cutting-edge Warfighter Lab, with a demonstration that showcased work being done with Human Machine Interface through simulated Augmented Reality.

Following recent consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility currently employs over 70 specialists and houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond, supporting Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Mieczys?aw Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship said: “Galvion’s presence confirms that our region is not only a hub for modern business services, but also a place that offers growth opportunities for companies across a wide range of sectors – including those critical to European security. Investments in the defence industry strengthen the region’s economic potential by creating high-quality jobs and attracting advanced technological expertise. As a regional government, we are consistently building conditions that support the successful implementation of such projects.”

Her Excellency, Catherine Godin, Canadian Ambassador to Poland said: “Galvion’s expansion in Poland marks a significant milestone—one that the Government of Canada is proud to support. This facility is not only a testament to Galvion’s innovation and leadership in protective solutions, but also a powerful symbol of the deepening partnership between Canada and Poland. By contributing directly to the safety of those who serve and to the resilience of our collective defence systems, this investment reinforces our shared commitment to security and collaboration. The Embassy of Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service look forward to supporting Galvion’s continued growth in Poland and across the region.”

Jonathan Blanshay, founder and Executive Chairman at Galvion said: “This is a very proud moment for the entire Galvion organization. A lot of time, energy and resources are required to build a1facility from the ground up in a new country, and I am grateful for the dedication of the global Galvion team, as well as the support from our local and regional partner network, so many of whom celebrated this milestone with us.” He added: “It’s a particular honour to have HE Ambassador Godin and Marshal Struk on site to formally open the facility, representing both the proud Canadian foundation of the company and the exciting future growth that our Polish operations pave the way for. We’ve now got facilities and networks across four countries, with a team of over 500 employees. Reflecting on our 23-year history, this stands out as a meaningful and deeply gratifying moment for me.”

Resilient Fuel for a Resilient Europe: Rheinmetall and INERATEC Forge Strategic Partnership for Decentralised Fuel Production

Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

Europe’s fuel supply is entering a new era: critical infrastructures are to be supplied with safe synthetic fuels in the future. INERATEC, a leader in synthetic fuel production, and Rheinmetall, a global technology leader in the defense sector, have signed a strategic partnership to deploy scalable Power-to-Liquid (PtL) solutions across defense and critical infrastructure sectors. This collaboration marks a milestone in building resilient energy systems that operate independently from fossil fuel supply chains and vulnerable infrastructure.

Europe needs secure fuel supply

Modern defense strategies depend not only on technology and logistics but also on energy resilience. As fossil fuel supply chains become increasingly vulnerable in case of conflicts, the ability to produce carbon-neutral synthetic fuels on-site becomes essential. Hospitals, critical infrastructure, and armed forces alike require a stable, independent, and clean fuel supply – in peacetime and during crisis.
The Giga PtX solution delivers secure, redundant and consistent access to high-quality fuel, independent of geopolitical dynamics. Giga PtX lays the groundwork for establishing a sustainable carbon-neutral fuel network all applications that are currently depending on fossil fuels.
Fuel is an everyday essential. In military operations, fuel consumption can reach 20 to 60 liters per soldier per day. Yet fossil fuel logistics, designed for peacetime, are increasingly fragile. Synthetic e-Fuels are the only scalable solution that match the energy density, storability, and versatility of conventional fuels – making them indispensable for modern defense readiness.
“INERATEC makes an important contribution to resilience – and the defense sector is a powerful catalyst to scale resilient, clean technologies,” said Maximilian Backhaus, Chief Commercial Officer at INERATEC. “This partnership proves that energy resilience and defossilization go hand in hand. By delivering scalable Power-to-Liquid solutions for systemically important operations, we demonstrate how European climate tech can play a pioneering role – not only ecologically, but strategically.”
“e-Fuels are more than a technological solution – they are a strategic necessity. With Giga PtX, we are creating a scalable network that strengthens energy autonomy for Europe’s defense forces,” said Shena Britzen, Head of Hydrogen Program at Rheinmetall. “What matters is not just energy security, but the ability to act independently – in logistics, in operations, and in times of crisis.”
With this partnership, INERATEC and Rheinmetall are sending a clear message: Fossil fuel supply chains function in peacetime, but security requires resilience. Giga PtX will demonstrate how synthetic fuels is set to become a cornerstone of energy sovereignty.
By providing access to INERATEC’s PtL systems through the current fuel logistic infostructure, militaries can decarbonize this critical sector with no changes to current vehicle technologies while increasing their flexibility in logistics.