FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘Lasers’ Category

SIG SAUER KILO Micro LRF

Monday, September 28th, 2026

They really pulled out all the stops during last week’s SIG NEXT event, but of all of the new products, my favorite is the smallest.

I first saw it in a photo with no frame of reference for its size. Turns out, it’s truly palm sized. Below you can see it next to the WARP, SIG’s full featured LRF.

It started out as an archery LRF but proved to be much more versatile and they’ve added eight onboard firearm ballistic groups to the archery setting.

Weighing just 3.4 ounces, this small, handheld laser range finder features a 4x18mm Monocular can which range past the 1000 yards promised by SIG using their GEN II LIGHTWAVE DSP.

KILO Micro relies on a rechargeable battery for up to 3,000 ranges per charge. They’ve included a QDI magnetic harness mount but I’m trying to figure out a way to mount it to coaxially to a weapon mounted optic.

Top all of that off with an IP67 waterproof rating and $249.99 MSRP and I’d recommend everyone pick one up.

www.sigsauer.com/kilo-micro-4x18mm

DroneShield and AIM Defence Collaborate on Directed Energy in Counter-Drone Architecture

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026

Collaboration with AIM Defence brings high-power laser technology into DroneShield’s layered counter-drone ecosystem, expanding customer engagement options through an open architecture
Sydney, Australia – 14 September 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in advanced counter-drone solutions, today announced the expansion of its open counter-drone architecture to include AIM Defence’s Fractl™ high-power laser effector, extending its layered ecosystem beyond RF sensing, electronic warfare and command-and-control.

The expansion comes through a collaboration with Australian directed energy company AIM Defence, which will bring the Fractl high-power laser system into DroneShield’s ecosystem of sensing and defeat technologies.

The collaboration reinforces DroneShield’s long-term position as an open, software-led counter-drone platform provider, enabling customers to combine complementary sensors and effectors as threat environments and mission requirements evolve.


Image: DroneShield CTO Angus Harris and Jenelle Frewen, Director of Strategic Initiatives at AIM Defence sign MOU at AIM headquarters.

As unmanned threats continue to increase in scale, autonomy and complexity, defence organisations recognise a layered counter-drone architecture is required to combine multiple sensing and defeat technologies. Such an approach incorporates complementary capabilities without replacing existing infrastructure.

DroneShield’s solutions are highly effective for many RF-controlled drone threats, while AIM Defence’s directed energy offering provides an additional engagement option for scenarios where different defeat mechanisms are operationally advantageous. Together, they expand the range of operational responses available to defence and security organisations.

AIM Defence is a global leader in the development of deployable directed energy systems. Its AI-enabled, high-power laser is designed to be interoperable with external sensors and command-and-control platforms, enabling precision engagement as part of broader layered defence architectures. The Fractl High Power Laser system is one of the few counter-drone lasers in the world to have been operationally deployed, and is currently being exported to multiple countries.


Image: AIM Defence’s Fractl™ high-power laser effector.

Through the collaboration, DroneShield’s DroneSentry operational platform will be interoperable with AIM Defence’s Fractl high-power laser. This will enable operators to coordinate RF sensing, AI-enabled software, sensor fusion, command-and-control and directed energy from a common operating environment.

“Customers are no longer asking which specific sensor or effector is best,” said?Angus Harris, Chief Technology Officer of DroneShield. “They’re asking how to combine the best technologies into a single operational capability that can adapt as threats evolve. Expanding our ecosystem with AIM Defence’s high-power laser gives customers another defeat option within that same open architecture. It is great to be working with AIM Defence which, like DroneShield, is a shining example of Australia’s defence tech landscape”.

“In Australia and elsewhere, the adoption of directed energy-based counter-drone solutions is moving fast,” said Jenelle Frewen, Director of Strategic Initiatives at AIM Defence. “This collaboration with DroneShield provides a framework for more customer demonstrations, interoperability work, and future deployment opportunities where directed energy can play a major role. With the inclusion of Fractl into DroneShield’s open architecture, allied defence and security organisations will have a proven drone hard-kill option to add to their existing layered counter drone and air defence systems”.

Initial engagement will focus on selected military and government end-users to explore opportunities where the interoperability of DroneShield’s and AIM Defence’s solutions can support mission-critical counter-drone environments.

Army Awards Production Contract for Enduring-High Energy Laser System

Saturday, September 12th, 2026

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army announced today the award to AeroVironment, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico, of an other-transaction-agreement for production under the Enduring-High Energy Laser program. This is the Army’s first production contract for a high energy laser weapon system.

“This first of its kind directed energy program will enable our formations to defeat unmanned systems and dominate from the outset. Pairing human ingenuity with advanced technology is what ensures our Army will continue to outpace America’s adversaries,” stated General Christopher LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.

Directed-energy weapons, such as E-HEL, can be used to take out drones at a much lower cost than using more expensive kinetic weapons like missiles. Powered by electric energy, E-HEL generates a lethal high-energy laser beam, offering a low cost-per-shot against critical unmanned aircraft system threats, and a magazine that regenerates with the system’s power supply.

“The key to successfully countering all levels of drones is a layered defense of sensors and effectors. AV and the Army have worked for years to develop directed energy solutions, and we are proud to give our soldiers a decisive edge against drone threats,” said the Honorable Mike Obadal, Under Secretary of the Army.

Developed using a modular open systems approach design consisting of 11 major interfaces, E-HEL is not locked into a single platform or vehicle. The system is designed for operational flexibility, capable of deployment from fixed bases, semi-fixed tactical sites, and mobile combat vehicles, ensuring broad applicability across the operational spectrum. This approach will enable onboarding of cutting-edge capabilities and continuous technology upgrades as they mature to address emerging Army requirements.

“The E-HEL program is an example of how the Army has successfully utilized MOSA, a key element of acquisition reform, as part of our efforts to field technology quickly with an interface to upgrade in the future,” said the Honorable Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology and Army Acquisition Executive. “Directed energy weapons have been considered S&T projects, and I’m proud that the Army is moving at speed and scale to deliver this first time capability,” he concluded.

The E-HEL program represents a significant step forward in the Army’s effort to deliver scalable, affordable, and adaptable directed energy capabilities to Soldiers. By transitioning from prototype development to production, the Army is establishing a foundation for continued capability growth and integration across the force. As E-HEL moves toward operational fielding, the program will continue to mature the technology and expand its ability to defeat evolving aerial threats while providing commanders with an additional layer of protection for critical assets and maneuver forces.

By US Army Public Affairs

Colt Optics Launches LP5X-P Laser Aiming Device

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026

Michigan (July 6, 2026) – Colt Electro Optics LLC (“Colt Optics”) today announced the launch of the LP5X-P Laser Aiming Device.

Modern weapon systems continue to demand more capability from every accessory mounted to the rail. Professional users need visible and infrared aiming capability, effective illumination, and reliable performance, but they also need to minimize weight, preserve rail space, and avoid unnecessary complexity.

The LP5X-P was developed around a simple objective: deliver maximum capability in the smallest package possible.

Offered by Colt Optics in partnership with Brolis Defense, the LP5X-P is based on a proven laser platform fielded by NATO and allied defense organizations. Colt Optics partnered with Brolis Defense to bring this proven capability to U.S. professional customers, delivering advanced aiming and illumination performance in a remarkably compact, lightweight package.

“At Colt Optics, we focus on products that solve real-world problems for professional users,” said Dennis Finnegan, Chief Operating Officer of Colt Optics. “The LP5X-P delivers an exceptional amount of capability without adding unnecessary size, weight, or complexity to the weapon system. Through our partnership with Brolis Defense, we are able to bring a proven solution to U.S. customers who demand performance, reliability, and versatility.”

LP5X-P High-Power Laser Aiming Device
Measuring just 3.7 inches in length and weighing only 5.9 ounces, the LP5X-P was engineered to require minimum rail mounting space and reduce overall weapon system weight without sacrificing capability.

At the heart of the LP5X-P are four independent emitters: a green visible aiming laser, an infrared aiming laser, a focusable infrared illuminator, and a speckle-free VCSEL infrared flood illuminator. Together, these systems provide users with the flexibility to adapt to a wide range of operational environments and lighting conditions.

The LP5X-P’s illumination system was designed to simplify operation in the field. As the illuminator is adjusted from a focused beam to a wider pattern, the system automatically transitions to the VCSEL flood illuminator at its widest setting, providing broad, speckle-free illumination optimized for close-range observation and situational awareness. As the illuminator is narrowed, the system automatically returns to the focusable infrared illuminator, ensuring the appropriate illumination solution is always available when needed.

The LP5X-P also features Training, Low, and High output modes, allowing users to tailor system performance to a variety of training and operational requirements.

One of the system’s most valuable features is its fully co-aligned laser architecture. Once the aiming laser is zeroed, all laser and illumination systems remain aligned, eliminating the need to independently zero multiple emitters and simplifying setup for the end user.

An integrated flip-up front sight is incorporated directly into the housing, providing additional capability without increasing overall system size or complexity.

Built around a rugged glass fiber-reinforced polymer housing, the LP5X-P is engineered to withstand demanding real-world environments while maintaining an exceptionally lightweight profile. It is waterproof, shock resistant, and designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -32°F to 159°F.

The result is a laser aiming and illumination device that delivers exceptional capability, intelligent illumination management, and professional-grade performance in an incredibly compact package.

As a true high-power laser system, the LP5X-P is available through authorized channels in accordance with applicable regulations.

For more information, visit www.coltoptics.com.

Revision Military Expands European Manufacturing Capability with Assembly Operations in Poland

Wednesday, June 24th, 2026

Revision SawFly R3 Clear - NSPA Contract

KETRZYN, POLAND, June 24, 2026 – Revision Military, a global leader in ballistic eyewear and protective systems, announces the expansion of its manufacturing footprint with the launch of assembly operations in Ketrzyn, Poland.

The new assembly line supports the production of select Revision Military products delivered to NATO and allied customers across Europe. This expansion strengthens regional capability, improves lead times, and enhances supply chain resilience for mission critical eye protection systems.

“For more than two decades, Revision has supported U.S. and allied forces with trusted ballistic eyewear systems,” said Karan Rai, Chairman and CEO of Revision Military. “Expanding assembly operations in Poland allows us to better support the evolving needs of our NATO partners through increased responsiveness, scalable regional capability, and continued delivery of the performance standards our customers depend on.”

Revision Military systems are fielded globally across military and special operations units and are designed to meet the rigorous demands of operational environments. The addition of European assembly capability strengthens Revision’s ability to deliver high performance protective eyewear with the consistency, speed, and dependability required by modern defense forces.

The Ketrzyn facility reflects Revision Military’s continued investment in resilient regional manufacturing and operational support for allied defense customers. This expansion also contributes to the growth of highly skilled manufacturing capability within Poland’s defense industrial base.

Revision SAWFLY R3 SMOKE - NSPA

“Building regional capability is an important part of how Revision supports allied forces and long term customer requirements,” Rai added. “This expansion strengthens our ability to serve European and NATO customers while maintaining the quality, protection, and performance that define Revision products.”

This expansion marks another step in Revision Military’s commitment to scalable, regionally aligned production solutions that support mission effectiveness and evolving operational requirements across allied forces.

About Revision Military
Revision Military, a world leader in purpose-built ballistic eye protection for military and tactical use, now has a framework contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply a range of high performance protective eyewear. The largest global supplier of ballistic and laser protective military eyewear solutions, Revision is the solution for major MoDs and is now available to any NATO countries wishing to purchase through NSPA, serving NATO nations, military authorities, and partner nations by providing efficient and cost-effective multinational solutions and access to Revision protective eyewear.

Learn more: www.revisionmilitary.com

Contact the Revision International Team:
www.revisionmilitary.com/revision-nspa-contract/

B.E. Meyers and Co. Awarded Contract to Deliver DAGIR-V1 Systems in FY27 Supporting US Army Small Arms Fire Control and Night Lethality

Thursday, June 18th, 2026

June 16, 2026 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. has been awarded a contract for 8,936 DAGIR®-V1 systems by the U.S. Army’s PM Soldier Lethality (PM SL), under the Capability Program Executive – Ground Soldier Systems (CPE-G) to fulfill the US Army’s specific needs in the M7 Surrogate Fire Control Program. The DAGIR® series of infrared and visible aiming and illumination laser systems are advanced VCSEL-based systems and are designed for multi-platform applications. This order will be delivered in GFY2027 through an order via the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) program.

The DAGIR® family of advanced, multi-platform laser systems constitutes B.E. Meyers & Co.’s latest generation of photonic solutions for Near Infrared (NIR) illumination and aiming on weapon platforms. The U.S. Army’s selection of the DAGIR®-V1, following testing, evaluation, and Soldier feedback, further establishes the DAGIR® as the premier advanced multi-platform aiming laser.  “Following our deliveries of MAWL®-X1 systems to the DoW in previous years, we are honored to continue our support of the US Army with our DAGIR® laser system. These systems, proudly American Made, ensure that our Warfighters have multi-function laser technology that supports the clarity, speed, and precision of modern night lethality needs” said Matthew Meyers, CEO and second-generation owner of B.E. Meyers & Co.

The DAGIR® series of lasers represents a major advancement in multi-function aiming and illumination technology, combining a Near-Infrared illuminator with both NIR and visible aiming lasers in a compact, ruggedized system. Designed through advanced optical engineering, the DAGIR® series delivers exceptional illumination quality, ergonomic operation, and a refined form factor. USSOCOM previously selected the DAGIR®-V1 under the SAL-UHP program designated the LA-30 with NSN 5855-01-724-3043. The DAGIR®-V2 features an additional visual laser override button, and has also been adopted by USSOCOM under the Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (MAL-UHP) contract.

The U.S. Army selected DAGIR®-V1 is a versatile, weapon mounted NIR/visible pointer and NIR illuminator engineered for demanding operational requirements. Its over-bore 40 mW IR pointer and dual 350 mW VCSEL based IR illuminators deliver consistent performance through dense photonic barriers and in high ambient light environments. The laser system’s best-in-class human machine ergonomic interface enables soldiers to adjust beam divergence and output without removing their hand from the weapon. All optical and electronic components are fully sealed within a compact, durable aluminum housing designed to withstand extreme environmental and mission specific stresses.

At the core of the DAGIR®-V1 is the MINIRVA™ diode system, utilizing advanced VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) technology to achieve exceptional beam precision and clarity. This evolutionary advanced VCSEL core provides sharper beam projection and more defined illumination, improving target identification, situational awareness, and threat assessment across diverse operational environments.

The DAGIR®’s unique capabilities integrate seamlessly with the U.S. Army’s ongoing modernization efforts in visual augmentation systems and next generation small arms programs. As a U.S. Army veteran-operated company, B.E. Meyers & Co. is proud to support the enhancement of U.S. Army Soldiers’ night fighting capabilities and remains committed to delivering the best possible advanced photonic systems for the warfighter.

Who We Are:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is a Defense Technology Manufacturer located in Redmond, Washington. As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 52nd year, we are a global leader in tactical laser systems for combat applications, as well as optoelectronic systems for rotary wing aircraft, fixed wing platforms, and UAVs, along with other integrated systems. We are a true “Made in America” operation, with design, development, production, and final assembly occurring in our Redmond, Washington headquarters.  We are proud of our work and who we serve as we evolve critical defense technology and reenergize American Manufacturing.

Who We Support:

Our customers include all branches of US Department of War, US Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies, select US consumer channel partners, international allies in over 50+ countries, as well as defense primes both in the US and internationally.  Our key product brands in these spaces include VSLAP®, IZLID®, GLARE®, MAWL®, DAGIR®, BOARS®, MILR®, KIJI®, and others.

Made in America:

B.E. Meyers & Co. operates in multiple market segments as a defense-centric Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) at our core. Our business and our products are:

§     US based

§     US owned

§     Certified SBA Small Business

§     ITAR compliant

§     ISO 9001:2015

§     Made in America

§     Buy American Act compliant

§     Berry Amendment compliant

Strategic Sourcing:

With respect to strategic sourcing amid the U.S.-China trade war, B.E. Meyers & Co. is dedicated to an, “Anywhere But China” supply chain policy wherever possible, and especially for key components.

We continually promote efforts to diversify our supply chain, and we also invest in ensuring critical components are stocked to avoid disruptions.

Product Lines:

The DAGIR® series is currently under contract with various US DoW and other entities.

Please see Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting’s overview of the DAGIR® series here, as well as Steele Industries overview here.

For sales information on the DAGIR®, and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or connect with us at info@bemeyers.com.

Vortex Optics GeoBallistics Ecosystem

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

Vortex Optics incorporates GeoBallistics software into several of its products including Talon HD 10K Binocular, Ace Ballistic Weather Meter, and Impact 4000 laser range finder.

These devices collect data which feeds into the GeoBallistics software. In addition to rendering shooting solutions which appear on the device, it also interfaces with the App resodent in your End User Device.

vortexoptics.com/geoballistics

Further Major Contract: Rheinmetall to Supply Further Laser-Light-Modules for the Bundeswehr’s New Assault Rifle – Contract Worth Several Hundred Million Euros

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

The Bundeswehr has once again awarded Rheinmetall a major contract for Laser-Light-Modules. Following budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee in December 2025, a further definitive call-off has now been made under the framework contract, which was concluded in June 2021 and extended in December 2025. Between 2026 and 2032, and additional six-figure quantity of ‘LLM-VarioRay’ Laser-Light-Modules is to be delivered to the troops. This second definitive call-off represents a further net order intake of several hundred million euros for Rheinmetall. It will be booked in the second quarter of 2026. The devices are ‘made in Germany’ and are manufactured by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach at Lake Constance. Numerous other small and medium-sized German businesses will also benefit from the contract as suppliers.

“Our versatile and battle-proven LLM-VarioRay is a key tactical combat enhancer for dismounted soldiers”, said Dr. Timo Haas, Head of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division. “This further major contract from the Bundeswehr demonstrates the troop’s confidence in our capabilities and underlines the constructive cooperation between industry, procurement authorities and the armed forces”.

The Rheinmetall LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Module is part of the latest generation of devices of this type. The Laser-Light-Modules are primarily used on the small arms carried by infantry and dismounted forces, and serve to detect, identify and mark targets.

Weighing approximately 250 grams, including its mount, the LLM-VarioRay can be attached to any assault rifle via a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and can be operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. The light source can be selected and adjusted stepless using a rotary switch. The device is equipped with a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block. This laser block allows for easy adjustment and alignment of the visor and the weapon. Equipped with night vision and thermal imaging devices, the German Armed Forces can thus accomplish their missions across the entire spectrum of operations, regardless of day- or night-time and in all weather conditions.

The LLM-VarioRay product family is also part of the German soldier system ‘Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES)’ and is likewise used in the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and in the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.

Rheinmetall’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of infantry equipment, including various targeting and illumination modules. These were developed in order to increase the tactical value of modern small arms. The LM-VTAL (‘Laser Module – Variable Tactical Aiming Laser’) has been used by the Bundeswehr’s special operators for several years.