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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Thales Unveils Its Panoramic Quad-Tube Night Vision Goggle

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
  • Presented for the first time at SOFINS1, PANORAMIC is a lightweight, compact night vision goggle equipped with four light intensification tubes to provide an extra-wide field-of-view. It is particularly well-suited to the needs of special operations forces and specialised units conducting sensitive missions such as counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.
  • Fully funded by France’s defence innovation agency (AID), the development of the PANORAMIC goggle was completed in just over two years by Thales’s centre of excellence for soldier optronics.
  • The PANORAMIC binocular is currently being evaluated by the French Army’s Technical Section (STAT) and Special Forces.

The PANORAMIC night vision goggle provides a field-of-view approaching the capabilities of the human eye to enhance situational awareness in low-light conditions. With four tubes instead of two, soldiers can quickly perceive their entire operational surroundings without moving their heads, enabling them to react more quickly to potential threats in their peripheral field of vision.

PANORAMIC’s patented architecture offers the best combination of performance, ergonomic design and volume currently available on the international market. It weighs just 740 g and is no wider than the soldier’s helmet. As well as the conventional helmet flip-up feature, each of the outer tubes can be raised independently, powering off automatically to guarantee discretion. Designed for optimum energy efficiency, this revolutionary new product is battery operated, with an available external battery pack for longer periods of operation.

The PANORAMIC night observation device is fully compatible with night sights such as the XTRAIM weapon sight. It is a compact, robust unit designed to accommodate future technologies and functionalities, and includes an optimised maintenance plan to maximise operational availability.

PANORAMIC unveiled for the first time at the 2025 edition of SOFINS, offering a further illustration of Thales’s 30-year track record of innovation in the design and development of night observation solutions to meet the full range of requirements of land forces personnel.

Specifically designed for special operations forces and specialised units in France and internationally, the PANORAMIC goggle is 100% made in France and ITAR-free.

“SOFINS is the ideal opportunity for us to present PANORAMIC, our new extra-wide field-of-view night observation device. Thales’s team technical expertise allowed the development of a ground-breaking night vision solution offering the robust design and outstanding performance needed to support the success of night-time missions and protect our soldiers at their most vulnerable moments.”

– Alexis Morel, Vice President, Optronics, Missile Electronics and Unmanned Air Systems, Thales

1 SOFINS: Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar

Project Manager Soldier Lethality Announces Type Classification Approval for Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW)

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

PICATINNY ARSENAL, NJ – Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PM SL) announced today the official Type Classification – Standard (TC-STD) of the U.S. Army’s M7 Rifle and M250 Automatic Rifle, signifying a major program milestone.

Following a full and open competition, including technical testing and Soldier touch points, a 10-year production contract was awarded to SIG SAUER in April 2022 to produce the M7 Rifle and M250 Automatic Rifle.

The M7 Rifle and M250 Automatic Rifle are currently being fielded across the Close Combat Force (CCB) to replace the M4A1 Carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) respectively. The Type Classification confirms the system meets the Army’s stringent standards for operational performance, safety, and sustainment.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge capabilities that give our Soldiers the tactical advantage and lethality required on the battlefield,” said Col. Jason Bohannon, Project Manager Soldier Lethality. “We remain focused on equipping our force with the most reliable and effective tools to ensure mission success.”

PM SL continues to lead the way in modernizing the Army’s combat effectiveness and lethality through innovative, Soldier-focused solutions.

– PEO Soldier

DARK SYSTEMS and PROJECT7 Armor Unite to Elevate K9 Tactical Protection Across Europe and Beyond

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Dark Systems, a global leader in advanced K9 helmet and cameras systems, proudly announces a strategic collaboration with PROJECT7 Armor to integrate the cutting-edge P7K9 ballistic vest into its modular ecosystem. This partnership marks a significant advancement in providing comprehensive protection and operational efficiency for European tactical teams and international SOF units.

Renowned for its innovative K9 helmets, electronics and cameras, Dark Systems has been at the forefront of equipping elite police tactical teams and special forces worldwide. The increasing demand for stabilized, high-quality load-bearing solutions necessitated a partnership that could deliver unparalleled protection without compromising mobility.

The P7K9 vest by PROJECT7 Armor stands out as the premier solution in the market. Developed over three years in collaboration with elite handlers and tactical experts, the vest offers unmatched coverage, mobility, and protection for working dogs. Its innovative biomechanical design includes a detachable ballistic yoke collar that shields vulnerable neck and chest areas without hindering the dog’s movement, bite, or search capabilities. Quick-release buckles on the yoke pivot seamlessly with the dog’s body, offering flexible and adjustable protection. The P7K9 can be donned, doffed, or scaled in under 30 seconds, making it ideal for various high-threat environments.

Furthermore, the P7K9 vest has been designed to perfectly accommodate the DarkMesh Manet K9 Camera system, a state-of-the-art technology recently selected for several international military programs.

This integrated approach ensures that K9 units are equipped with the best-in-class protective gear, enhancing their safety and effectiveness in the field. The P7K9 vest’s compatibility with Dark Systems’ modular components allows for seamless integration, ensuring that K9 teams can adapt to various mission requirements with ease.

About Dark Systems:

Dark Systems is a leading provider of advanced K9 helmet, electronics and camera systems, dedicated to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of working dogs in tactical operations. With a focus on innovation and quality, Dark Systems delivers cutting-edge solutions to military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

About PROJECT7 Armor:

PROJECT 7 is the culmination of years of research and development to produce the ultimate integrated tactical armor systems. PROJECT7’s innovative products are available at www.project7armor.com. PROJECT7 ballistic armor is sold only to sworn military, law enforcement, and federal agents either through the digital storefront or through our sole-source distribution partner AARDVARK in La Verne, California.

B5 Systems Modular Platform Stock Available Now

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Xenia, OH – [May 21, 2025]

B5 Systems, a leading provider of professional-grade firearm accessories, proudly announces the launch of its new Modular Platform Stock.

Designed with modularity, durability, and performance in mind, the Modular Platform Stock brings comfort and customization to firearms utilizing 1913 Picatinny mounted stocks.

B5 Systems Modular Platform Stock Features:

• Adjustable Spring Assist Cheekpiece, adding ½” Height
• Integral Left Side Folding Steel Hinge
• 5 position Collapsible Length of Pull Adjustment
• Cushioned Non-Slip Buttpad
• Fixed Sling Mounts
• Steel Anti-Rotational QD Mounts
• Color Matched Steel Hardware

Available in B5 Systems’ standard five colorways: Black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE), Coyote Brown, OD Green, and Wolf Grey. Proudly Made In the USA.

For more information about these and other products visit us at www.B5Systems.com

www.facebook.com/B5Systems

www.instagram.com/b5systems

GA Integrates Software for USMC Common Intelligence Picture WTI Course

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 19 May 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully integrated the advanced Optix software—developed by General Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc. (GA-i3)—into the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Common Intelligence Picture (CIP) for a multi-service Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course.

This milestone marks a significant enhancement in the USMC’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, delivering a unified operational view critical to the training of future aviation leaders. For the USMC, this integration directly supports the deployment and effectiveness of the GA-ASI-supplied MQ-9A Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

Achieved through close collaboration with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), the integration brought together engineers from GA-ASI and GA-i3 alongside USMC unmanned aviation operations experts. Their combined efforts enabled the seamless deployment of the Optix software during the rigorous WTI 2-25 training cycle.

USMC MQ-9A operations during the exercise took place at Yuma, Arizona, and the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field (SELF) at Twenty-Nine Palms, California—the Marine Corps’ only expeditionary runway in the U.S. The live-fire training environment provided an invaluable opportunity to evaluate the MQ-9A’s role in complex combat scenarios.

By introducing Optix into this high-demand setting, Marines gained access to real-time data fusion, a shared operational picture, and enhanced collaborative decision-making—tools critical for modern battlefield success.

“The integration of Optix software represents a key step toward the effective deployment of the MQ-9A MUX MALE platform within the MAGTF and joint operations,” said Doug Brouwer, Senior Director for USMC Programs at GA-ASI. “It enables near real-time situational awareness and improves the decision-making process across the battlespace.”

Andrew Majchrowicz, Project Manager for Department of Defense Programs at GA-i3, added: “Equipping Marines with advanced ISR tools like Optix enhances the common intelligence picture and operational readiness in live-fire environments. This is a critical milestone in our shared goal of enabling joint-force effectiveness and full operational integration of the MQ-9A.”

The successful deployment of Optix within the WTI course underscores General Atomics’ continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower the U.S. military with unmatched intelligence and operational capabilities for future multi-domain operations.

U.S. Army Designates Type Classification Milestone for the NGSW Lethality Program

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

NGSW Type Classified

NEWINGTON, N.H., (May 20, 2025) – SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of elite military weapon systems, is proud to congratulate the U.S. Army on the milestone of officially designating Type Classification – Standard (TC-STD) to the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) M7 rifle and M250 (belt fed) automatic rifle — cornerstone systems of the U.S. Army’s modernization program and overmatch efforts. The M7 is the M4 carbine replacement, and the M250 replaces the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon; the systems bring superior range and lethality over legacy systems, providing a greater threat to enemy forces through superior overmatch.

The Type Classification affirms the M7 and M250 meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability standards for widespread military use. This designation ensures seamless integration into the U.S. Army’s inventory, streamlining procurement, training, and maintenance across units and asserting the materiel fully satisfies U.S. Army operational needs.  This milestone marks the transition of these advanced firearms from developmental to standardized status, signifying readiness for widespread fielding. 

“This approval underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to equipping our soldiers with next generation lethality to maintain tactical superiority and enhance mission success” states Steve Rose, Executive Vice President, Defense Strategies Group.  “The M7 and M250 represent a transformative leap in combat capability.”

The NGSW Program, initiated in 2017, aims to revolutionize small arms capabilities for the U.S. Army. Following a 27-month prototype phase, extensive testing culminated in the selection of SIG SAUER’s XM7 and XM250 in April 2022.

FN Issues Optics Mounting Service Bulletin for FN Reflex MRD Pistols

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

(McLean, VA — May 20, 2025) FN America, LLC recently discovered a condition on the FN ReflexÒ MRD pistol that, in very limited circumstances when using the incorrect set of screws to mount specific optics, the pistol could experience binding, cycling issues, or interference with the firing pin safety block. The condition was first identified on a Reflex MRD with a Viridian RFX11 optic installed using the incorrect FN-provided screws labeled “604” which were too long. In this case, the screws labeled “603” should have been used.

When mounting any optic to the Reflex MRD, it is imperative to use the correct FN-supplied screw and only the correct FN-supplied screw. Do not use the screws provided by the optics manufacturer because those screws were not designed to interface specifically with the Reflex MRD and could cause damage to the slide.

The chart in the Reflex Owner’s Manual explains which size screw to use. It has been updated to include the Viridian RFX11 Optic. When installing the Viridian RFX11 optic, make sure to use only the FN-provided “603” screws to ensure proper function of the pistol (Top of Figure 1). Before installing all other optics, refer to the chart in the owner’s manual for the correct-sized screws. If your optic is not listed, please contact the FN Customer Service at 1-800-635-1321, or by email at customerservice@fnamerica.com.

Figure 1

Screw 603 on top. 604 on bottom.

To ensure that the correct FN-supplied screws are being used: while holding the optic separately from the pistol, place the screws through the screw holes in the optic and measure or count the threads protruding from the bottom; there should be no more than .045 inches, or 3 threads visible (Figure 2). The screws should also be installed to the correct torque (6 – 8 in/lbs), regardless of what may be recommended by the manufacturer of the optic. Take care not to overtighten beyond the correct torque settings as this may deform or compress the optic housing.

Figure 2

No more than 3 threads or .045 inches below the surface of the miniature red dot (MRD).

To view and read the FN Reflex Owner’s Manual or Optics Mounting Guide, please visit fnamerica.com/customer-support/owners-manuals.

For questions about this service bulletin or assistance in returning an FN Reflex pistol for a repair or evaluation, contact FN Customer Service at 1-800-635-1321, or by email at customerservice@fnamerica.com. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Regulus is Proud to Announce the Opening of a New Permanent Headquarters in the Philippines

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

Regulus is Proud to Announce the Opening of a New Permanent Headquarters in the Philippines. Chief Operating Officer Richard Allred had the honor of cutting the ribbon to open the new office. Allred explained the significance of Regulus’s permanent physical presence. “Our mission has always been to get the products and services that matter the most to the people who need them the most: this office represents our commitment to renewing and expanding that charge in the Philippines.”  This new office will facilitate stronger US/Philippine defense integration and public/private cooperation that will directly benefit the Filipino people.  Allred added, “We are proud to take the next step in serving and cementing the relationship between America and one of the most robust and reliable democratic allies in a dynamic region.”

Regulus’s new headquarters will strengthen a crucial ally in a number of ways. It advances the Philippines’ mission to maintain peace and deter aggression and opens new opportunities for cooperation in defense industrial strategy.  It creates new opportunities for public/private cooperation in nation-strengthening sectors like healthcare and telecommunications.  Finally, this office will provide new jobs and opportunities for economic growth to an increasingly vibrant economy. Cumulatively, this new physical presence will deepen an already robust relationship between Regulus and the Philippines and enhance a valuable economic and defense industrial partnership that demonstrates the crucial role US logistics partners play in supporting America’s Asia Pacific Strategy.

regulusglobal.com