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PenCott-GreenZone A220 Mammoth Shirt from Arktis

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

PenCott® camouflage patterns are at their best when they’re paired with professional kit that’s built to last – like the new A220 Mammoth Shirt from Arktis.

An evolution of their iconic original Mammoth Shirt, the A220 has been refined for operators who need dependable reliability in harsh conditions. Among its standout features is a concealed hood that packs into the collar and deploys instantly when temperatures drop and wind, drizzle, or snow squalls roll in without warning.

Behind the water-repellent GreenZone™ ripstop exterior, Arktis has paired a rugged fibre-pile lining that’s warm, tough, and field-proven. The fit has been updated too — broader in the body for layering, with improved shoulder and sleeve movement. Body armour compatible as standard.

Key features:

Concealed emergency hood
Water-resistant PenCott® GreenZone™ ripstop outer
Fibre-pile lining
Two-way side ventilation zips
Document compartment & hand-warmer pockets
Velcro-adjustable cuffs
Body armour compatible

Available now from Arktis in sizes XS–XXXL: store.arktis.co.uk/products/mammoth-shirt-with-concealed-emergency-hood-3

Check out the full collection of GreenZone products from Arktis at: store.arktis.co.uk/collections/pencott-greenzone

Posted in Camo, Clothing, Guest Post, International | No Comments »

Billion-Euro Contract for Rheinmetall: Bundeswehr Calls Off Further IdZ-ES Soldier-Systems

Monday, April 27th, 2026

Rheinmetall has received another Billion-euro-contract from the Bundeswehr in the field of soldier-systems. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has placed a call-off order with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH for additional ‘Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System’ (IdZ-ES) soldier-systems under a framework agreement.

The contract covers the modernisation of existing systems and the delivery of additional 237 platoon systems. It is worth €1.04bn gross. The systems have are to be delivered between November 2027 and December 2029. Additional 8,600 soldiers will receive the IdZ-ES system. In total, the Bundeswehr will then be equipped with 353 platoon systems comprising over 12,000 individual sets of equipment. Awarded in April, the contract will be booked in the second quarter of 2026. In total, the German Bundestag has approved €1.3 billion for the project a few days ago, so further call-offs are expected.

One platoon system mainly comprises 35 individual soldier-systems and a platoon equipment of peripheral components, consisting of advanced IT-equipment, optics, optronics, as well as military clothing, protection and carrying equipment. As the general contractor, Rheinmetall is responsible for the system and is coordinating the contribution of more than 30 subcontractors.

In February of 2025, the BAAINBw signed a framework contract with Rheinmetall for the procurement of additional IdZ-ES systems, with a maximum value of €3.1bn gross. The contract runs until the end of 2030 and already included a firm order for the modernisation of 68 systems already in use and the procurement of 24 new platoon systems worth around €417m gross. This framework contract for the procurement of soldier-systems is the largest of its kind to date for both Rheinmetall and BAAINBw.
Digital soldier-systems play an increasingly important role in future digital battlefield operations. The Bundeswehr can thus initiate the proportionate refurbishment, manufacturing and delivery of further IdZ-ES platoon systems, as well as the procurement of numerous additional components and services.

The commissioned modernised design status eliminates all technically obsolete components and implements communication and data exchange capabilities with different vehicle platforms. With the revised base hardware, the soldier system is connected via the vehicle platform to the ‘Digitisation of Land-based Operations’ (D-LBO) information and communications network. Furthermore, the conditions for direct connection to D-LBO have been established.

Posted in Contracts, Digitization, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Lindnerhof Expands Portfolio with Magazine Pouches, Utility Solutions and Chest Rig

Monday, April 27th, 2026

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (24 April 2026)

Lindnerhof, a tactical gear manufacturer specialising in load-carrying systems and part of Mehler Systems, is expanding its portfolio with a new range of pouches and load-carrying solutions. The release includes magazine pouches for common calibre systems, administrative and multi-purpose pouches, a tourniquet solution, and a one-piece chest rig. In total, ten new products have been developed for professional use.

Lindnerhof, a tactical gear manufacturer and part of Mehler Systems, is expanding its portfolio with a new range of pouches and load-carrying solutions. The release includes magazine pouches, administrative and multi-purpose pouches, a tourniquet solution, and a one-piece chest rig, developed for professional use.

Magazine Pouches

The new range of magazine pouches covers common calibre systems, including HK417/G28 and 5.56 mm STANAG and AUG magazines. Designed for secure retention and fast access, the pouches feature integrated clips and optional Alpha Tabs to ensure consistent hold and controlled handling under demanding conditions. Elastic side walls adapt to different magazine dimensions, while slim PALS webbing enables straightforward integration into existing MOLLE/PALS systems. Single and triple configurations provide flexibility across different loadout requirements.

Medical and Utility Solutions

The portfolio includes a dedicated tourniquet pouch designed for secure storage and immediate accessibility, supporting one-handed operation when required.

Administrative and multi-purpose pouches extend functionality with solutions for organisation, storage, and equipment management. Features such as transparent compartments, modular hook-and-loop surfaces, and flexible attachment options support efficient access and adaptability across different operational setups.

Multi-Purpose Pouches

A range of vertical and horizontal pouches provides scalable storage for hydration systems, communication devices, and additional equipment. Integrated routing options for cables or drinking tubes, combined with protective elements such as reverse zippers and drain ports, ensure reliable performance in demanding environments.

Chest Rig MX267

The one-piece MX267 chest rig offers a modular platform for a wide range of configurations. A padded, size-adjustable carrying system supports comfort during extended use, while full-surface MOLLE/PALS compatibility and internal hook-and-loop fields enable flexible setup. The system can be integrated into existing equipment using the RMPL144 plate carrier adapter set.

With this release, Lindnerhof continues to expand its modular portfolio for professional use. For more information, visit Lindnerhof at lindnerhof-taktik.de.

Posted in International, Load Carrying, Press Release | No Comments »

Team LionStrike Joins Team Forces as a Platinum Level Partner

Sunday, April 26th, 2026

Team LionStrike has joined Team Forces as a platinum-level partner, reinforcing its commitment to the U.K. Armed Forces community through sport, challenge and adventure.

Team Forces is a U.K. charity supporting serving personnel, veterans and families through sport, challenge and adventure to improve health, well-being and recovery. Team LionStrike will headline-sponsor the British Army Motorsport Association (BAMA) motorcycling team and support Forces’ motorsport athletes during the 2026 superbike season.

Formed by GM Defence together with its subcontractors BAE Systems and NP Aerospace, Team LionStrike is responding to a requirement to deliver an OEM-backed, U.K.-based solution to the U.K.’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme—supporting potential U.K. jobs and export opportunities.

“Joining Team Forces at platinum level underlines our commitment to the U.K. Armed Forces community,” said Gilbert Nelson, Vice President, International Sales & Marketing, GM Defence U.K.

“We chose Team Forces because it delivers tangible social value through armed forces sport, challenge and adventure—an authentic give-back to serving personnel and veterans that aligns with our role as headline sponsor for Army Motorsport and our performance-driven vehicle capabilities.”

The partnership also provides a community-facing platform that reflects Team LionStrike’s industrial investment in the U.K., linking its next-generation mobility solutions with the people and programmes they support.

“Welcome to Team Forces,” said Major General Lamont Kirkland, CEO of Team Forces. “Joining at platinum level is a significant commitment from Team LionStrike. We look forward to working together to deliver measurable impact for our military community—and meaningful engagement and exposure in return.”

The partnership will be felt most directly in Army Motorsport, where Team LionStrike’s backing will help sustain and grow a high-performance programme that showcases the Army’s skill, innovation and resilience on and off the track.

“We are delighted to welcome Team LionStrike and grateful for their investment in Army Motorsport,” said Colonel Rich Hall, MBE, Head of Partnerships for Army Motorsport. “Their support strengthens a programme that reflects the Army’s values and technical excellence. Together, we can broaden youth engagement, improve our storytelling and better connect our riders, engineers and communities—creating more opportunity and visibility for Army Motorsport than ever before. Thank you.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Team LionStrike Joins Team Forces as a Platinum Level Partner

Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH Launches Series Production of Maritime Unmanned Systems in Hamburg

Friday, April 24th, 2026

Series production of the Kraken K3 Scout has begun at Rheinmetall’s Blohm+Voss site in Hamburg. With the market-ready unmanned surface vessel (USV), Rheinmetall’s new Naval Systems division—together with its British joint venture partner Kraken Technology Group—offers a surface platform for both military and civilian applications. Depending on the configuration, the vessels can be used for maritime surveillance, protection of critical infrastructure, or as weapons carriers in military operations.

The joint venture established last year between Rheinmetall Naval Systems and the British tech company Kraken Technology Group will now operate under the name “Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH.” The partnership addresses the growing global demand for market-available unmanned platforms of various sizes.

Production of the systems—which are capable of speeds of up to 55 knots, measure 8.4 metres in length, and are individually configurable—takes place at Rheinmetall’s shipyard Blohm+Voss in Hamburg, a site that the Düsseldorf-based company is developing into Germany’s leading test and technology centre for unmanned and autonomous marine systems.

“Production of the Kraken K3 Scout is initially designed for around 200 units per year. Depending on the order volume, we can scale up production to as many as 1,000 units annually,” says Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division. With five locations in Germany, the Naval Systems division specialises in the construction of complex naval and coast guard vessels and is a pioneer in the development of unmanned and autonomous surface systems.

Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken Technology Group said: “The formation of Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH combines the scale, expertise and reach of a longstanding defence leader with an agile, innovative maritime technology company. This will ensure that production of Kraken’s K3 Scout can scale to meet exponentially growing operational requirements.”

Kraken Technology Group develops high-performance and cost-efficient unmanned maritime systems. Through the joint venture, they benefit from the extensive production and integration capabilities of the Rheinmetall Naval Systems division.

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Major Order Worth Billions: Rheinmetall to Supply the Bundeswehr with FV-014 Loitering Munition

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Rheinmetall has received a major order from the Bundeswehr for FV-014 loitering munition systems. A contract to that effect was signed today in Koblenz. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027, following qualification from the second quarter of 2026. The framework contract is worth billions, with the first call-off amounting to approximately €300m gross. The order will be booked in April 2026. The framework agreement optionally includes a five-figure number of FV-014 autonomous recce and strike drones.

“Within a very short time, Rheinmetall has developed an autonomous drone that combines reconnaissance and strike capabilities. The FV-014 will enable the Bundeswehr to protect its own forces and engage critical targets in a fast, controlled and effective manner. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and will begin producing the system in large quantities on an industrial scale very soon”, said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG.

The FV-014 loitering munition system has a range of up to 100 km and is equipped with a 4 kg warhead and detonator mechanism. The drone can remain airborne for up to 70 minutes, monitoring targets until engaging on them. The system combines intelligence and firepower and is manufactured entirely within the EU.

Posted in Contracts, International, Munitions, Press Release | No Comments »

Tiberius Aerospace Achieves World-First in Artillery: Liquid-fuelled Ramjet Ignition Successfully Achieved from a NATO-Standard 155mm Howitzer

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Tiberius Aerospace, a modern defence technology company built to empower the UK, US and their global allies with next-generation weapon systems and AI-powered solutions, has successfully demonstrated, for the first time, that a liquid-fuelled ramjet projectile can be launched from a NATO-standard 155mm howitzer, achieve ramjet ignition and perform as intended in flight. This liquid fuel breakthrough, achieved during recent test firings of its Sceptre system in New Mexico, represents a fundamental shift in what artillery systems are capable of delivering on the modern battlefield.

Sceptre is a 155mm precision-guided munition designed for full compatibility with existing NATO-standard artillery systems. The latest round of testing confirmed that it can reach ranges of up to 150 kilometres, travel at speeds of approximately Mach 3.5 and operate at altitudes exceeding 65,000 feet beyond typical jamming range. It delivers a 5.2kg payload with a circular error probability (CEP) of less than 5 metres, even in GPS-contested environments, and requires no modifications to current artillery platforms. The system is designed with a modular, open architecture that allows for continuous upgrades and uses widely available fuels such as diesel variants (JP-4 and JP-8), reducing the logistical burden associated with deployment.

A critical milestone in these trials was the successful ignition of the liquid-fuelled ramjet following exposure to launch forces of approximately 18,000 g, alongside the validation of stable flight dynamics, controlled rotation and the effective deployment of in-flight stabilisation systems.

Together, these results demonstrate that the technology is not only viable in theory but can function reliably in operationally relevant conditions. In practical terms, this successful test firing shows that it is now possible to combine the long range and speed typically associated with missile systems with significant cost savings, flexibility and the deployability of traditional artillery. This creates a new category of capability that sits between conventional artillery and high-end missile systems, addressing a long-standing gap in military capability.

While missile systems provide range and accuracy, they remain expensive and constrained in supply. Conventional artillery, by contrast, is scalable and cost-effective but limited in range and capability. Sceptre bridges this gap by offering missile-like performance while retaining the production advantages and flexibility of artillery systems. When enabled by Tiberius Aerospace’s AI-powered GRAIL platform, Sceptre has the potential to materially increase the volume of precision firepower available to allied forces, reduce reliance on high-cost missile inventories and enable faster, more scalable production at a time when industrial capacity is under strain. Crucially, the system is designed to support licensed domestic manufacturing, enabling allied nations to produce Sceptre within their own industrial base, strengthening sovereign capability, shortening supply chains and accelerating time to field. It also supports a shift towards more resilient, sovereign and distributed manufacturing models across allied defence ecosystems.

Chad Steelberg, Founder and CEO of Tiberius Aerospace, said: “This is a genuine world first breakthrough. These tests prove not only the technology, but a new way of delivering capability at pace, at scale and at significantly lower cost. Having successfully proved our design and engineering methodologies, we now need to move to much larger ranges to deliver the next phase of testing, validation and certification. Sceptre is an ambitious and complex project, but these successful US test firing results prove we are quickly advancing along the right trajectory.”

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

What If? – L85A4

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

I found this image online of a British SA80 equipped with the Strategic Sciences Corporation Multi Function Muzzle Device, an innovative 3D printed suppressor recently adopted by the Canadian Armed Forces for use on their new Canadian Modular Assault Rifle.

Due to its over the barrel dosing, it only adds 1″ to the overall length.

What if the UK followed suit?

Posted in International, weapons | 6 Comments »