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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Angel Armor Launches the RISE Plate Carrier, Expanding Coverage Without Sacrificing Mobility

Friday, September 4th, 2026

FORT COLLINS, CO, August 30, 2026 – Angel Armor launches the RISE® Plate Carrier, a purpose-built tactical armor platform designed for SWAT teams, tactical law enforcement personnel and high-risk response environments. The new carrier officially debuts at the NTOA Conference in Booth 515, where it will be a primary product focus for Angel Armor throughout the show.

The RISE® Plate Carrier was developed around a challenge tactical operators have faced for years: getting the coverage they need without sacrificing mobility. Traditional plate carriers prioritize a lightweight, streamlined profile but can lack coverage and scalability, while full-coverage tactical vest systems provide enhanced protection at the cost of added bulk and reduced mobility.

Most operators have simply had to work around that tradeoff, until now. The RISE® Plate Carrier was designed to bridge the gap, extending coverage where traditional plate carriers fall short, while preserving the agility and mission adaptability that operators demand. 

“I’m incredibly proud that our team pushed past conventional limits to redefine what a plate carrier can do” said Nate Mooers, Lead Designer at Angel Armor. “Law enforcement shouldn’t have to choose between mobility and survival. We designed the DefendCore™ Belt System to eliminate that trade-off entirely. By combining load-bearing agility with high-threat ballistic protection, DefendCore™ delivers a mission-ready carrier that moves dynamically with the body without compromising coverage.”

At the heart of its engineering is the DefendCore™ Belt System. The patent-pending system wraps 360° front-to-back protection around the operator’s core through a modular overlapping armored belt. A canted rear belt feature elevates the back rifle plate toward the upper back, pushing protection toward the trap line, while side rifle plate integration expands coverage further for missions that call for it. The result is genuine protection across the core without the bulk or restricted movement that has historically come with it.

“The plate carrier is super comfortable compared to other plate carriers I have used over the last 12 years and extremely lightweight,” said a Colorado SWAT Deputy who has worn the RISE® Plate Carrier in the field. “While moving, it is comfortable and flexes with the body. The overlapping side soft armor feels great and provides extra protection. I am super impressed.”

The RISE® Plate Carrier is the latest addition to the RISE® Body Armor System, expanding the company’s versatile protection platform built to match the current mission and the next.

American Rheinmetall Secures Award from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for MCT-30 Turret Machined Components Supporting USMC ACV-30 Program

Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

American Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to produce machined components for the MCT?30 medium caliber turret. These components will support the United States Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle infantry fighting vehicle variant, known as the ACV?30.

Under the award, valued at approximately $710,000, American Rheinmetall’s Lapeer and Lansing, Michigan facilities will manufacture machined components for MCT?30 turrets, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2026 and 2027. American Rheinmetall will perform the work as a subcontractor to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

This marks the first contract award from Kongsberg to American Rheinmetall’s Michigan operations and signifies the continued growth and diversification of the company’s U.S. customer base. The award also builds on years of successful collaboration between Kongsberg and American Rheinmetall’s Maine facility in support of the CROWS program.

“The opportunity to support Kongsberg on the ACV?30 program reflects our expanding partnership and strengthens American Rheinmetall’s role in delivering high?quality components for critical U.S. military platforms,” said Tom McDonnell, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, American Rheinmetall. “We’re proud that our Michigan facilities will contribute to the Marine Corps’ modernization priorities as it evolves into a more mobile and capable force.”

By supporting production of the MCT?30 turret for the ACV?30, this effort contributes directly to the Marine Corps’ operational readiness and mission flexibility. The award also reinforces American Rheinmetall’s growing position within the Tier 1 defense industry landscape as the company continues broadening both capability and customer reach.

US Army Awards $13M Contract to Global Military Products for Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar Systems Integrated on Infantry Squad Vehicles

Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

TAMPA, FL – (Sept. 3, 2026) –  The U.S. Army has awarded Global Military Products a $12.9 million contract for the procurement and integration of Scorpion Light mobile mortar systems under the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) framework. The award supports the integration of Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar systems with U.S. Army digital fire control technologies and government-furnished M253 mortar barrels onto the Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle–Utility (ISV-U) platforms. 

Designed to enhance expeditionary indirect fire capabilities, the next-generation Scorpion Light system delivers a highly mobile, digitally enabled mortar platform capable of rapid emplacement, autonomous targeting and precision engagement in support of distributed operations. The integration of advanced fire control architecture significantly accelerates the sensor-to-shooter kill chain, enabling faster target acquisition, digital fire mission processing, and rapid engagement of multiple targets with reduced crew workload and increased survivability.

“The enhanced capabilities provided by the next-generation Scorpion mobile mortar system directly support the Army’s Transformation Initiative and its transition toward smaller, more agile and highly lethal combat formations prepared to address emerging threats in complex operational environments,” said James Knight, director, Global Military Products. “Over the past two years, we have worked closely with Army stakeholders and soldiers to continuously evaluate, iterate and refine the Scorpion platform based on operational feedback. This contract award reflects the success of that collaboration and our commitment to delivering a fully integrated mobile mortar capability that increases lethality, improves operator safety, and provides unmatched tactical mobility for the warfighter.”

Over the past two years, the U.S. Army and Global Military Products have collaborated through Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) initiatives and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) efforts to refine, test, and incorporate direct soldier feedback into the development of the Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System. These iterative efforts have significantly advanced the platform’s mobility, lethality, survivability, and operational effectiveness.

The latest evolution of the system integrates advanced digital fire control capabilities and the Nett Warrior (NW) networked communications architecture, enabling rapid target acquisition, precision fire missions and near instantaneous re-aiming with minimal crew intervention. This fully digital architecture streamlines and accelerates the sensor-to-shooter kill chain by enabling seamless target handoff between systems, digital fire mission processing and autonomous mortar engagement capabilities. For the first time, soldiers can rapidly prosecute multiple targets with a highly mobile, digitally enabled autonomous mortar platform, significantly increasing responsiveness, accuracy and operational tempo in contested environments.

Most recently, soldiers assigned to the Multi-Purpose Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, evaluated the ISV-based 81mm Scorpion Autonomous Engagement System during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines. During live-fire operations, soldiers successfully fired 20 rounds from two separate systems in under two minutes, demonstrating the platform’s speed, precision, and ability to deliver responsive indirect fires in support of distributed combat operations.

PROJECT 7 Armor Introduces ICON — A Scalable, Multi-Mission Ballistic System Built For Changing Assignments

Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

September 1, 2026 – LA VERNE, CALIF. — PROJECT 7 Armor is proud to announce the release of the ICON Multi-Mission Vest, its newest tactical armor platform and the most versatile system in the PROJECT 7 lineup. Developed in response to real-world feedback from law enforcement and military professionals, ICON was created for operators whose assignments and threat profiles can change from one mission to the next.

Rather than requiring separate armor platforms for concealed, patrol, plate-rack, and tactical entry applications, ICON brings those capabilities into a single, highly configurable system. It can be worn streamlined for daily operations, configured for concealed or Class A wear by transferring its soft ballistic panels into an optional internal carrier, or scaled with rifle plates and additional ballistic protection for tactical entry.

Key ICON features include:

• Removable internal ballistic yoke for added protection while maintaining a close-to-body, lower-profile fit

• Adjustable shoulder system designed to accommodate clothing layers, seasonal gear, and changes in operator fit

• Optional internal concealable carrier allowing ICON soft armor to be worn beneath clothing or a Class A uniform

• P7 STIK™ Removable Rifle Retention System, utilizing rigid Kydex to stabilize the rifle securely against the platform

• Gap protection at the cummerbund and compatibility with P7’sfull suite of ballistic accessories provide added coverage for high-risk entry operations

“ICON came directly out of conversations with operators whose jobs don’t stay in one lane,” said Jon Becker, CEO of PROJECT 7 Armor. “An operator may be working patrol one day, a task force assignment the next, and a tactical operation after that. We wanted to create a platform that could move with that operator instead of forcing them to move between completely different armor systems. ICON gives them the ability to tailor protection, loadout, and profile to what the mission actually requires.”

Designed Around the Operator

ICON also expands the level of fit and adaptability available within the PROJECT 7 armor line, offering the widest range of sizing and scaling options of any P7 platform. Multiple cummerbund, ballistic package, loadout, MOLLE/PALS, liner, and accessory configurations allow agencies to tailor ICON to individual operators and specific mission requirements. The result is a highly wearable, entry-capable armor platform built to scale across a broad range of operational needs.

Availability

The PROJECT 7 ICON Multi-Mission Vest is available for agency purchase exclusively through AARDVARK, PROJECT 7 Armor’s sole-source distributor. Law enforcement and military agencies can configure their platform and request a quote through project7armor.com or aardvarktactical.com.

Reptilia Introduces the ARCA-S Handguard: Direct-To-Tripod Capability In A Purpose-Built Rifle Handguard

Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

HILLSBOROUGH, NC –  September 2026 – Reptilia Corp introduces the Arca-S Handguard, a purpose-built rifle handguard designed around a machined-in Arca-Swiss interface that provides direct-to-tripod capability without sacrificing the modularity of a modern M-LOK handguard.

Designed for shooters who rely on a tripod for stability, positional shooting, observation, or rapid rifle deployment, the Arca-S Handguard integrates a 2.8” Arca-S section at the rear of the handguard, where the rail meets the upper receiver. This location provides a rigid, repeatable mounting interface while keeping the remainder of the handguard clean and fully configurable.

“The goal was to integrate the Arca interface into the handguard rather than bolt another component onto the rifle,” said Reptilia. “The result is a cleaner, more capable system that gives the shooter direct access to a tripod while maintaining the M-LOK functionality they expect.”

At the center of the design is Reptilia’s patented turnbuckle mounting system, which provides a secure and repeatable attachment across standard AR15 upper receivers without adding unnecessary bulk. The handguard maintains full M-LOK compatibility, allowing shooters to configure their rifle with bipods, lights, and other accessories alongside the integrated Arca interface.

The Arca-S interface draws from the Arca-Swiss standard originally developed for precision photography and now widely adopted by shooters seeking fast attachment, smooth fore-and-aft adjustment, and a stable connection to a tripod. By machining the interface directly into the handguard, Reptilia eliminates the need for an additional Arca rail or adapter.

PURPOSE-BUILT. FULLY INTEGRATED.

The Arca-S Handguard is designed to provide a straightforward interface between rifle and tripod while maintaining the ergonomics and modularity expected from a modern fighting or precision-oriented rifle.

Key features include:

  • Integrated 2.8″ Arca-S interface at the rear of the handguard
  • Direct-to-tripod capability
  • Reptilia patented turnbuckle mounting system
  • Full M-LOK compatibility
  • Designed for standard AR15 upper receivers
  • Machined aluminum construction
  • Available in Black and FDE
  • Proudly made in the USA
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

The Arca-S Handguard is available now – SHOP NOW

Svenska Aerogel’s Customer Launches Fire-Resistant Coating Tailored for the Marine Industry

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026

Svenska Aerogel’s (“the Company”) customer, a European manufacturer of paints and coatings, is launching a new industrial and fire-resistant coating for the marine industry. The Company’s aerogel material enhances the coating’s fire performance, thereby contributing to increased safety onboard vessels. The coating is intended for use on interior surfaces, such as walls and ceilings.

The customer’s product has been developed for commercial shipping and meets the applicable requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The maritime sector is subject to stringent safety requirements, driving demand for fire-protective solutions. Such solutions play an important role in limiting the spread of fire and protecting structures and escape routes.

“We are pleased to see our material, Naerogel®, being used in a product that addresses a clear market need and, above all, contributes to increased safety for people onboard,” says Tor Einar Norbakk, CEO of Svenska Aerogel.

The fire-resistant coating will be sold on a project-by-project basis, and the customer has begun its sales activities.

Curtiss-Wright to Provide Sensor Processing for Northrop Grumman’s Improved Threat Detection System

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026

ITDS processor, paired with Northrop Grumman’s ATHENA sensor, will enhance aircraft and aircrew survivability

ASHBURN, Va. – Sept. 1, 2026 – Curtiss-Wright announced today that it was awarded an approximately $14 million contract from Northrop Grumman to provide sensor processing equipment supporting the Phase II development of the U.S. Army’s Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS), the future threat warning system designed to protect aircraft from air defense systems. The program aims to deliver advanced missile warning and threat detection capabilities across current and future U.S. Army aviation platforms, including the AH-64 Apache and MV-75 Cheyenne Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft.

Curtiss-Wright’s ITDS integrated processor provides a modular, ruggedized solution designed to ingest high-bandwidth sensor data, perform real-time processing and data fusion, and enable rapid integration of new capabilities within an open systems architecture that is purpose built for portability from platform to platform. Paired with Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Tactical Hostile Engagement Awareness (ATHENA) sensor, Curtiss-Wright’s integrated processor will enable timely missile warning and critical information flow across the platform to protect aircraft and aircrews.  

“Combining Curtiss-Wright’s highly durable processing capability with Northrop Grumman’s ATHENA sensor will result in an unrivaled threat detection capability, providing the potential to protect aircrews from virtually any weapon system – air to air or surface to air – employed by our adversaries,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions. “Our integrated processor excels at rapidly processing and transporting large amounts of data in the most demanding environments, making it the optimal computing solution for latency-critical sense and response protection systems such as ITDS.”

Curtiss-Wright’s integrated processor utilizes MOSA- and SOSA aligned modules integrated within a conduction-cooled chassis designed for airborne deployment. High-speed optical interfaces and configurable I/O provide support for both modern digital sensors and legacy aircraft interfaces, enabling integration across a wide range of aircraft protection architectures. The integrated processor also delivers groundbreaking artificial intelligence-enabled compute architecture and real-time net-centric data sharing which ensures the platform can evolve alongside emerging sensor technologies, algorithms, and countermeasure systems.

About ATHENA

The ATHENA sensor is designed to enhance aircraft survivability by providing 360-degree situational awareness and high-resolution threat detection, capable of geolocating electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) threats such as unmanned aerial systems, air to air missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades.

About ITDS

ITDS will provide the capability to detect, classify, cue and declare on existing and emerging EO/IR threats. ITDS is designed to operate based on rapid threat classification and initiating the appropriate countermeasure system, such as directable infrared and/or expendable countermeasures. ITDS also provides appropriate hostile fire indications, differentiating between small arms and rocket threats.

ITDS will be a Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE)-conformant and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-compliant system, able to operate on a digital backbone. It will be composed of IR sensors, a processor, and a memory module. 

For additional information about Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions products, please visit defense-solutions.curtisswright.com and LinkedIn.

Anduril to Deliver Hardware and Shelter Integration for Army’s TITAN Program

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026

The U.S. Army has awarded Anduril a $65 million delivery order for production in support of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program. The award was made through the Army Enterprise Agreement, which provides a streamlined contracting mechanism for the Army to procure Anduril products and capabilities. Under the delivery order, Anduril will produce and integrate hardware subsystems and mission shelters for TITAN, with Palantir serving as the program team lead.

Army units pull sensor data from a variety of satellites, aircraft, and ground systems. Processing and combining different forms of data traditionally relies on large, fixed infrastructure that is difficult to move and vulnerable to detection or attack. TITAN brings that capability into a mobile ground station.

TITAN fuses diverse sources of data into a common intelligence picture while in the field with combat units. This allows Soldiers to receive and act on real-time data in austere environments, rather than routing it back to a fixed command post. TITAN is designed to accelerate targeting and strike, freeing dependencies on older data processing methods.

Under the award, Anduril will deliver hardware for eight TITAN systems—four TITAN Advanced and four TITAN Basic. TITAN Advanced offers greater processing and integration capability, while the Basic variant provides greater mobility for rapid deployment.

Anduril will manufacture the ruggedized, vehicle-mounted systems and integrate the power, thermal, control, and operator subsystems that enable TITAN to function in the demanding environments in which Soldiers operate.

This award marks TITAN’s transition from prototyping to production.

Anduril has supported the program since 2021, serving as the lead hardware systems architect and incorporating Soldier feedback throughout the design and testing process. TITAN hardware is built at Anduril’s facility in Costa Mesa, California.

As the Army plans additional TITAN orders in FY27, Anduril is prepared to scale production and meet growing demand.