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Mehler Protection Introduces Next-Generation Combat Helmet — Made in Germany

Friday, February 6th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (06.02.2026)

Mehler Protection is expanding its ballistic helmet portfolio with the Omega Core, an ultra-light combat helmet made from a high-performance UHMWPE composite, designed for modern tactical and military mission profiles.

The Omega Core combines an optimised UHMWPE composite core with a shell-integrated energy-dissipation system and an ergonomically designed interior. The result is an optimal weight-to-performance ratio that enhances mobility while reducing operational fatigue and neck strain. The helmet system will be showcased at Enforce Tac 2026 as part of Mehler Protection’s current helmet portfolio. Industry professionals, particularly those representing European armed forces, are warmly invited to visit the Mehler Systems Group stand to experience the combat helmet first-hand.

The Omega Core pairs a sophisticated ballistic construction with an open rail architecture and modular interfaces, e.g. for NVG mounts, visors, communications devices and hearing protection and more. The interior features multi-chamber pads and adaptive anchoring points to minimise micro-movements under dynamic loads, thereby improving stability, comfort, and fit. The individually adjustable suspension net provides continuous ventilation to reduce perspiration and heat build-up. The shell concept is engineered for low backface deformation and optimised fragment deflection. Thanks to its modular platform architecture, the helmet can be adapted to different mission profiles, ranging from highly mobile operations to scenarios involving variable threat environments.

“With the Omega Core we are setting the benchmark for ultra-light, fully integrable combat helmets. The system is ‘Made in Germany’, underpinned by a resilient European supply chain. Operators will benefit from a weight saving of around 20 per cent compared to the current Bundeswehr combat helmet, without compromising on protection, ergonomics or system integration,” says Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems.

The Omega Core is engineered as an ultra-light helmet system. It ranks at the very top of its class and delivers clear advantages in mobility and reduced fatigue during extended missions. The system is tested, among others, to the “Ballistic Helmet” system standard (Chapter 3.2, May 2010), STANAG 2920 (V50 procedure for fragment protection) and NIJ STD 0106.01. Ballistic tests with operationally relevant handgun ammunition (example calibres: 9 mm FMJ RN, .357 SIG FMJ FN, .44 Mag SJHP) are conducted to evaluate performance. These standards and additional procedures ensure that ballistic performance, impact attenuation and material durability meet the requirements expected by military users.

Production and delivery capability

Series production takes place at Mehler Protection’s dedicated facility in Fulda. The automated production line provides capacity for more than 50,000 state-of-the-art helmets per year. Mehler Protection has the organisational and technical capabilities to scale output to three times this volume at short notice upon receipt of orders. This ensures armed forces’ requirements can be met quickly and reliably. The production strategy is based on rapid scalability, a dual-sourcing approach for critical components and qualified supplier networks across Europe. Mehler Protection has demonstrated on-time delivery, high quality standards and supply chain resilience in major body armour programmes.

Innovation leadership

The Mehler Systems Group was awarded the TOP 100 seal in 2026, placing it among Germany’s most innovative mid-sized companies. This recognition highlights the Group’s consistent research and development efforts and the innovation behind products such as Omega Core, as well as numerous other solutions in the fields of personal and platform protection, load-bearing systems, and tactical clothing.

About Mehler Protection

Mehler Protection is a leading provider of high-quality ballistic protection systems for law enforcement agencies, military, and special forces. The company is committed to safety, providing innovative and robust solutions that are tailored to mission-specific requirements. Its portfolio includes ballistic body armour, stab and cut protection, helmets, shields, and platform armour for naval, air, and land vehicles, as well as critical infrastructure. As part of the Mehler Systems Group, Mehler Protection draws on over four decades of experience in developing and manufacturing customised protection solutions.

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Tomahawk Performance Releases Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro, Announces New Stock and Colorways

Friday, February 6th, 2026

Nashville, TN – February, 2026 – Tomahawk Performance has announced the release of the Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro, a low-profile evolution of its previously released Instructor Jacket, along with new inventory availability and expanded color options for the latter.

The Instructor Jacket was developed as a tough, insulated outer layer designed for training and operational environments where warmth, weather protection, and durability were the priority. Building on the success of this program, the Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro was designed for professionals operating in environments where blending into the crowd is critical and overt equipment can be a liability.

The Lo-Pro maintains the protective performance expected of the Instructor Jacket while reducing visual signature and bulk. Its streamlined design emphasizes a subdued appearance and enhanced comfort in cold weather.

Designed for extended days in colder temperatures, the Lo-Pro provides effective insulation and wind protection without drawing attention. During dynamic activity, the jacket is engineered to vent heat efficiently while minimizing moisture buildup. A durable stretch-woven face fabric allows the jacket to withstand repeated wear and abrasion associated with hard use.

Features include a dropped back hem with routed drawcords for added coverage, tapered insulation for wear under a duty belt, a full-zip front with weather backflap, zippered bicep pockets with integrated stash pockets, zippered hand-warmer pockets, and an internal zippered stash pocket.

The Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro features an American athletic fit and is constructed using a 70/40D nylon spandex four-way stretch shell (321 GSM) with a DWR finish. Insulation is provided by Primaloft® Gold Active+ (60 GSM), paired with a lightweight 20D four-way stretch nylon lining (53GSM) engineered to wick moisture away from the body.

Tomahawk Performance also announced new stock availability for the original Instructor Jacket, now offered in expanded colorways including Black, Urban Gray, and Ranger Green.

The Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro is available now through Tomahawk Performance and authorized dealers.

For additional information, visit tomahawkperformance.com.

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Milrem Robotics and EOS Defence Systems Sign Teaming Agreement to Advance Unmanned Ground Systems Capabilities

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and EOS Defence Systems, a global leader in advanced remote weapon systems and integrated defence solutions for Counter-UAS, have signed a teaming agreement to jointly pursue new business opportunities and advance network-centric collaborative combat robotics.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across marketing, product development, and research and development, enabling both companies to combine their complementary expertise in unmanned platforms, weapon systems, and integrated defence solutions.

“By combining Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicle expertise with EOS Defence Systems’ advanced weapon and integration capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to deliver scalable and mission-ready solutions for modern armed forces,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “This teaming agreement reflects our shared commitment to innovation, interoperability, and responding to evolving operational requirements.”

“The drone threat environment is increasingly mobile and contested, and effective defence can no longer be confined to fixed sites or crewed platforms,” said Andreas Schwer, CEO of Electro Optic Systems (EOS). “This teaming agreement extends EOS’ world-leading counter-drone systems onto unmanned ground platforms, supporting more flexible and layered defence approaches.”

Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to identify business opportunities in new markets and customer segments of mutual interest, as well as to develop and execute joint marketing initiatives. The cooperation also enables the potential co-development of products, technologies, and integrated solutions aligned with the companies’ respective areas of expertise.

A key focus of the partnership is joint research and development, including the integration of advanced weapon systems, sensors, and effectors onto Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicles. Planned activities may include non-ITAR counter-UAS solutions, missile and grenade launcher integrations, large-calibre weapon systems for heavy UGVs, and the integration of laser-based capabilities on medium and large uncrewed platforms, in cooperation with selected international partners.

The agreement further supports the sharing of relevant intellectual property, technical know-how, and research outcomes to accelerate the commercialisation and deployment of jointly developed or marketed solutions.

The collaboration will initially focus on selected markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and Europe, with opportunities in the United States assessed on a case-by-case basis. Target markets include the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and selected European programmes where joint offerings can deliver a clear competitive advantage.

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

GA-ASI and Mitchell Institute Award the 184th Attack Squadron With RPA Squadron of the Year

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 02 February 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies presented the 2024 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Award to the 184th Attack Squadron (ATKS) from the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The award was initially announced at the U.S. Air Force’s annual Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, but GA-ASI and Mitchell held a formal presentation ceremony on January 30 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the home of the 184th ATKS, in order to include the entire “Flying Razorbacks” squadron.

The award was presented by GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Deptula of the Mitchell Institute. The RPA Squadron of the Year Award is given annually to the squadron that distinguishes itself through its employment of RPA in meritorious service.

“Presenting this award is always one of the highlights of my year,” said Blue. “I’m thrilled to recognize the Flying Razorbacks as the RPA Squadron of the Year.”

The 184th Attack Squadron distinguished itself by executing 314 combat sorties and delivering 5,972 hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and PROSPERITY GUARDIAN. As the first unit tasked by the president of the United States to provide overwatch for humanitarian aid airdrops, the squadron demonstrated unparalleled innovation and mission versatility. Leading the Air Force in MQ-9A Reaper operations, the 184th Attack Squadron executed 66 percent of all non-traditional defensive counter-air and counter-small unmanned aerial system missions, significantly enhancing joint force lethality and integrated deterrence against adversarial threats.

“The important work of the Flying Razorbacks embodies the Air Force’s Units of Action and displays the agility, readiness, and multi-role capability of the MQ-9A, seamlessly transitioning from operational test to combat execution,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Linn of the 184th Attack Squadron. “Their contributions as citizen airmen not only advances remotely piloted aircraft operations but also solidifies the United States Air Force’s dominance in ISR.”

The 184th Attack Squadron’s exceptional performance reflects the highest standards of service, earning them recognition as the premier remotely piloted aircraft squadron in the Department of the Air Force.

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

US Army Awards Persistent Systems Contract for $87.5 Million Supporting Next-Generation Command and Control Prototype

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Contract marks a total of $121.5 million awarded to company for NGC2 prototypeNEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2026 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology, announced that the U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executive Command, Control, Communications, and Network (CPE C3N) has submitted a second order of $87.5 million for MANET devices, as part of the transport layer for Next-Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototype.

This second order is a follow-on to the $34 million contract the company received in October. The follow-on award will incrementally add capability for Army prototypes of NGC2. Together, these awards total $121.5 million.

“In the transport layer, we are responsible for moving all the 1s and 0s across the battlefield, so data reaches the warfighter who needs it, when they need it,” said Jon Patrick, Vice President of Business Development at Persistent.

Faster information delivery times and more reliable access to data enable faster, more efficient decisions, streamlining command and control (C2). The MANET radio continues to demonstrate it can serve as part of the transport layer, with the speed, resilience, and capacity required for combat operations.

“As the Army has presented us with increasingly demanding benchmarks, our team continues to deliver highly resilient transport that can empower an armored division on the move,” said Dr. Herbert Rubens, Founder and CEO of Persistent Systems. “We’re proud to provide a commercial solution that supports the Army’s transport layer and strengthens the warfighter at echelon.”

Over the coming months, deliveries will be underway as Persistent looks forward to empowering the Army with the most advanced communications technology, shaping the Army’s future network.

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UF PRO Confirms Return of the Striker Challenge for 2026

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (28.01.2026)

UF PRO, part of Mehler Systems, announces the return of the UF PRO Striker Challenge in 2026. The military-inspired endurance event will take place on 12 September 2026 in Pokljuka Plateau, offering participants a demanding experiencein alpine terrain.

The UF PRO Striker Challenge is designed to test performance under pressure through a combination of sustained physical effort, technical execution, and decision-making. The 2026 edition will feature a 15 km course with 19 military-inspiredobstacles set across challenging terrain. Final classification prioritises successful obstacle completion, followed by total course time, placing emphasis on execution rather than speedalone.

Participants can compete in individual male and female categories, as well as in a dedicated team format. Teams of three will navigate the same course and obstacle set, with selected tasks adapted to require coordination and cooperation between team members. The structure reflects the event’s focus on consistency, resilience, and performance in demanding conditions.

In addition to the main competition, the event also includes the Striker Junior Challenge, a participation-focused 1 km course for children aged 6 to 12. The junior format features fun, age-appropriate obstacles in a controlled environment and is designed as a non-competitive experience focused on movement and participation. Each junior participant will receive a Striker Junior Challenge goodie bag.

All registered participants in the main event will receive a limited-edition Striker Challenge 2026 gift bag, including an official event T-shirt, patch, wristband, a branded surprise item, and a meal and drink voucher. The top three finishers in each category will be awarded UF PRO gear vouchers redeemable at the official UF PRO store, with a total prize pool value of€10,000.

The UF PRO Striker Challenge 2026 welcomes active and veteran military personnel, law enforcement officers, first responders, fitness and adventure athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a structured endurance challenge in a demanding environment.

Registration for the 2026 UF PRO Striker Challenge is now open. Further information and registration details are available via UF PRO’s official channels and the event page: https://ufpro.com/int/events-and-shows/events/striker-challenge-2026

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Blaser Introduces the R8 Professional 2.0 Rifle

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

San Antonio, Texas (February 3, 2026) – The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 is the modern evolution of this iconic straight-pull rifle, with enhanced features to improve your hunting experience.

Featuring a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, the R8 Professional 2.0’s ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters. Other enhancements include new molded elastomer grip inserts, manufactured using 2K technology, which have a better surface texture for improved grip in the worst weather conditions. The Diamond Like Carbon A+ (DLC A+) coating of the barrel surface provides the ultimate protection against corrosion and scratches. A height-adjustable comb is now standard and helps you achieve precise alignment in the shooting position at the push of a button, and the receiver is permanently embedded into the synthetic stock for extra protection, enhanced rigidity, and precision. The fore-end also allows mounting a Harris bipod and/or Picatinny rail.

Long known for its speed, accuracy, and durability in the most brutal hunting conditions, this newest R8 is available as a Blaser kit with custom TSA approved hardcase featuring pre-cut interior foam for extra protection on your global adventures. In addition to slots for the rifle, there is space for two rifle scopes, a scope mount, and extra barrel for easy storage. The R8 2.0 takes this newest generation R8 to a higher level.

“The R8 Professional 2.0 kit is an upgraded system for Blaser owners in the United States and, for added convenience, all existing R8 parts fit this newly designed stock and receiver,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “The hard case is also an attractive element of the new system for our customers who travel the globe to hunt and also those who hunt closer to home and value an improved storage option.”

Available in Black Brown and Dark Olive, three stock length options are available – 14.56 inch is standard, but customers can easily exchange for 13.97-inch or 15.35-inch length.

Five different packages are offered through Blaser Premium Dealers from Rifle Only to a Rifle and Optics Package with QDC.

MSRP: Starting at $5,500

www.blaser.de/en/Firearms-Ammunition/Bolt-Action-Rifle-R8/R8-Professional-2.0

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

Ford and Darley Collaborate to Equip Broncos for Search and Rescue Teams Nationwide

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

Detroit, MI – February 3rd, 2026 – At the Detroit Auto Show, Ford announced a nationwide search to donate five Bronco Badlands models equipped with the Sasquatch Package to under-resourced search and rescue (SAR) organizations across the country. These donations are part of the Bronco Wild Fund’s commitment to provide five specialized vehicles in 2026. Two recipients, Kern County Fire & Rescue (CA) and Teton County Search & Rescue (WY), are already confirmed, and Ford is now inviting applications for the remaining three.

To ensure these vehicles are mission-ready, Ford is collaborating with Darley, a trusted provider of defense and rescue equipment, and Public Safety Direct, a leading emergency vehicle upfitter. Together, they will equip each Bronco with advanced capabilities designed for the most demanding environments and that meet the special needs of the recipients which may include special features and technology such as:

Starlink satellite connectivity for reliable communications in remote or disaster-impacted areas
Integrated drone technology for real-time aerial reconnaissance and situational awareness
Advanced lighting, winches, and recovery systems engineered for rugged rescue operations

Peter Darley, Executive Vice President and COO of Darley, said: “We’re proud to collaborate with Ford because we share a commitment to innovation and supporting those who serve. By combining Ford’s legendary vehicles with Darley’s expertise in rescue and communications gear, we’re helping search and rescue teams operate at their best, even in the toughest conditions.

Kevin Sofen, Technology & Innovation Manager for Darley, added: “Search and rescue teams don’t need complicated technology, they need tools that work every time they show up for work. These Broncos are purpose-built with reliable connectivity and integrated rescue capabilities designed specifically for how SAR teams operate. It’s a vehicle teams can rely on in demanding conditions, without having to question whether it’s going to hold up when lives are on the line”

Search and rescue organizations interested in applying for one of these specialized Broncos can visit nasar.org/page/AnswerTheCall for details.

Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.

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