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XTech Tactical Completes First Acquisition: Creature Grips Now Part of the Lineup as Thru-Flo Rail Covers

Monday, February 23rd, 2026

XTech Tactical is proud to announce the acquisition of Creature Grips, LLC in Q4 2025, rebranding the innovative heat-venting rail cover technology as Thru-Flo™ Rail Covers compatible with M-LOK handguards.

“This partnership marks a continuation of the American Dream that inspired Creature Grip from the very start. XTechTactical is uniquely positioned to bring Creature Grips designs to a wider audience and will keep pushing boundaries with the product line”, stated Alex Dombrowski, founder of Creature Grips.

Jeremy Deadman, President of XTech Tactical, added: “We are very excited to have completed our first acquisition. Our vision from inception was to not only grow organically but through acquisition as an energizing partner. Alex was phenomenal to work with and an example of a transaction that benefited all parties. We are actively pursuing additional opportunities to enhance our product mix, distribution and manufacturing capabilities.”

This acquisition integrates the patented rail covers previously known as Creature grips. Now under the THRU-FLO™ branding. The technology is a unique one-piece rail cover that includes a pass-through hole. The covers efficiently enhance the grip and vents heat from the barrel and handguard. The rebrand to Thru-Flo™ expands XTech Tactical’s portfolio with the same relentless, shooter-focused innovation the brand has delivered since 2013.

Key features of the Thru-Flo Rail Covers:

MSRP $14.95 for 6-pack

Ultra-lightweight at just 2 grams per cover, the lightest M-LOK compatible covers available.

Tool-free, one-piece design for quick installation and removal in seconds: no hardware needed.

Durable protection that enhances grip and control in hot conditions without added bulk; compatible with AR-15, AK-47, MP5, and other M-LOK platforms (optimized for slots under 3mm thick).

Made in the USA of injection-molded TPU hard rubber

Convenient 6-pack 

Color optionsBlack and Coyote (more to come!)

Backed by XTech Tactical’s lifetime warranty and newly issued U.S. utility & design patents, this move reinforces itscommitment to innovative solutions that address real shooter needs.

Product Link: www.xtechtactical.com/product/thru-flo-rail-cover-6-pack

Company Website: www.xtechtactical.com

Mehler Protection Unveils New Close Range Active Counter-UAS System for Land Vehicles at Enforce Tac 2026

Monday, February 23rd, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (23 February 2026)

Mehler Protection presents SCILT, a new close-range protection system to counter drones attacking land vehicles from short range and low angles. The system is presented for the first time at Enforce Tac 2026.

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) increasingly no longer approach only from above. Instead, they emerge from terrain, ditches, flanks, and rear sectors, appearing at very short distance and leaving minimal reaction time. SCILT is conceived specifically to address this immediate close-in envelope, where conventional mobile air-defence systems and unit-level counter-UAS solutions reach detection and defeat limits.

SCILT is conceived as a dedicated last protective layer for individual vehicles, addressing the gap between large-scale mobile air defence systems and passive vehicle protection. Designed to counter small drones, including FPV drones, kamikaze drones, and loitering munitions, SCILT operates in close and very close-range engagements and is intended to defeat both single drones and multiple simultaneous threats in the immediate hazard zone.

The system combines effector modules, sensors, and operating logic directly on the vehicle, enabling defence against drones approaching from lateral and frontal directions as well as low-angles. Sensor kits can include electro-optical and other close-range surveillance sensors to support detection and operator decision-making. Cost-effective effector solutions support scalable employment across different mission profiles.

Key characteristics include:

  • Close and very close-range protection against drones
  • Sector-based configuration, allowing individual directions to be activated or deactivated depending on formation and movement
  • Three staged alert levels: detection alert, approach alert, and trigger alert
  • In its first version, SCILT operates deliberately with a man-in-the-loop architecture, with further automation planned as technology, procedures, and approval processes evolve

Effector modules use market available standard ammunition types in shotgun-calibre, ranging from rubber projectiles to hardened-core, tungsten-carbide fragment, and armour-piercing variants. This effector spectrum enables controlled hazard areas and scalable effects depending on scenario requirements, while cost-effective effector solutions support employment against both single drones and multiple simultaneous threats.

SCILT is controlled via a vehicle data bus and integrates into existing vehicle architectures. Where such interfaces are not available, the system operates as a self-contained package with its own close-range surveillance and control chain. Remote control units can be installed at multiple positions inside the vehicle.

The development of SCILT has been ongoing for approximately one and a half years. Mehler Protection conducted 48 test campaigns, including external and terminal ballistics, temperature behaviour, trigger reliability testing, and fragment-density measurements to determine the optimal effective range.

The first version of SCILT is planned to be available from summer 2026 as an effector package with sensor kits and control units that can be integrated into different vehicle configurations.

SCILT builds on Mehler Protection’s long-standing platform protection portfolio across land, air, and sea. The company supplies protection solutions for helicopters, land vehicles and naval systems, and is a main supplier of protection systems for almost all naval platforms currently under construction for the German Navy.

Learn more about Mehler Protection’s platform armour solutions.

Delta Three Oscar Announces Official Partnership with The Dirt Therapy Project to Support Veterans

Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

(Huntington Beach, CA – 02/19/26Delta Three Oscar, the ballistic arm of impact protection brand D3O is showing its commitment to supporting those who serve, by announcing its official partnership with The Dirt Therapy Project, a non-profit dedicated to supporting military Veterans through mountain bike experiences and community connection. 

With a mission to save lives and bring home troops safely, Delta Three Oscar will be supporting The Dirt Therapy Project’s Veteran rides throughout the year, helping promote the organization, enhance safety, and strengthen the sense of community that helps Veterans reestablish life after service. 

Delta Three Oscar was founded on a simple but powerful mission: to save lives, by delivering advanced protection solutions to military, law enforcement, and first responders. The company engineers the world’s best ballistic helmet suspension systems, ballistic protection pads to reduce back face deformation for chest plates, as well as impact protecting knee guards and underfoot shock absorbing mid soles. 

By extending its commitment to safety from the frontline and into veterans’ everyday lives, the brand is combining its 20 years of expertise in protective technology with its leadership in mountain bike protection. As a key ingredient used by leading bike brands including Troy Lee Designs, Fox, ODI, Specialized and Dakine, it is uniquely positioned to bring the best protection to Veteran mountain bike riders. By bridging these two industries, Delta Three Oscar is helping Veterans reconnect through mountain biking an activity that the team at The Dirt Therapy Project has proven to support mental wellbeing and help alleviate stress associated with active deployment. 

“Whether protecting troops on the frontline or mountain bike riders on the trail, our mission to deliver the best protection possible and bring people home safely is the same.” said Serena Thynne, Head of PR at Delta Three Oscar. “That’s why we’re proud to support The Dirt Therapy Project. We have seen first-hand the life-changing impact they have in helping Veterans transition back into their communities.”  

The Dirt Therapy Project hosts community events and mountain bike experiences which offer their members therapeutic benefits, community support, and confidence as they transition to civilian life. Through this official partnership, Delta Three Oscar will: 

• Support Veteran Ride events throughout the year 

• Provide advanced protective solutions to enhance rider safety 

• Collaborate on awareness initiatives highlighting Veteran challenges and wellbeing 

• Offer exclusive opportunities for the Veteran community to participate in select events  

“This partnership strengthens our ability to serve Veterans in meaningful ways,” said Jonathan Hagerman Founder of The Dirt Therapy Project. “With Delta Three Oscar’s commitment to protection and performance, we can continue expanding our reach and impact.” 

As the partnership rolls out across 2026, supporters can expect collaborative content, community-led ride days, and exclusive engagement opportunities that bring together veterans, riders, and the top mountain bike brands who share a commitment to protection, performance, and purpose. 

Tisas Arms Corp Begins Georgia Operations

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

BUFORD, GA – Firearms manufacturer and 1911 behemothTisas announced today the launch of their new US division located in Buford, Georgia. After twenty years of importer partnerships, Tisas Arms will receive shipments directly from their manufacturing facility in Trabzon, Türkiye, to be sold through their US distribution network for US consumer sales.

To expedite organizational development and minimize disruptions to the supply chain, Tisas Arms CEO Erdal Kaya announced the addition of Tisas-veteran Tim Mulverhill as Vice President of Operations, “I look forward to Tim’s assistance standing up the new organization. He brings several years of experience developing the Tisas brand as well as two decades of industry knowledge to our team”.

Mulverhill added, “I thank Kaya and the Tisas Board for this opportunity. I have always enjoyed working with the Tisas team and look forward to working with Kaya to bring the full range of Tisas products to the United States and further develop the brand”.

Kaya concluded, “We are working around the clock to establish our customer-facing teams to support Tisas customers regardless from whom they purchased their firearm. We will continue to provide great products supported by great service and continue to stand by the Tisas lifetime warranty”.

Customers in need of warranty assistance or general product questions can contact Tisas Arms at help@tisasarmsusa.com orreach out through the new website at www.tisasarmsusa.com.

Established in 1993, T?SA? (Trabzon Silah Sanayi A?) is a globally respected manufacturer of firearms with customers in 26 countries and products in service with 23 government agencies worldwide. For more information about Tisas Arms or Tisas products, please visit the website at www.tisasarmsusa.com or email help@tisasarmsusa.com .

Ares Gear, Inc Launches New Website

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

Ares Gear, Inc. acquired by Victory First June 1, 2025

Fredericksburg, Virginia

February 16, 2026

Ares Gear, Inc., the U.S. based tactical gear company best known for producing high quality belts and accessories for law enforcement, military, and EDC civilian users, was acquired by Victory First on June 1, 2025.

Matthew Jacques, owner of Victory First emphasizes that the company philosophy and brand promise remains strongly rooted in an unwavering dedication to quality, providing premier quality belts and accessories to those who want the best that the industry has to offer. Ares Gear, Inc. has long taken pride in building its products using only American-made components; every belt, all materials right down to the bonded thread used is comprised entirely of materials made on American soil.

With the new website launch, Ares Gear, Inc. aims to deliver a best-in-class shopping experience that will give both new and existing customers a refreshed, premium digital experience. Ares Gear, Inc. also has indicated that a new dealer program is in the pipeline. This program’s goal is to build a strong network of retailers who wish to share with their customers the gold-standard in belts and soft goods. Over the course of the next year, Ares Gear also plans to expand upon the existing product line. The experience of Matt and his time in service to his country as a US Marine, Retired Law Enforcement and nearly two decades of industry experience coupled alongside customer feedback fuels creation of new prototypes and designs, focused squarely on delivering what people need and want.

“Civilian carry, law enforcement, and military applications deserve only the best in materials, products, and service. We strive to provide all three. After all, if you carry a gun… it’s on an Aegis.”

The new website can be viewed here: aresgear.com

5.11 x Battlefield 6 Partnership Expands with Co-Branded Product and Exclusive In-Game Skins

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

COSTA MESA, Calif. – February 18, 2026 – 5.11, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear, and gear, today announced the next phase of its partnership with EA® for Battlefield™ 6, introducing limited-edition co-branded gear and the first wave of exclusive 5.11 in-game character skins.

Rooted in a shared commitment to authenticity, performance, and readiness, this latest activation brings 5.11’s purpose-built philosophy to life both in the real world and within the virtual battlefield. From technical apparel designed for everyday performance to exclusive in-game content built for immersive play, the collaboration continues to bridge physical and digital experiences through purposeful design.

Building on the successful October launch of Battlefield™ 6, this next phase further connects players and fans to the 5.11 brand — empowering them with gear and experiences engineered to perform wherever the mission takes them.

“This partnership is a natural extension of who we are,” said Troy Brown, CEO of 5.11. “We build for people who push limits in every arena—whether that’s at work, in training, in competition, or in a digital environment. The mindset stays the same: show up prepared, perform with purpose, and keep raising the bar. Bringing that performance standard into Battlefield is a powerful way to extend our brand and meet our community where they are.”


Co-branded Apparel and Accessories

As part of the activation, 5.11 is launching a co-branded capsule collection available beginning February 17. The lineup includes the EA Battlefield Operator Grim Bomber Tee, EA Battlefield Topo Skull Operator Midweight Hoodie, EA Battlefield Operator Hat, and the 5.11 Topo Skull Patch. The collection merges Battlefield’s high-intensity world with 5.11’s signature design language, featuring custom graphics and a reintroduced Topo Skull design originally created by 5.11.

The capsule is available in the United States at select 5.11 retail locations and online, while supplies last.

Also launching February 17 is the first official 5.11 character skin inside Battlefield 6: the Engineer. Players can unlock the exclusive skin through a special redemption code included with any $50 purchase from 5.11 online or at U.S. retail stores.


5.11 Field-Tested Engineer Skin

This promotion is available in the United States online and in stores, and online in Australia and select countries across Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Additional 5.11 Cosmetics will be available in-game that include three soldier skins for the Assault, Support, and Recon classes; along with a vehicle skin, two character patches and one player card beginning February 24, further expanding the collaboration across multiple Battlefield roles.

In addition, 5.11 is launching an SMS activation that allows fans to receive a code to unlock an exclusive 5.11 Player Card to utilize in-game within Battlefield 6.


5.11 Be Ready Player Card

For more information about the 5.11 x Battlefield 6 partnership and current activations, visit www.511tactical.com/battlefield-6.

Warrior Protection And Readiness Coalition Announces Formation OF The Congressional Berry Amendment Caucus

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

Strengthening Domestic Defense Manufacturing and Securing Warfighter Supply Chains

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 17, 2026) — The Warrior Protection & Readiness Coalition (WPRC) today applauded the formation of the first-ever congressional Berry Amendment Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan caucus, spearheaded by co-chairs Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10) and Don Davis (NC-01), has foundational goals of strengthening domestic defense manufacturing, supporting American jobs, and ensuring U.S. warfighters are equipped with the highest-quality, 100% American- made uniforms, body armor, load-bearing equipment, ballistic helmets, textiles and related equipment.

Founding members of the caucus include Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), David Rouzer (NC-07), Tim Moore (NC-14), John Carter (TX-31), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), and Brian Mast (FL-21).

The Berry Amendment, first enacted in 1941, requires the Department of War to procure certain mission-critical items, including textiles, clothing, footwear, body armor, tents, and food, from domestic sources. The law helps ensure the United States maintains secure supply chains for essential military items while sustaining the domestic industrial base that supports the warfighter.

The Berry Amendment Caucus will serve as a bipartisan forum focused on strengthening national security and preserving American manufacturing. The caucus will highlight the importance of domestic industrial capacity in critical sectors such as textiles, uniforms,armor and specialty materials; support factories and workers who manufacture Berry-compliant goods; educate Members of Congress on the full scope of products coveredunder the law; and support consistent enforcement and modernization of Berry requirements to meet evolving warfighter needs.

“The formation of the Berry Amendment Caucus marks an important step in sustaining and growing the domestic industrial base that equips the American warfighter,” said David Costello, Executive Director of the WPRC. “For decades, the Berry Amendment has ensured that our servicemembers have a secure supply chain for critical equipage and are never dependent on foreign supply chains for mission-essential gear. In war and in peace, the Berry Amendment guarantees that the United States is always capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of products needed to keep our troops combat ready. Our association is deeply appreciative of the leadership demonstrated by Reps. Harrigan and Davis in founding this new caucus.”

“You cannot be the strongest military in the world while depending on foreign supply chains for mission-critical gear. The Berry Amendment protects our warfighters, protects American manufacturing, and protects our national security. As co-chair of this caucus, I am doubling down on a simple principle: the equipment that defends the United States should be made in the United States,” said Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10).

“As North Carolina invests in a stronger future for our textile industry, we must strengthen the Berry Amendment, guaranteeing that every thread of the defense supply chain is American-made. Protecting local jobs, backing our manufacturers, and providing our military with the dependable, high-quality materials it deserves is vital,” said Congressman Don Davis (NC-01).

With the establishment of the Berry Amendment Caucus, members of Congress will have a platform to highlight Berry-compliant manufacturing in their districts, support policies that strengthen domestic supply chains, and reinforce America’s ability to equip the world’s most capable military.

About WPRC

WPRC is the unified voice of advocacy for the individual and unit level equipment needs of the warfighter and peacekeeper. The leading tactical equipment, apparel, materials, and technology companies of the WPRC are committed to ensuring that American service members and Homeland Security personnel are provided with superior products built by a robust industrial base, now and in the future. For a complete listing of WPRC member companies, please visit www.warriorprotection.net.

HENSOLDT and Schwarz Digits Form Strategic Partnership for Data-Driven Defence Capabilities

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

Joint solution expertise for sovereign sensor cloud infrastructures, networked sensor technology and multi-domain operations

Neckarsulm/Munich (Germany), 16 February 2026 – System House HENSOLDT and Schwarz Digits are entering into a strategic partnership to jointly advance the expansion of software-defined defence and sovereign, data-driven capabilities for the networked operational environment. The aim of the collaboration is to provide fully integrated, sovereign and cloud-enabled solutions for Germany and other nations allied with Germany.

Holistic protection: from VS-Secret to quantum resistance

The partnership responds to the urgent need for independent cloud technology for the defence sector. STACKIT, Schwarz Digits’ cloud provider, delivers an end-to-end infrastructure for this purpose. Beyond the infrastructure, Schwarz Digits brings specialised security capabilities to the partnership.  Highly secure communication stacks will enable data exchange up to the VS-Secret classification level. To counter future threats, Schwarz Digits relies on quantum-resistant encryption methods and comprehensive cyber security solutions. This integrated approach provides seamless protection for the integrity of data streams against digital access.

Modular multi-domain operations software suite

HENSOLDT contributes its entire defence technology portfolio. This includes, in particular, MDOcore (Multi-Domain Operations Core) – an open, modular and cloud-enabled software suite that acts as a universal translator for different, distributed data sources with the ability to perform AI-supported data fusion and integrate capabilities across multiple military domains. In addition, HENSOLDT is contributing its product range of radar, optronics, electromagnetic signal intelligence and active and passive sensor systems. This is complemented by distributed data management and interoperability solutions. Further contributions include simulation and synthetic environments for generating data for training, artificial intelligence training, and software testing and validation. In addition, HENSOLDT’s comprehensive expertise in the integration of mission systems across land, air, sea, cyber, space and cross-domain operations complements the service portfolio.

Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT, says: “The security challenges of our time call for sovereign, powerful and networked solutions that Europe can provide from its own technological strength. The partnership with Schwarz Digits combines leading defence electronics with sovereign digital infrastructure. This enables us to create the conditions for the holistic implementation of software-defined defence and to provide armed forces with highly effective and expandable capabilities for the networked theatre of operations.”

Christian Müller, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits, says: “With Schwarz Digits, we are laying the digital foundation for a new era. In doing so, we are proving that digital sovereignty offers the necessary speed and security to operate critical systems in a future-proof manner.”

Sven Heursch, Chief Digital Officer at HENSOLDT, says: “Software-defined defence requires sovereign data spaces, powerful sensor technology and end-to-end, secure processing from the operational environment to the cloud. At Schwarz Digits, we share the understanding that technological sovereignty and operational effectiveness are inextricably linked. Together, we are laying the foundation for data-driven, resilient defence solutions that meet the requirements of modern multi-domain operations.”

The plan for 2026 is to translate this preliminary work into concrete prototypes and joint offerings. Among other things, there are plans for a joint prototype that combines the sovereign capabilities of Schwarz Digits with sensor technology, integration software and simulation-based data generation from HENSOLDT. In addition, the infrastructure of Schwarz Digits is to be integrated into a sensor solution from HENSOLDT. The presentation of this solution is planned for the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin in June 2026.