When Agilite launched its patented Pincer Placard they were inundated with questions about what the slots do and now we know.
Check out how it attaches without MOLLE at agilitegear.com/products/pincer-2nd-layer-admin-pouch
The Direct Action HALIFAX® Small backpack is the smaller and simpler version of the HALIFAX® Medium model. Its large main compartment is equipped with a long YKK® zipper, allowing for quick and easy access to the contents of the backpack. The front and back walls of the compartment are lined with soft velour, enabling the attachment of additional accessories. In addition, the back wall is covered with a laser-cut modular system compatible with MOLLE/PALS, allowing for customization of the backpack according to individual needs and preferences. A zippered mesh pocket is also provided on the top of the front wall.

On the outside, there are two small zippered pockets on the top flap. One of them has a soft, velour-lined interior to prevent scratches, making it ideal for carrying glasses. At its height, there is a large loop panel, allowing for personalized identification or the placement of a “friend-foe” marker. Below there are two flat pockets with diagonal, vertical zippers and a vertical “daisy chain” between them. A modular panel perpendicular to the chain (corresponding to one column of the MOLLE/PALS system) is used below to allow for the attachment of additional narrow pockets. The backpack also features a laser-cut modular system on the sides corresponding to three rows and three columns of the MOLLE/PALS system. Below the modular panels are partially elastic pockets for carrying water bottles or canteens. The top of the side panels has holes for the hydration system tube to pass through.

To ensure user comfort, the wide straps are lined with softshell and filled with soft foam. This provides comfort even when carrying a fully loaded backpack. In addition to the reinforced back panel, there are five specially shaped pads that not only enhance carrying comfort but also improve air circulation.

The chest strap and minimalist hip strap with detachable options stabilize the backpack during use. The side compression straps allow for adjustment of the backpack’s dimensions according to its contents.

Key features:
– large main compartment with a long YKK zipper
– velour-lined interior with a laser-cut modular system compatible with MOLLE/PALS on the back wall
– adapted for the hydration system mount
– on the outside: laser-cut modular system compatible with MOLLE/PALS on the sides and bottom
– 4 zippered external pockets, including a pocket for glasses
– wide straps lined with softshell and filled with soft foam
– large identification patch
– front daisy chain
– functionality and comfort

Tech specs:
Capacity: 18 liters
Weight: 1,208 kg
Dimensions: 49,5 x 34,5 x 22,5 cm

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles has signed a framework agreement with the Austrian procurement organization Bundesbeschaffung GmbH Wien to supply various logistics vehicles for the Austrian Armed Forces. Encompassing the delivery of up to 1,375 HX, TGS and TGM vehicles, the framework agreement runs for seven years. Potential order volume could reach up to €525 million.
The Austrian government’s request for tenders comprised a total of 23 lots, of which six were earmarked for the military. Given the various technical requirements for the lots, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) proposed vehicles from the TGM, TGS and HX model series with different axle configurations. RMMV’s proposal also included a variety of build-on systems such as cranes, platforms and tippers as well as roll-off, swap body and snow removal systems. RMMV received the go-ahead to supply Austria with all six lots of military vehicles.

“We’re very proud to be supplying the Austrian armed forces with state-of-the-art truck systems built at our plant in Vienna”, says Michael Wittlinger, chairman of the board of management of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. “Our claim at Rheinmetall is to equip those who stand up for our security in the best possible way. We are convinced that our vehicles will protect, support and satisfy Austrian soldiers in the best possible way.”
Procurement of the logistic vehicles is part of a comprehensive modernization of the Austrian Army. “From now until the year 2029, €560 million will be invested in modernizing 170 armored vehicles, including 58 Leopard 2 A4 main battle tanks and 112 Ulan infantry fighting vehicles”, declares Austrian defence minister Klaudia Tanner. ”Following the €873 million invested in procuring 36 AW169 ‚Lion‘ helicopters, this is the next big step in achieving a modern Army. Concrete steps like this are making the slogan ‘Mission Forward!’ a reality”, insists Tanner.
The Austrian armed forces have long been a very good customer of RMMV. They already successfully operate various vehicles from the company’s TGM, TGS and HX model series. Today, over 200 vehicles from the TGM model series with a double cabin and interchangeable build-on systems are in service. Furthermore, during the next few years, vehicles from the HX series with a three-sided tipper and rear-mounted crane will be delivered, as will vehicles from the TGS 8×8 series equipped with a Palfinger hook system. Since the end of 2021, the Austrian military has been using RMMV’s integrated armoured cabin, which, depending on requirements, can be mounted on existing HX trucks in very short order.
RMMV is a joint venture owned by Rheinmetall AG, which holds a 51% stake in the company, and MAN Truck & Bus SE, with the remaining 49% share.

Arc’teryx LEAF, an industry leader in technical apparel and gear for the tactical market, are pleased to announce that we have been awarded the primary Standing Offer for up to ten years from the Canadian Special Operations Command to supply a complete Cold Weather Layering System for use in climates from +5°C down to -50°C. The Standing Offer will see Arc’teryx LEAF, with support from 911 Supply, deliver a complete clothing system, to include handwear, footwear, and headwear solutions.
As a Canadian company, we are proud to be supporting the Government of Canada and enhancing force protection for its service personnel that operate in some of the most extreme climatic conditions.
San Antonio, Texas (May 9, 2023) – Liemke, a leader in high-definition thermal imaging for hunting, is pleased to introduce the premium Luchs line of thermal optics. Made in Wetzlar, Germany, the Liemke Luchs (or Lynx as translated in English) incorporates the latest in thermal technology in these versatile devices that can be clipped onto any daytime riflescope or used as a handheld monocular.

Fast and quiet with a startup time of only five seconds for both Luchs models, and a standby mode for immediate activation, the Luchs-1 has a 35mm lens with heat signature detection range of up to 1,750 meters while the Luchs-2 has a 50mm lens with heat detection up to 2,500 meters.

Luchs thermals have a whisper-quiet calibration procedure with a rapid refresh rate of 50 Hz and are easy and intuitive to operate. Both models feature a 1024×768 OLED color display and a 640×512 12 µm VOx sensor for high contrast and detailed images. The Luchs-1 delivers a large field of view of 22 meters at 100 meters and an image that completely fills within the daytime riflescope at 2x magnification. The Luchs-2 has a field of view of 15.4 meters at 100 meters. Two image modes provide optimal detail rendition in varying weather conditions and there are five color modes, including an Extra Dark mode setting for glare-free images at night.

Easy and intuitive to operate, the Luchs thermal units have internal memory of 32 GB and a Wi-Fi function for live streaming via an app. Users can capture photos and videos of their hunt on the internal memory even while streaming live, and these can be transferred later via USB-C port. The built-in rechargeable battery has a run time of up to 9 hours and the three-position switch – On/Standby/Off – can be used to extend battery life in the field.
“Liemke is the top thermal optics brand in Germany, and the new German-made Luchs line raises the bar even higher when it comes to quality and performance,” said Jason Evans, CEO Blaser Group USA. “American hunters will recognize and appreciate the premium Made in Germany construction, advanced thermal technology, and high-definition performance the Luchs thermal optics deliver. Aptly named after the lynx, the Luchs-1 and 2 models deliver outstanding thermal night vision for hunters.”
Settings are easily adjusted on the Luchs units, and the hunter’s preference is saved when the device is turned off and available every time the device is restarted. The tough, shock-resistant aluminum housing is rain and dust protected in accordance with IP67, and the objective lens is protected by a scratch-resistant Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating for extra protection in the field. The Luchs-1 weighs 20.5 ounces and Luchs-2 weighs 22.4 ounces.
For more information, visit LUCHS-1.
MSRP:
Luchs-1 $5,554.00
Luchs-2 $6110.00

Brisbane, Australia, May 8th, 2023 – Athena AI, the Australian AI enabled soldier decision support company, is pleased to announce its first export sale. The sale, led by Tomahawk Robotics, provides the US DoD with Tomahawk’s common controller for unmanned systems, augmented by Athena AI’s Mission Module.
Athena AI is a featured AI partner in Tomahawk Robotics’ Kinesis command and control software ecosystem. Kinesis gives you the freedom to control the robotic platform you need to get the job done – all from a single interface and while integrating with your TAK/ATAK teammates. Athena AI’s role in the partnership is to leverage networked robotic platforms to extend soldiers’ sensory perception. The Athena AI Mission Module monitors platform video feeds and autonomously detects mission critical information, such as threats or objects of interest. This reduces the cognitive load required for soldiers to take in their surroundings and enables faster, more robust tactical decisions.
This is just one of the ways Athena AI is looking to improve combat capability for Defence Forces. Ultimately, Athena exists to help allied nations drive efficiencies and deliver decision superiority at the tactical level, all whilst mitigating risk to personnel. Athena also has products in development to support accelerated, ethically sound targeting cycles, autonomous geospatial analysis, AI-enabled mission planning, and the synchronisation and autonomous tasking of uncrewed air and ground platform effects.
Athena’s CEO Stephen Bornstein explained “Our MOU with Tomahawk has been ongoing for over 18 months, and we are pleased to now mature this into a fully integrated application available to Kinesis users. We thank both Tomahawk and the US DoD for their consideration in how we can support the RAS enabled warfighter”.
For Immediate Release – Modi’in, Israel. – F.A.B. Defense® is pleased to announce the release of adjustable GL-CORE IMPACT as a replacement for the fixed setting GL-Shock. The GL-CORE IMPACT is the latest addition to the F.A.B. Defense® newly developed CORE line of premium carbine, AK, and shotgun stocks.

The F.A.B. Defense® GL-CORE IMPACT is a shock absorbing stock with 3 settings suitable for light to heavy recoil firearms. The Original GL-Shock was one fixed setting and the GL-CORE IMPACT improves on this while modernizing the overall look and feel. Through the use of included adapters, the GL-CORE IMPACT will mount to any mil-spec or commercial AR15 buffer tube and can be easily adapted to mitigate the recoil to levels comfortable for each individual user. Available in Black, OD Green, and FDE colors.
3 recoil management settings
Optional cheek riser for weapons with elevated optics.
Multi-textured rubber butt-pad for secure shouldering during rapid fire
Interchangeable Mil-Spec and Commercial buffer tube adapters
Includes ambidextrous quick detach rear sling swivel connectors
The GL-CORE IMPACT is available immediately through the nationwide dealer network or online at www.fab-defenseus.com
GL-Core IMPACT MSRP: $123.99
GL-Core IMPACT with Core CP MSRP: $150.99
Widest SWIR spectral range in the industry, designed for the newest 5µm detectors, with a detection range exceeding 26km

May 2, 2023 – Andover, MA – MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, has announced the Ophir® SWIR & NIR 25-250mm f/5.5 (NFOV) f/4.0 (WFOV) continuous zoom lens at SPIE Defense and Commercial Sensing 2023. This is the industry’s first compact, rugged, low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) lens for the newly introduced 5µm and 10µm SXGA, as well as the 15µm VGA SWIR detectors. An innovative opto-mechanical design delivers a lens that is approximately 60% lighter than similar SWIR lenses – with a weight of only 860g and length of 224mm – while enabling a high-quality image with a detection range exceeding 26km. In addition, the lens features a unique coating that is able to withstand harsh environments. This makes the Ophir SWIR & NIR 25-250mm lens a disruptive enabler of advanced drones, coastal search and rescue, tactical UAV IR cameras, and micro/mini tactical payloads in the commercial, homeland security, and defense markets.
“The Ophir SWIR zoom lens redefines the market for industry’s newly introduced small pixel detectors,” said Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager, Ophir Optics Group. “With its highly compelling combination of extended wavelength, reduced SWaP, high reliability, and attractive cost, the Ophir SWIR lens enables new applications and major advances in long-range day observation with laser spot detection in poor visibility and harsh environmental conditions.”
The Ophir SWIR & NIR 25-250mm lens is chromatically corrected to support a broader shortwave IR range, from 700nm to 1700nm, covering both NIR and SWIR bands, and to operate with minimal distortion, with an optional configuration for a narrow wavelength from 1100nm to 1700 nm. The lens also provides a 10X zoom ratio; a 25-250mm EFL range; an F/5.5 to support both 5µm and10µm pixel pitch detectors, including SXGA format; a low SWaP athermal design; and high MTF performance over both the zoom range and a wide temperature range.