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Avon Technologies plc Appoints Vasilios Brachos as Team Wendy President

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

Longtime ballistic helmet leader to guide next chapter of protection, innovation and growth

CLEVELAND, Ohio – July 22, 2026 – Team Wendy®, a leading provider of head protection systems for military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and adventure sports, announces the appointment of Vasilios Brachos as President of Team Wendy, effective immediately. Brachos will also join the Avon Technologies plc Group Executive Committee.

Brachos brings nearly 25 years of experience developing advanced head protection systems and a deep understanding of customer requirements in some of the world’s most demanding environments. This appointment strengthens Team Wendy’s focus on innovation, operational excellence and expanding its presence across military, commercial and international markets.

Team Wendy has built a reputation for innovation in helmet systems, impact protection and wearer performance, combining pioneering ballistic protection technologies with industry-leading traumatic brain injury (TBI) mitigation and comfort solutions. Supported by a highly skilled manufacturing workforce and ongoing investment in innovation, Team Wendy delivers advanced integrated head protection systems designed for demanding operational environments.

Throughout his career, Brachos has worked at the intersection of materials science, engineering and user-centered design. He has held senior technology and product development roles that have contributed to advancements in ballistic helmets, helmet pads, retention systems and soldier-system integration. His experience reflects the same commitment to technical excellence, innovation and customer understanding that has defined Team Wendy for decades.

As President, Brachos will lead the next phase of Team Wendy’s strategy, focused on strengthening its position in core military markets while accelerating growth in U.S. commercial and international markets through new products, operational excellence and outstanding customer service.

Vasilios Brachos, Team Wendy President said: “Team Wendy has a proud heritage of innovation and a strong reputation for protecting those who protect others. I am honored to lead the business at such an exciting time and look forward to working with our talented team to continue serving our customers, advancing new technologies and driving the next phase of growth.”

Jos Sclater, CEO of Avon Technologies plc commented: “We have strong ambitions for Team Wendy’s future. We see opportunities to grow by defending our leadership position in defense markets while increasing our share in U.S. commercial and international markets through innovative products, operational excellence and outstanding customer service. Vasilios is uniquely qualified to lead that next phase of growth. His combination of technical expertise, industry credibility and customer understanding will help us continue bringing new solutions to market and continue helping our customers perform at their best in the world’s most demanding environments.”

Learn more about the mission at teamwendy.com.

Posted in Admin, Helmets, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Wing Group CEO Appointed to US Department of Commerce Trade Advisory Committee

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

Lafayette, CA – The Wing Group is honored and pleased to announce that President and CEO Andrew Branagh has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small Business (ITAC 9). His four-year term became effective on July 16, 2026.

As a member of ITAC 9, Branagh will represent the perspectives of the U.S. small business community. The committee provides industry insights and advice to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative on trade negotiations, the implementations of trade agreements and policies that impact U.S. businesses.

“Manufacturing is a global industry, and thoughtful trade policy plays an important role in supporting innovation, strengthening supply chains, and creating opportunities for businesses to grow, said Andrew Branagh. Far too often, I see situations where there are unfortunate trade policies that create systemic trade barriers. I look forward to contributing the perspective of our industry and working alongside fellow committee members to help shape policies that support U.S. competitiveness.”

Branagh brings more than three decades of executive leadership in manufacturing, operations, and international business. Throughout his career, he has led organizations through global supply chain challenges, strategic growth initiatives, and international market expansion all the while maintaining a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing, workforce development, and product innovation. His experience working with customers, suppliers, and partners around the world provides a valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. manufacturers and small businesses.

Wing Group is the parent company of Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries, Kokatat and Mustang Survival. Together, these companies design and manufacture specialized products that serve military, public safety, commercial marine, and outdoor recreation markets worldwide. Through decades of engineering expertise and technical manufacturing, the group has earned a reputation for delivering trusted life-saving and mission-critical equipment.

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As Europe Faces Rising Heat Waves, Gear Town Named Exclusive EU Distributor for Qore Performance Cooling & Hydration Equipment

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

The Netherlands — July 16, 2026 — Gear Town, a premier European supplier of professional-grade equipment, has been awarded Exclusive Distribution rights for the complete Qore Performance ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM of thermoregulation technology across the European Union. Operating from their centralized fulfillment hub in The Netherlands, Gear Town manages all retail sales and government procurement pipelines across the EU, with the exception of the Czech Republic, which is served by Rigad.

This exclusive distribution footprint ensures immediate, local inventory within the EU, eliminating transatlantic freight costs, unpredictable delivery timelines, and import customs barriers. As Europe navigates demanding summer heat waves, Gear Town is positioned to provide rapid, localized access to critical cooling and hydration gear when environmental demands are at their highest.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Qore Performance as their exclusive EU distributor. At Gear Town, our mission has always been to make the world’s best tactical and professional-grade equipment more accessible to European military, law enforcement, government, and industrial end users,” said Marc Mentasti, owner of Gear Town EU. “With Qore Performance’s ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM, we can now provide European customers with direct access to proven cooling, heating, hydration, and thermoregulation solutions from local EU inventory. This partnership allows us to reduce lead times, simplify procurement, remove import barriers, and deliver the level of service and support our customers expect from Gear Town, especially as heat stress and extreme working conditions become an increasing challenge across Europe.”

Dual-Line Solutions for Tactical and Workforce Safety

Through this exclusive channel, Gear Town will support both the defense sector and commercial safety industries with two dedicated product configurations:

Military & Tactical Line: Gear Town currently stocks and distributes Qore Performance’s full tactical suite, including ICEPLATE® Gen 3 hard cell 1.55L cooling, heating, hydration bladders, ICEFLASK® 0.5L low-profile hydration canteens, ICEPLATE EXO® plate carrier systems, and ICEVENTS® ventilation pads. These systems integrate directly with standard body armor and combat gear to offload weight and weaponize temperature management during training and deployments in extreme temperatures.

HiVis Safety & Industrial Line: To protect industrial laborers, emergency first responders, and aviation ground crews working in extreme conditions, Gear Town also carries the dedicated Qore Performance Safety line. This includes high-visibility, reflective-striped ICEPLATE EXO® HiVis safety vests, the ICEPLATE® Driver Harness, and their ICEPLATE® Gen 3 hardcell thermoregulation and hydration bladders to reduce heat stress injuries and on-the-job fatigue while meeting rigorous safety standards.

Local EU Sourcing and Procurement

Gear Town streamlines the procurement process for large-scale agency contracts, unit orders, and commercial safety acquisitions in Europe. European organizations can bypass the complex international logistics hurdles for sourcing Qore Performance’s American-made thermoregulation technology.

To browse local inventory and explore the product lines for tactical or industrial teams, visit the official Gear Town website..

Posted in Advertiser, Hydration, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Nishati Power Technologies (NPT) Awarded US Patent for Hybrid Power Generation Technology

Monday, July 20th, 2026

GILBERT, Ariz., July 15, 2026 — Nishati Power Technologies (NPT), a leader in tactical hybrid power solutions, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent No. 12,671,257, covering its proprietary hybrid power generation technology. The technology addresses two critical problems for powering operations at the tactical edge: it optimizes rapid and efficient charging of large-format lithium batteries from a low state of charge, and it does so with a single control system, consolidating what traditionally required additional bulky equipment.

As Next-Generation Command and Control (NGC2) systems, unmanned platforms, and battery-powered technologies expand, power demand at the small-unit level is increasing rapidly. Many other small generators currently fielded across the military struggle to manage the high inrush current generated during the initial phase of charging depleted large-format lithium batteries – often requiring additional external electronics or causing generators to stall during the charge cycle.

NPT’s patented technology was specifically engineered to solve that challenge.

Integrated directly into NPT’s Outpost™ Hybrid Generators (OHG), the patented technology enables the generators to manage high amp loads during the start of the lithium battery charging cycle without requiring additional external cables or equipment. The result is a scalable, portable hybrid power solution capable of directly charging large-format lithium batteries while reducing equipment burden on the warfighter.

“Our newly patented technology was built around today’s operational reality – warfighters need less equipment, not more,” said Robert Charette, NPT Chief Executive Officer. “As battery-powered capabilities continue to expand across the battlefield, we created a solution that simplifies how units generate and manage power in the field while remaining portable, scalable, and ready to support next-generation systems.”

At just 127 pounds, NPT’s OHG 2000-DC delivers superior power density versus other similar tactical power generation options, in a reliable, expeditionary package.

Designed for plug-and-play integration with existing battery and DC power architectures, NPT’s DC systems provide standalone, exportable hybrid tactical power. This provides reliable power at the point of need without requiring additional heavy transport equipment or turning tactical vehicles into stationary charging stations, preserving maneuverability.

The OHG’s modular, building-block approach enables warfighters to operate systems individually or in parallel, scaling power generation as operational requirements evolve.

“Our team approached this challenge from both an operational and engineering perspective,” said Rick Schilke, NPT Chief Operating Officer. “We understood the growing power demands facing small units and designed a solution that could move with the warfighter, integrate with next-generation systems, and reliably perform in harsh environments – addressing a challenge that has historically been difficult or impossible for generators of similar size and output.”

The patent builds on NPT’s continued momentum in tactical power modernization, including the selection of the OHG 2000-DC as the Lightweight DC Generator (LDCG) under the Marine Corps’ Small Unit Power (SUP) Program of Record and the early completion of Outpost™ Solar Generator 600 (OSG 600) deliveries. Together, they demonstrate NPT’s commitment to delivering reliable, fielded technologies into the hands of our nation’s ground forces.

Posted in Industry, Power, Press Release | No Comments »

Federal Court of Appeals Orders Dismissal of P320 Class Action Lawsuit in Unanimous Decision

Friday, July 17th, 2026

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 17, 2026) – SIG SAUER, an industry-leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, and advanced concepts, issued a statement today after the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit on July 16, 2026, ordered the dismissal of a SIG SAUER P320 class action lawsuit in its entirety.

The Eighth Circuit Court ruled in Glasscock v. SIG SAUER, Inc. that a plaintiff must experience an actual defect on a product claim, rather than suggesting a theoretical defect could occur in the future and claiming damages. In its written decision, the court shows the plaintiff “admitted that he has had no issues (including inadvertent discharge) with his P320.”

The unanimous ruling by a panel of three federal judges determined that a hypothetical defect is insufficient for the lawsuit, clearly stating that mere ownership of a product is not satisfactory in the case. The outcome in Glasscock v. SIG SAUER, Inc. is significant because of the strong and unambiguous language by the Eighth Circuit Court highlighting the “wholly speculative” nature of the plaintiff’s claim.

“The Eighth Circuit’s ruling adds to our approximately 20 case dismissals involving the P320, including a previous class action lawsuit,” said Keith Gibson, an attorney at Littleton Joyce and counsel for SIG SAUER. “The P320 is among the most tested and proven handguns in the world, which is why we will continue to defend SIG SAUER’s products and the technology behind them.”

Similarly, a separate federal court denied class action certification in Ortiz v. SIG SAUER, Inc. in 2022. Multiple courts dismissed P320 cases after SIG SAUER demonstrated through repeated company and independent testing the firearm cannot discharge without a trigger pull. In addition, several plaintiffs decided to withdraw their P320 lawsuits after the evidence and independent investigations were presented.

In May 2026, two separate lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice in Massachusetts federal court and Colorado federal court. Nobody, including multiple experts retained by plaintiffs, has ever replicated a P320 pistol firing without a trigger pull.

In Massachusetts, the plaintiff voluntarily withdrew the case which claimed his issued P320 discharged in his hand without a trigger pull. His employer, the Cambridge Police Department, determined the plaintiff’s handling of the weapon violated numerous departmental rules and caused the gun to discharge in an enclosed van with other officers. In Colorado federal court, the plaintiff similarly withdrew the case after SIG SAUER showed again the P320 cannot discharge without a trigger pull.

The P320 is an innovative striker-fired pistol which has been selected as the handgun of choice following rigorous testing by the U.S. military and a number of other countries, including Canada, Switzerland, and Australia, as well as by elite law enforcement and federal agencies. It cannot under any circumstance discharge without a trigger pull – a fact which has repeatedly been verified through testing by SIG SAUER, handgun experts, and independent labs.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Sponsor Opportunities Now Available for SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range 2026

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Drive Brand Visibility and Increase Your Brand Exposure at SHOT Show’s Signature Kickoff EventBOULDER CITY, Nev. — July 15, 2026 — As the firearms, hunting and outdoor industries prepare for another influential week of SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range (IDATR) 2027, taking place Monday, January 18, 2027, is inviting brands to secure sponsorship opportunities designed to maximize exposure, elevate brand recognition and connect directly with the industry’s most influential media, retailers, buyers and content creators before the doors of SHOT Show officially open.

As one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events, Industry Day at the Range brings together more than 2,300 vetted attendees for a full day of live-fire demonstrations, networking and product discovery. Sponsorship packages are strategically designed to place brands in front of key decision-makers throughout the event while reinforcing visibility before, during and after SHOT Week.

“Industry Day at the Range is where the industry gathers before the show floor opens, making it one of the most valuable marketing opportunities of SHOT Week,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range manager. “Our sponsorship opportunities help brands stand out during the event’s highest-engagement moments while creating meaningful impressions with media, buyers and industry professionals who influence purchasing decisions throughout the year.”

Featured sponsorship opportunities for 2027 include:

Media Lunch Sponsorship
Attendee Lunch Sponsorship
Official Event App Sponsorship&nbsp

Each sponsorship is designed to maximize brand exposure across high-traffic event touchpoints.

The Media and Attendee Lunch Sponsorships provide premium branding during two of the busiest networking periods of the day, positioning sponsors in front of journalists, retailers, distributors, exhibitors and invited guests as they gather between range sessions.

The Official Event App Sponsorship places a sponsor’s brand directly into the hands of every attendee through the Industry Day mobile app, the primary resource for event schedules, exhibitor locations, interactive maps and product information.

These featured opportunities complement a comprehensive sponsorship program designed to help companies launch new products, strengthen brand recognition, increase media exposure and create memorable experiences ahead of SHOT Show. Whether introducing innovative products or reinforcing an established presence within the shooting sports industry, Industry Day at the Range sponsorships offer measurable value during one of the year’s most important business events.

“Industry Day at the Range has been an incredibly valuable platform for Henry Repeating Arms,” said Dan Clayton-Luce, vice president of communications at Henry Repeating Arms. “It gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase new product launches in a hands-on environment without the complexity and expense of hosting our own standalone event. The attendee list is highly focused—media members aren’t just evaluating products; they’re creating content and publishing coverage, much of it the very same day. It’s been a powerful way for us to build momentum and generate excitement heading into SHOT Show.”

With the National Shooting Sports Foundation continuing as title sponsor through 2028, Industry Day at the Range remains the premier live-fire event of SHOT Week and one of the most effective platforms for brands to generate awareness, media coverage and business opportunities before SHOT Show begins.

Exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities are limited. Companies interested in maximizing its presence during Industry Day at The Range are encouraged to reserve their sponsorships early.

Exhibitor space is now available for the 2027 event. Companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to register early, as premium shooting bays and sponsorship opportunities are limited. For additional details and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the event website.

For more information about the 2027 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range visit ShotShowRangeDay.com.

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Forging the Arsenal of Freedom: Department of War Suspends CMMC Phase II Requirements

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

The Department of War today announces the immediate suspension of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase II requirements, which were originally scheduled to come into effect on November 10, 2026. All Phase I self-assessment requirements remain firmly in place. Additionally, the Department will begin a comprehensive review of CMMC aimed at aligning with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s Acquisition Transformation System (ATS) directives prioritizing speed to capability, lowering barriers for small, medium, and non-traditional businesses, and replacing bureaucratic compliance with scalable, resilient cybersecurity measures.

Ensuring access to leading-edge commercial capabilities is a critical driver powering the Secretary of War’s operational execution for the “Arsenal of Freedom”. While the current CMMC program was designed to enhance DIB cybersecurity, instead it has created prohibitive compliance costs and bureaucratic burdens. Recent data, including reports from the Small Business Administration (SBA), confirmed that CMMC compliance is forcing innovative companies out of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) which will delay the delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighters.

“In support of Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive to reduce compliance barriers for small and medium sized businesses, we are today suspending the CMMC Phase II requirements and initiating a 60-day study of the future of this program,” said DoW Chief Information Officer Kirsten A. Davies. “Robust cybersecurity and operational resilience remain critical to protecting American innovation and supporting warfighter readiness. We believe the DIB can achieve both, while we reduce unnecessary government red tape.”

Effective immediately, the Department will suspend the transition to Phase II requirements of CMMC, as well as pending and future CMMC implementation milestones across the Department of War solicitations and contracts.

“We have a strategic imperative to reduce bureaucracy as we build the world’s strongest Arsenal of Freedom. The CIO’s decision ensures we maintain a strict security baseline while removing paralyzing costs and keeping innovators and competition growing in the defense supply chain,” said Hon. Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.

To realign our cybersecurity posture with the principles of the ATS, the Department CIO is establishing a CMMC Reform Task Force to conduct a comprehensive top-to-bottom review of the certification program. This task force will serve as the central hub for synthesizing industry feedback from our public Request for Information (RFI) regarding compliance challenges. Using these insights, the team will recommend realistic, scalable security measures that prioritize speed to capability and lower barriers for small and non-traditional businesses, delivering their final report to the DoW CIO within 60 days.

During this interim period, the Department will enforce cybersecurity compliance with the NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 standard through self-assessments and select government-led assessments, focusing on tangible cyber hygiene rather than administrative overhead.

It is critical to note that this action does not eliminate the requirement for companies to protect federal data. All defense contractors and subcontractors remain contractually obligated to safeguard covered defense information in accordance with DFARS clause 252.204-7012.

The Department of War remains steadfast in its commitment to securing its digital domain while empowering the DIB to rapidly provide the most advanced capabilities to the warfighter. More information can be found here: dowcio.war.gov/brilliantbasics

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

Kopin Achieves Three Critical Milestones Advancing US Army Color MicroLED Technology for Ground Soldier Vision Applications

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

New bonding capability, breakthrough brightness performance, and rapid progress toward full?color MicroLED integration mark major steps toward future programs such as Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC)

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., July 14, 2026–Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays for defense, training, enterprise, industrial, consumer and medical products, today announced three major milestone achievements in its color MicroLED development program for the U.S. Government’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program. These accomplishments represent significant progress toward establishing a fully U.S.?based MicroLED manufacturing capability and advancing next?generation soldier vision systems.

Milestone 1: Breakthrough MicroLED Performance Achieved

Kopin achieved a significant performance milestone, reaching over 150,000 nits of single-panel, full-color brightness—exceeding the program’s threshold target. This early performance result demonstrates strong initial capability, with planned improvements expected to push brightness even higher over time.

These results represent a major step forward in the development of high?brightness, defense?ready MicroLED displays suitable for advanced vision systems, augmented reality, and other mission?critical applications.

Milestone 2: Progress Toward Full?Color MicroLED Integration for Ground Soldier Integrated Vision Systems

Kopin has reached a second crucial milestone: successful early integration progress of its color MicroLED technology for U.S. Army ground soldier vision applications. This advancement brings Kopin closer to enabling future soldier?borne systems such as the SBMC solution, where lightweight, high?brightness, full?color MicroLED displays are essential for real?time situational awareness, digital overlays, and mission execution.

This milestone reflects Kopin’s ability to translate MicroLED performance gains into application?specific optical solutions designed for rugged, field?ready soldier systems.

Milestone 3: U.S. Bonding Equipment Delivered and Installed

Kopin has received and begun installation of its new MicroLED bonding equipment, a key asset supporting the IBAS program and Kopin’s broader effort to onshore critical MicroLED manufacturing processes. The equipment shipped in June and is scheduled to be fully installed by the end of July at Kopin’s U.S. headquarters.

This advanced bonding system enables the precise attachment of the backplane to the MicroLED array, creating a fully bonded display assembly—an essential step in MicroLED production. With this installation, Kopin will have U.S.?based bonding capability, a foundational requirement for scaling domestic MicroLED manufacturing.

Kopin expects to transition to manufacturing product in mid?2027, positioning the company as a key U.S. supplier of next?generation MicroLED display technology.

Management Commentary

“Our team has delivered three major achievements that accelerate our path toward U.S.?based MicroLED manufacturing, and next?generation display performance,” said Michael Murray, CEO of Kopin Corporation. “Receiving and installing our bonding equipment is a foundational step in onshoring MicroLED production, surpassing 150,000 nits of single-panel, full-color brightness demonstrates the strength of our technology roadmap, and our integration progress for Kopin’s support of the IBAS initiative and moves us closer to enabling future programs like SBMC which could enable hundreds of millions in revenues for Kopin over the life of the program. These milestones reinforce Kopin’s commitment to building advanced display capabilities here in the United States and leading the future of high?performance MicroLED systems.”

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that constitute forward looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “forecast,” “guidance,” “plan,” “estimate,” “will,” “would,” “project,” “maintain,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “prospect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “believe,” “continue,” “opportunity,” “potential,” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters.

Forward looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, outside of our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward looking statements. All forward looking statements are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. We undertake no obligation to update forward looking statements except as required by law. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward looking statements are detailed in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This press release includes forward looking statements regarding Kopin’s breakthrough Micro-LED, our ability to turn these gains into field?ready soldier systems and our ability to enable hundreds of millions in revenues for Kopin over the life of the program. These statements also reflect anticipated strategic benefits associated with Kopin’s investment in bringing OLED display manufacturing processes in house. Forward looking statements are based on current assumptions and expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including changes in customer demand, program schedules, manufacturing performance, and broader conditions in the defense market.

For more information, please visit Kopin’s website at www.kopin.com.

Posted in Industry, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »