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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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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
ITASCA, IL – July 24th, 2026 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of General (Ret) Joseph L. Votel to its Board of Directors. General Votel brings a distinguished record of military leadership, strategic expertise, and a lifelong commitment to serving the nation’s warfighters.
General Joseph L. Votel is a retired U.S. Army Four-Star officer and former Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), where he was responsible for U.S. and coalition military operations in the Middle East, the Levant, and Central and South Asia. During his 39 years in the military, he commanded special operations and conventional military forces at every level. His career included combat operations in Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Notably, he led a 79-member coalition that successfully liberated Iraq and Syria from the Islamic State Caliphate. Prior to his assignment at CENTCOM, he served as Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
Following his retirement from military service, General Votel served as President and CEO of Business Executives for National Security (BENS). He currently serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards and advisory organizations, including AeroVironment, Minnesota Wire, DC Capital Partners, NtelSec, Insight Partners, and the Middle East Institute. He is also the Distinguished Chair of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Paul C. Darley, Chairman and CEO, commented, “We are so honored to have General Votel join our board. His life of selfless service to our country, serving our warfighters in JSOC, SOCOM and CENTCOM will help us to better serve our Department of War customer base.”
General Votel stated, “I am really excited to join Darley and be a part of this legendary company that does such great work for our first responders and military.”
General Votel’s appointment reflects Darley’s ongoing commitment to building on the strength of its Board of Directors with experienced leaders who provide strategic guidance and oversight in support of the company’s long-term direction and continued success.
Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.
The Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program has proven its ability to bypass bureaucratic delays and deliver capabilities directly to the warfighter.
By transitioning over 100 critical technologies to date, APFIT ensures the Department of War maintains absolute battlefield dominance.
The FY27-1 APFIT selection cycle is now open!
Reach out directly by emailing osd.apfit@mail.mil or schedule a virtual meeting with the APFIT team on the website: ac.cto.mil/apfit
– Via DoW CTO
