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Precision Technic Defence Group Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025

In 2025, Precision Technic Defence Group proudly marks its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of innovation, growth, and an uncompromising commitment to global security. From its Danish beginnings in 1985 to its expansive global presence today, the company has evolved into a trusted leader in defence and security solutions.

Strategic expansion and global reach

The story of Precision Technic Defence Group began in 1985 in Rødovre, Denmark, when founder Thomas Dresler established Precision Technic Nordic. Starting with three core product groups – surveying equipment, marine lanterns, and thermography – the company quickly made its mark by contributing to major Scandinavian infrastructure projects such as the Great Belt Bridge and the Øresund Bridge.

A turning point came in 2012, with a strategic focus on thermography, the establishment of Precision Technic Defence A/S near Aalborg, and Jeppe Müller joining the leadership team.This shift marked the company’s transformation into a defence and security industry specialist and from 2015 onward, the company established subsidiaries in Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, Sweden, and the United States.

“To witness the company, I founded, grow into a global leader in the defence and security industry is extremely rewarding, and I am deeply proud of everyone who has contributed to the company’s remarkable growth and success”, says founder Thomas Dresler. “It is a privilege to see Precision Technic Defence Group develop and expand to meet ever-changing market needs, and I am truly grateful for our clients’ and partners’ continued trust in us.”

Driving success through collaboration

Today, Precision Technic Defence’s solutions are deployed by governments, armed forces, and security agencies worldwide. The company’s success is built on a team of highly skilled employees with extensive experience from the military or law enforcement, providing them with a deep understanding of the industry, and the solutions it requires. Equally important are the company’s strong partnerships, enabling Precision Technic Defence Group to deliver tailored solutions that meet even the most complex demands. Together, the synergy between experienced professionals and innovative partnerships drives the company’s ability to deliver superior solutions on a global scale.

New headquarters – a new era

Coinciding with its 40th anniversary, Precision Technic Defence group inaugurated a new 4,400-square-metres headquarters in Denmark in September 2024. The facility includes office spaces, warehouse facilities, and a state-of-the-art electronics workshop operated by Precision Services. The new headquarters marks a new era of innovation and operational excellence, enabling Precision Technic Defence Group to further enhance its support for clients worldwide and strengthen its role as a global leader in defence and security solutions.

Looking to the future

As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, Precision Technic Defence Group remains committed to creating safe and stable societies. “For decades, we have focused on empowering those who protect us”, says Jeppe Müller, Co-owner and Chairman of the Board. “The core of our mission is still to safeguard people and societies across the globe, offering us a profound sense of purpose that reflects our deeply held value of serving our country.”

A year of celebration

Throughout 2025, we look forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary with events that highlight this significant milestone. From hosting special events at trade fairs around the globe with our partners and clients to celebrating with our staff, we aim to recognise the collective efforts that have shaped our success over the past four decades.

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

Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols – Premium Firearms for Competitive Shooters

Tuesday, January 28th, 2025

New Pistols with Advanced Features for 2025

WEST HARTFORD, CONN. – January 27, 2025 – Colt’s Manufacturing Company is proud to announce the Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols, which were launched during the 2025 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 21-24.

The Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols are engineered for precision, performance and versatility. Available in both 9mm and .45 ACP, these pistols deliver the performance required for high-level competition. Featuring Colt’s innovative optics plate system, the Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols are equipped with advanced features to enhance speed, accuracy and customization. These enhancements make the pistols the perfect choice for those looking to gain a competitive advantage.

“We are excited to announce the launch of the Optics-Ready 1911 Competition pistols from Colt,” said Josh Dorsey, president of Colt. “This new line represents the perfect fusion of Colt’s legacy of excellence and the cutting-edge technology competitive shooters demand. With advanced optics compatibility, enhanced ergonomics and the legendary performance Colt is known for, we’re confident these pistols will give shooters the edge they need to stay ahead in the competition.”

The pistols feature the Optics Ready Slide, a stainless-steel slide featuring a black nitride cover plate with a fixed, serrated rear sight in a Glock dovetail. The updated Series 70 Firing System provides consistent performance with every shot, while the enhanced ergonomics keep the pistol low in the hand for increased control and optimal handling during high-speed engagements.

Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols Specifications:

Capacity: 8+1 (45 ACP), 9+1 (9mm)

Stainless finish

Barrel Length: 5” (127 mm)

Length: 8.5” (216 mm)

Height: 5.75” (146 mm)

Width: 1.25” (32 mm)

Novak Red Fiber Optic front sight

Black Serrated rear sight

G10 Checkered Blue with Scallops grip

Unloaded weight: 36 oz (1021 g)

Caliber 45 ACP and 9 mm

Safeties: extended thumb safety, upswept beavertail grip safety

MSRP $1,399

The new Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols will be available April 2025 at Colt dealers nationwide.

For more optics-ready configurations, visit www.colt.com.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

Reforming Defense Acquisitions To Promote Global Security

Tuesday, January 28th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 27 January 2025 – For more than 30 years, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has invented, innovated and delivered disruptive new defense technologies in support of the United States and its allies, redefining the future of global security in the process. This position as the world leader in unmanned aerial systems gives us unique insights into the policy and regulatory challenges America faces when adopting revolutionary new capabilities and technologies.

We remain a vocal advocate for reform within the U.S. defense acquisition system and support recent calls for ideas and engagement on the topic. To further this dialogue, GA-ASI recently submitted a letter to the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) outlining several steps we believe to be instrumental in reformation efforts.

A copy of that letter is provided below, to generate additional public discussion on the current state of operations and the path forward.

——————————————————

24 January 2025

Dear Mr. Musk,

This is an exciting time in Washington, DC and across the nation. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), the leader in unmanned aerial systems, is eager to work with the DOGE on the important task of reforming defense acquisition to enhance its efficiency and contribution to national security. GA-ASI, an industry upstart and disruptor, led the world in the design and development of unmanned aerial vehicles, and touched off a revolution in military affairs. All of this was accomplished despite significant friction and resistance from the establishment. We continue to feel this resistance as we seek to break new ground with technologies that will ensure the U.S. and allied forces maintain a decisive operational edge in an increasingly dangerous world.

We propose to apply our decades of experience with defense acquisition to address the policies, procedures, and organizational oddities that hinder timely delivery of critical capabilities to warfighters. Within GA-ASI’s own export market, poor US Government (USG) policy and sluggish bureaucratic decision-making has opened the door for competitors like China, Turkey, and Israel to win important international customers. Sales lost to these competitors while we waited on some USG action means less funding available for re-investment into R&D and modernized manufacturing infrastructure.

Bold leadership is needed. Past reform efforts, often supervised by the very organizations most in need of reform, have failed. DOGE has the potential to drive meaningful change, and we are ready to help where we can.

As you search for efficiencies within the USG’s defense acquisition system, let me flag a few areas that deserve special attention. We can provide more detailed descriptions and recommendations upon request.

Delays: Use available authorities to expedite acquisitions, prioritizing warfighter needs over obsession with process. Special rules and processes exist to speed acquisition. But they aren’t used frequently enough and are often modified over time to conform with standard, slower processes. The USG could accelerate larger system acquisitions simply by setting time limits on DoD milestones to ensure that the period between “requirements definition” and “initial operating capability” (IOC) does not exceed five years.

Buck-passing: Establish accountability within the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system, in which execution is fragmented across the Department of State, multiple DoD agencies, and the military services, with none of them able to direct the others. Nobody is ultimately accountable for achieving or failing to achieve the administration’s strategic objectives related to selling defense articles to allies. Accountability can be achieved through clear lines of authority and responsibility, time limits for decision-making, and a modern IT system to track the distribution and expenditure of billions of dollars (entirely funded by foreign customers) in the US FMS administrative fund account.

Self-shackling: Reform the U.S. interpretation of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to focus on missile technology tied to weapons of mass destruction rather than UAS. Today, the antiquated MTCR interpretation ties the USG’s hands even on straightforward export programs which enjoy bipartisan support. We should counter the unfair market advantages gained by foreign suppliers not subject to self-imposed MTCR limitations. Further, we must objectively balance the prioritization of technology security with that of arming allies and partners (using their own money!) for future conflicts and increased burden-sharing.

We look forward to collaborating with you in your important new role.

Sincerely,

Linden Blue

Chief Executive Officer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Reforming Defense Acquisitions To Promote Global Security

TRICARE Online Patient Portal Decommissioning: Download Your Health Records Now

Sunday, January 26th, 2025

FALLS CHURCH, Va. –

On April 1, the TRICARE Online Patient Portal will no longer be available. The Department of Defense’s new electronic health record—MHS GENESIS—has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. As part of the transition, the DOD is decommissioning the TOL Patient Portal.

If you want to keep a copy of your legacy health records for personal use, you must download them from the TOL Patient Portal before April 1.

“All military hospitals and clinics have transitioned to MHS GENESIS. We encourage you to take these important steps to save your personal health records before the TOL Patient Portal decommissions,” said Rear Adm. Tracy Farrill, Principal Deputy, Assistant Director for Health Care Administration, and Military Health System EHR Functional Champion at the Defense Health Agency. “Your medical history is a valuable resource for managing your health, and saving your records now ensures you have access if you need it.”

Here’s what you need to know before the TOL Patient Portal decommissions.

Why is the TOL Patient Portal decommissioning?

The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. As detailed in the TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook, MHS GENESIS allows you to access your EHR 24/7. You can also book and cancel appointments, request prescription refills and renewals, see clinical notes and certain test results, and exchange secure messages with your military healthcare team.

The change from TOL to MHS GENESIS eliminates the need to maintain two systems and streamlines EHR management.

What will happen to my records?

Provider access: Your provider will continue to have access to your complete health records.

Personal access: You can use the steps below to download your legacy records for personal use before April 1. You can also request a physical copy from your military hospital or clinic’s records management office. To do this, you’ll need to complete a request form in person, and then return at a later designated time to pick up the records. Beginning April 1, if you want your legacy health records, you’ll have to follow this process.

What should I do now?

To keep copies of your legacy health records, follow these instructions:

Visit www.TRICAREOnline.com.

Log in: Sign in using your DS Logon, CAC, or DFAS myPay credentials. If you don’t have a DS Logon, you’ll need to create one by clicking “Need An Account.”

Access: On the TOL homepage, click the blue “Health Record” button to view your personal health data.

Find data: Select “Download My Data.” You’ll see several data categories.

Customize: Choose the person, data types, date range, and format for the records you want to download.

Download: You can choose to download your records in portable document format (.pdf) or as a (.xml) continuity of care document. The CCD format allows you to share your data with family, caregivers, providers, and healthcare systems, or to document data in your preferred personal health record.

Save: After downloading, you can either open the file or save it securely for future use. You can also print your records and store them in a safe place.

Important details

Your records won’t transfer to MHS GENESIS once TOL decommissions.

Your TOL health records only reflect periods of time when your military hospital or clinic was using TOL. Note: If you moved from one duty station to another, and one military hospital or clinic used TOL and the other used MHS GENESIS, your records in MHS GENESIS may have gaps. You’ll find these “gap” records in the TOL Patient Portal. Be sure to download them.

You can only download your records from the past 30 years, from the date you log in to TOL.

Protect your health information. When you download or print your personal health information, it becomes your responsibility to keep it safe. Use secure options. Avoid saving personal data on unsecure devices or platforms.

It’s also important to know that if you’re planning to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, this decommissioning won’t affect your ability to do so. Providers will still have access to your complete health records.

Can I see my children’s health records?

Yes. You can view all available health data for your children under the age of 12. For children aged 12 to 17, you may view COVID-19, coronavirus, and flu test results, as well as allergies, vitals, and immunization data.

Due to state privacy laws, there are limits to what health data you can view online for your children aged 12 to 17. You can request printed results from your child’s clinic or provider.

Don’t wait—take action

Remember: The TOL Patient Portal will only be available until April 1. Take the time now to download and store your health records to ensure you can easily access them if needed.

To get started or learn more, visit the TOL Patient Portal.

By TRICARE Communications

Posted in Medical, Press Release, Veterans | 1 Comment »

Syracuse’s IVMF Offers No-Cost Google Cybersecurity Certificate to Veterans, Spouses

Saturday, January 25th, 2025

Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families is offering a no-cost Google Cybersecurity Certificate for veterans and military spouses as part of its Onward to Opportunity career training program. Research shows that a successful transition out of the military is predicated on finding the next impactful civilian career in which they can deploy their military-specific skills.

Veterans and military spouses are well-suited toward this career field that addresses threats and protects Americans’ data. Most cybersecurity jobs are fully remote, making them especially adaptable for spouses of active duty service members who move frequently and balance careers with their partners’ military service. Many veterans have IT/cyber experience from their military service that translates well to the civilian sector, and credentials like this make them more competitive in the job market.

Key Benefits:

No cost / no military/VA benefits required—program is fully-funded through a grant from Google

Entry-level program—no experience required

Self-paced, virtual learning

180 hours (target completion: six months)

New cohorts start each month

Access to career resources (resume review, interview prep, career support)

Discount exam voucher code toward CompTIA Security+ Exam

Nine continuing education units (CEUs) that can be applied toward specific college degrees

Cybersecurity Stats: High Demand, High Salaries

Cyberseek.org estimates that in 2023, there were more than 572,000 job openings requiring cybersecurity-related skills, and employers are struggling to find qualified candidates. On average, cyber roles take 21% longer to fill than other IT jobs.

Most entry-level positions offer nearly six-figure salaries.

One cyber attack every 39 seconds

95% of digital breaches caused by human error

$10.5 trillion total American business loss anticipated in 2025

Veteran Transition Stats:

The federal government spends $13 billion annually on military-to-civilian transition programs, primarily on education services, such as the GI Bill

The majority of veterans need – and want – the opportunity to go straight into the workforce.

Nearly two thirds of the nation’s 4.1 million post-9/11 veterans report that their civilian jobs don’t adequately align with their skills and education, even six years after service.

An estimated 200,000 service members transition out of the military each year, and more than half struggle with employment after service.

Posted in Cyber, Press Release, Training, Veterans | 1 Comment »

Schiebel Awarded New RPAS Contract with EMSA

Friday, January 24th, 2025

Vienna, 23 January 2025 – Schiebel has been awarded another multi-year service contract for the CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The contract is for service provision with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Services (RPAS) for supporting EU member states in emission monitoring and maritime surveillance operations.

For the third time in a row, Schiebel has been awarded a tender with EMSA. In 2018, Schiebel signed its first contract to support European coast guards and maritime authorities, followed by a second contract in 2021. The now newly awarded contract spans for up to four years – two fixed years with an option for an additional two years.

Since 2018, the S-100 has conducted over 1780 deployment days for EMSA and operated across Europe, in Croatia, France, Finland, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Romania, Lithuania, Iceland, Germany and Belgium. Stationed either on land or on ships, the S-100 performs general night and day maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and oil spill detection, as well as monitoring of sulphur content of ships’ emissions to ensure compliance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) limits.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100 can carry multiple payloads with a combined weight of up to 50 kg. Due to its unique and proven nature, and its ability to fly slowly and hover, it is ideally suited for maritime operations.

“We have been supporting European maritime authorities for almost six years now and are extremely proud to continue our success story with EMSA. It proves once again, that the availability and reliability of the S-100 is unrivalled,” said Neil Hunter, Head of Global Sales for Schiebel.

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

Quantum Systems and blackned Join Forces to Take Tactical Core Airborne and Revolutionize Battlefield Connectivity

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025

Munich, 23.01.2025 – Quantum Systems and blackned are pleased to announce their intent to collaborate on the digitalization and secure networking of unmanned elements in modern battlefield environments. This groundbreaking partnership aims to combine Quantum Systems’ advanced multi-sensor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with blackned’s Tactical Core Information and Communication Middleware, setting a new and advanced standard for operational efficiency and integration.

“The support of different transmission systems and the application independence ensure a high degree of adaptability, from manned and unmanned platforms to missions, use cases and systems already in use,” says Dr. Joel Langenberg, CEO of blackned.

Based on open interfaces and software development kits, the most suitable third-party applications can be integrated and put into operation. “This partnership marks a significant step to a secure multi-domain data transfer”, said Sven Kruck, Co-CEO of Quantum Systems. By supporting various transmission systems and maintaining application independence, the partnership offers unprecedented flexibility for military operations. This opens a whole new world for the German Armed Forces.

The partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to innovation and providing military forces with cutting-edge solutions to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.

“This partnership marks a significant step to a secure multi-domain data transfer, adding an additional layer of flexibility for military operations.”

Sven Kruck

Co-CEO, Quantum Systems

Dr. Joel Langenberg

CEO, blackned GmbH

Posted in Comms, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Quantum Systems and blackned Join Forces to Take Tactical Core Airborne and Revolutionize Battlefield Connectivity

Wescom Group Qcquires Leading Safety Technology Company BCB International Ltd

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025

World-leading survival solutions manufacturer Wescom Group has expanded its influence in the safety technology market through the acquisition of Cardiff based, BCB International Ltd.A leading global supplier of safety equipment in the defence, outdoor and marine sectors.

Wescom Group Chief Executive Officer, Ross Wilkinson comments,

“Today we can announce the successful completion of the acquisition of BCB International Ltd., this partnership will further enhance Wescom Group’s core safety and survival product portfolio. We are excited to work with the management team on growing the business through the Group’s extensive distribution network, whilst also having a strong focus on new product development programs.”

BCB International’s Managing Director Andrew Howell states,

“This announcement is an exciting opportunity and the BCB team are energised to be joining with Wescom Group. This partnership will help us to deliver BCB’s innovative MSC technology and world beating FireDragon eco-fuel to a much wider international audience as well as our core products that are constantly evolving. We have known some of the Wescom team for many decades and it is invigorating to be working with them to help save lives and protect the protectors to a much larger scale.”

Background

The Wescom Group reached an impressive milestone in 2023, celebrating 150 years of expertise in the manufacture and distribution of survival solutions, with specialist manufacturing facilities across multiple sites in Germany, UK, Spain and Australia and over 450 employees worldwide. Wescom Group is globally recognised for supplying the very best in quality, performance, reliability, and safety.

Welsh based BCB International has for more than 160 years developed life-saving and protective equipment for the defence, outdoor and marine sectors in multiple countries world-wide.With wide ranging experience in product development, supply chain operations and manufacturing, BCB’s history of innovation is reflected in numerous awards, including two Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.

For information about Wescom Group, please go to www.wescom-group.com for information on the BCB International range learn more at www.bcbin.com

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