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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Vortex Adds New Green Dot Version to the Venom Enclosed Lineup

Thursday, August 20th, 2026

Same range workhorse. Now available with a 3 MOA green dot.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Shooters have strong preferences when it comes to red dots. Some prefer red. Others prefer green, especially in certain lighting conditions. Now, these shooters have another option with the addition of the new green dot model in the Venom ® Enclosed Micro Red Dot lineup.

Range days don’t always come with perfect weather. The workhorse Venom® Enclosed Micro Red Dot family is equally at home on a pistol, offset on a carbine, or piggybacked on an LPVO. Adjustable brightness settings help keep the dot visible in changing light, while its enclosed design shields the emitter from rain, dust, or snow, so changing conditions never have have to cur a range session short.

ENCLOSED ALUMINUM HOUSING – Durable 6061 aluminum, blocks out weather, mud, snow, and debris.

LARGE VIEWING WINDOW – For fast target acquisition and a full sight picture.

ASPHERICAL LENS – For distortion-free sight picture and truer colors.

MOTION ACTIVATION WITH 10 MINUTE AUTO-SHUTOFF – Automatically activates with motion while 10 minute auto-shutoff saves battery life.

TOP BUTTONS – For hassle-free adjustments.

For some shooters, a green dot may be easier to pick up against certain backgrounds, in changing light inside or outdoors, or for those who simply see green better than red. The new model gives those shooters another option while preserving the controls, handling, and protection Venom® users already know.

The Venom® Enclosed Micro Green Dot is now available with an MSRP of $289.99 and a MAP of $199.99. To learn more, compare models, or find a dealer, check out the new Vortex® Store Locator .

Hanwha Wins US Army Mobile Tactical Cannon Contract

Thursday, August 20th, 2026

Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) announced that it has won a contract from the U.S. Army to deliver prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers (K9MH) for the Army’s new Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program. The agreement provides for the accelerated delivery of six prototype MTC systems, with an option for an additional 12. This award marks HDUSA’s first major contract with the U.S. Army. 

HDUSA will provide a technically superior and rapidly fieldable 155 mm artillery system that supports the U.S. Army’s modernization and long-range precision fires objectives. With more than 2,500 K9 Howitzers already fielded globally, Hanwha is uniquely positioned to partner with the U.S. Department of War (DoW) to establish high-volume industrial capacity centered around the company’s wartime production ethos.

Hanwha’s phased-in localization strategy with domestic production and support means America’s defense industrial base will benefit from advanced manufacturing techniques, demonstrated technology, and good jobs. HDUSA is establishing a Phase I site in Opelika, Alabama, that will serve as the U.S. integration and test facility for Hanwha’s family of K9 Mobile Howitzers. HDUSA signed a three-year lease as part of the company’s strategic commitment to invest in the U.S. artillery system supply chain, enhance America’s combat vehicle industrial base, and serve as a long-term artillery modernization partner to the U.S. Army.

“We’re honored that the U.S. Army has selected Hanwha’s K9 Mobile Howitzer to fulfill its Mobile Tactical Cannon requirement. The K9MH is the total artillery solution and will be the centerpiece of Army Fires’ transformation into a more modern, more lethal force,” said Mike Smith, Hanwha Defense USA COO and President of Land Systems. “The U.S. Army’s selection is a testament to our track record of delivering devastating capability at speed, at scale, on cost, and onshore. As the wheeled variant of the K9, the K9MH provides an expansion path towards a tracked capability with designed-in margin for the future fight. And with such a capability, that fight will not be a fair one.”

Compatible with the Army’s full suite of munitions, the K9MH’s selection means the U.S. has now joined nearly a dozen allies who share a global industrial network and supply chain.

“Hanwha’s global supply chain and local production experience in Australia, Egypt, Poland, and Romania demonstrate a proven commitment to local execution we’re excited to bring to the U.S.,” said Michael Coulter, Hanwha Defense USA CEO. “Localization is central to Hanwha’s global business model, leveraging our global leading industrial technology and process in Korea to create sovereign industrial strength in the U.S., whether it be in shipbuilding, munitions, or combat vehicles.”

“This award reflects Hanwha’s enduring commitment to the United States and to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base,” said Hanwha Group Chief Strategy Officer Alex Wong. “We are not simply delivering a system — we are building an American manufacturing enterprise, transferring technology, and creating a lasting foundation for broad industrial collaboration. Hanwha is invested in America for the long term.”

“We’re focused on creating a U.S.-anchored K9 Mobile Howitzer manufacturing network — with Opelika, Alabama, as the current Phase I launch point — that can deliver advanced Mobile Tactical Cannons at the speed and scale the U.S. Army needs,” said Jason Pak, Hanwha Defense USA Head of Land Systems-Artillery.

HDUSA will continue to evaluate future phases and locations as the company expands its U.S. artillery systems footprint and production capacity. The company is committed to engaging with suppliers and developing the workforce of the future necessary for long-term sustainment and technology insertion activities.

At a time when the U.S. is placing renewed focus on strengthening America’s defense industrial base, HDUSA believes its combination of mature capability and industrial commitment offers both near-term relevance and long-term value.

Reptilia Releases Saddle Mount for Beretta A300 20 Gauge Shotguns

Thursday, August 20th, 2026

The new low-profile optic mount brings Aimpoint® ACRO and Steiner Optics® MPS™ compatibility to the Beretta A300 20 Gauge platform.

Reptilia is expanding its line of purpose-built shotgun optic mounts with the release of the SADDLE™ Mount for the Beretta® A300™ 20 Gauge, designed specifically for optics utilizing the Aimpoint® ACRO footprint.

The new SADDLE provides a lightweight, durable, and low-profile mounting solution for A300 20 Gauge owners looking to add a modern enclosed-emitter red dot optic while maintaining the natural handling characteristics of the shotgun.

Machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with MIL-STD Type III hardcoat anodizing, the SADDLE mounts directly to the Beretta A300 20 Gauge using the factory mounting screws. Its low-profile design positions the optic close to the bore, providing a streamlined mounting solution while maintaining a natural sight picture and allowing the shooter to co-witness with the factory iron sights.

The SADDLE is compatible with optics utilizing the Aimpoint ACRO footprint, including the Aimpoint® ACRO P-1, ACRO P-2, and ACRO C-2, as well as the Steiner Optics® MPS™.

At just 23 grams, the SADDLE adds minimal weight while providing a robust mounting interface designed for hard use.

Features:

  • Designed specifically for the Beretta® A300™ 20 Gauge
  • Compatible with the Aimpoint® ACRO footprint
  • Compatible with Aimpoint ACRO P-1, P-2, and C-2 optics
  • Compatible with the Steiner Optics® MPS™
  • Machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum
  • MIL-STD Type III hardcoat anodized
  • Low-profile mounting solution
  • Weighs 23 grams
  • Uses factory Beretta mounting screws
  • Made in the USA

The Reptilia SADDLE for the Beretta A300 20 Gauge gives shooters a dedicated solution for mounting durable, enclosed-emitter optics without unnecessary height or bulk. Purpose-built for the platform and designed around the proven ACRO footprint, it delivers a simple, secure, and streamlined optic mounting solution for the modern shotgun. BUY NOW!

Independent C3PAO Assessment Provides Real-World Validation of Avatara’s Platform-Based Approach to CMMC Level 2

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

ST. LOUIS and CHESAPEAKE, Va., Aug. 17, 2026 — Avatara, a provider of compliant IT systems-as-a-service, and AVMAC LLC (AVMAC), an aviation and maritime technical services company supporting the U.S. Department of War (DoW), today announced that AVMAC has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 using Avatara Platform for Government, receiving a maximum score of 110 with no Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms).

“AVMAC is proud to achieve this important milestone,” said Bert Ortiz, Founder, President and CEO of AVMAC. “Avatara Platform for Government supports all 110 CMMC Level 2 controls, while allowing us to inherit approximately 80% of the 320 underlying assessment objectives on Day 1. Achieving this critical milestone validates our hard work and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within the defense supply chain.”

AVMAC’s independent CMMC Level 2 assessment was conducted by a leading C3PAO assessment team, validating the company’s implementation of the security requirements necessary to protect CUI. Avatara Platform for Government served as the secure IT foundation for AVMAC’s environment.

“AVMAC’s achievement is a powerful real-world validation of the model we’ve built at Avatara,” said Rob McCormick, founder and CEO of Avatara. “We built Avatara Platform for Government so defense contractors can operate within a secure, compliant foundation and inherit a significant portion of the technical responsibility rather than assembling a compliant environment themselves. AVMAC’s success demonstrates what this model can achieve when paired with a committed, prepared and collaborative customer.”

For AVMAC, achieving CMMC Level 2 represents more than meeting a cybersecurity requirement. It gives customers, prime contractors and government contracting organizations independent verification that AVMAC has implemented the required safeguards for handling CUI.

“Independent verification creates another level of trust,” Ortiz said. “When the Department paused the transition to Phase 2 for a 60-day review, we decided to keep moving forward because these cybersecurity responsibilities aren’t going away. Other companies may be waiting to see what happens next, but we’ve already crossed the line. For us, that is a significant competitive advantage.”

From Compliance Readiness to Independent Validation

AVMAC began preparing for CMMC well before formal assessment requirements reached the company. As the longtime defense contractor grew, it needed to move beyond a decentralizedapproach to IT while keeping pace with evolving cybersecurity requirements that would increasingly determine eligibility for DoW business. For Ortiz, a 31-year U.S. Navy veteran, that meant finding a model that did not require AVMAC to build and manage complex compliant infrastructure or expand a dedicated internal IT organization.

AVMAC selected Avatara Platform for Government to consolidate its IT environment into a centralized, secure, compliant foundation for its CMMC journey. Built for organizations operating in highly regulated industries, the platform replaces fragmented tools, vendors and legacy infrastructure with one secure, all-inclusive environment designed to address cost, complexity and compliance.

“CMMC becomes significantly more manageable when security and compliance are engineered into the IT environment from the beginning,” said Brandon DiMemmo, Vice President of Product at Avatara. “Avatara Platform for Government provides customers with a centralized, standardized environment where infrastructure, security controls and operational processes are designed to work together as a system. That platform model enables customers like AVMAC to inherit much of the technical implementation required for CMMC rather than having to assemble and manage those capabilities piece by piece.”

Throughout the process, Avatara played a central role in helping AVMAC align the platform’s inherited safeguards with the company’s remaining responsibilities, updating documentation, clarifying scope and preparing for the C3PAO assessment.

Avatara Platform for Government achieved FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency in April 2026, establishing the platform foundation for organizations handling sensitive defense data. Avatara subsequently launched its Mission Ready Offering (MRO), combining compliant infrastructure, operational support, documentation acceleration and C3PAO assessment coordination to help defense contractors move toward assessment readiness faster and with greater predictability.

Mehler Protection Brings New Maritime Protection Solutions to SMM 2026

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (18 August 2026)

From 1–4 September 2026, Mehler Protection will exhibit at SMM in Hamburg, presenting its latest platform protection solutions developed for the maritime sector.

Visitors can find Mehler Protection | Platform Armour in Hall B5, Booth 335, where the company will showcase a range of ballistic protection solutions for naval platforms, alongside a new development addressing emerging threats in the maritime environment.

A key focus of the exhibit will be M-RACC KE, Mehler Protection’s modular add-on armour solution designed to increase the ballistic protection of existing structures and platforms.

Its modular concept allows the protection level to be adapted to different threat scenarios and platform requirements, providing a flexible approach to upgrading protection without redesigning the complete structure.

At SMM 2026, visitors will be able to compare M-RACC KE configurations across STANAG Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4, demonstrating how the system can be scaled according to the required level of ballistic protection.

The exhibit will also feature a ship wall equipped with ballistic protection, providing a practical demonstration of how Mehler Protection’s armour solutions can be integrated into naval structures.

Alongside its passive armour solutions, Mehler Protection will provide a first look at a new active protection development for the maritime domain.

The solution has been developed in response to the rapidly changing threat environment faced by naval platforms, particularly at close and very close ranges. It expands Mehler Protection’s approach to maritime survivability beyond passive ballistic protection and will be officially unveiled during SMM 2026.

Further details about the new system will be announced separately at the start of the exhibition.

As the world’s leading maritime industry event, SMM brings together the international maritime sector in Hamburg to present new technologies, exchange expertise and address the challenges shaping the future of the industry.

Learn more about Mehler Protection: mehler-protection.com

Introducing Apex Optics: Precision Rifle Optics for Duty and Field Use

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

In military, law enforcement, and professional shooting environments, equipment is judged by performance under pressure, not by specification sheets or marketing claims. An optic either tracks correctly, holds zero, and remains usable under stress, or it doesn’t.

Apex Optics was developed with that standard in mind. The focus is straightforward: build precision rifle optics intended for duty use, where reliability, innovation, repeatable mechanical function, and usable optical performance are critical requirements.

All Apex optics are manufactured and assembled in Japan using Premium ED Japanese glass. The optical system is designed to provide clear resolution, usable contrast in variable lighting, and consistent performance across the full field of view. Internally, stainless steel components are used in the mechanical system to support long-term durability and repeatable tracking under sustained use. Each optic is assembled under controlled manufacturing and inspection processes to maintain consistency across production.

The design approach prioritizes function over feature density. Controls are intended to be predictable and repeatable, with an emphasis on mechanical integrity and ease of use under operational conditions.

Apex Optics is proud to share three of our products built around these principles.

Apex Edge 1-10×24 LPVO

The Edge 1-10×24 is Apex Optics’ Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) designed for carbine use where both close-quarters speed and mid-range precision are required from a single optic.

The 1x setting is built for rapid, both-eyes-open engagement with minimal distortion and a consistent sight picture. At higher magnification, the optic provides usable detail for positive identification and precision shot placement at distance, without sacrificing clarity across the zoom range.

The optical system uses our Premium Japanese ED glasswith fully multi-coated lenses to maintain consistent light transmission and contrast through changing conditions. Internally, stainless steel components are used in the adjustment system to support repeatable tracking and long-term mechanical stability under recoil, sustained useand extreme temperature ranges.

The first focal plane HCR™ (Hybird Combat) Reticle remains usable across the entire magnification range, supporting both rapid engagement and holdover-based shooting without changing sighting systems or methods.

The Edge 1-10×24 is intended as a single optic solution for users who need to cover a wide engagement envelope with one platform.

Apex Vapor™ 1-4×22 Variable Zoom Prism Sight

The Vapor™ 1-4×22 Prism is a compact optic intended for carbine platforms where size, speed, and simplicity are prioritised, but magnification is still required beyond a fixed red dot.

Unlike traditional LPVO systems, the prism design provides a fixed optical path with a true 1x setting for close-range work and 4x magnification for mid-range identification and precision. The Vapors reticle remains visible at all times, allowing the optic to be used without illumination if required.

The FIRE™ reticle is etched directly into the optical system and remains constant across all conditions. Illumination is available for enhanced visibility, but the reticle itself does not rely on electronics to remain usable.

The compact prism housing reduces overall system length compared to most variable optics, making it suited for setups where rail space and handling characteristics are constrained.

The Vapor™ 1-4×22 is intended for users who want a lightweight, always-available sighting system that bridges the gap between red dot speed and low-magnification target identification.

Apex Ion™ 1×25 Enclosed Red Dot Sight

The ION™ 1×25 is a closed-emitter red dot sight designed for duty, carry, and professional use where durability, speed, and reliability are essential.

Built around a true 1x optical system with a wide 25mm objective window, the ION™ 1×25 delivers a clear, unobstructed sight picture for rapid target acquisition and confident engagement. Its design supports both-eyes-open shooting, allowing users to maintain situational awareness while achieving a fast, intuitive aiming reference.

Rather than a single-dot configuration, the ION™ 1×25 features the MRX™ multi-dot reticle system, giving users adaptable aiming options for a variety of shooting scenarios. Paired with multiple brightness settings, the system is engineered to maintain reticle visibility across changing lighting conditions, from low-light environments to bright daylight and high-glare conditions.

The closed-emitter design helps protect the optical system from debris, moisture, and impact during field use, supporting consistent performance in demanding environments. Japanese ED glass and multi-coated lenses help maintain clarity, contrast, and visual precision, while the rugged mechanical design is built to hold zero through extended operational use. The Ion™ 1×25 is intended for users who require a straightforward, enclosed red dot system for duty, training, and field environments. It will be available later this summer.

Apex Optics is focused on producing optics intended for duty, competition, and field use where mechanical consistency and optical performance are the primary requirements.

Additional product information, specifications, and availability details are available on our website, www.apexoptics.co

The Edge™ 1-10×24 and Vapor™ 1-4×22 are available now, and the Ion™ 1×25 will be available later this summer.

Accuracy X, Inc Unveils Multi-Sight MAX System

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

Patented mount delivers ultra-low direct-mount depth with swap-anytime sight versatility.

Hardy, Va. (August 2026) – Accuracy X, Inc (AXI), the makers of the world’s proven most accurate pistols, has introduced the Multi-Sight™ MAX System, a patented optic-mounting platform that pairs the ultra-low profile of a direct mount with the durability and configurability the company has built its reputation on. The new system expands, rather than replaces, the original Multi-Sight System, which remains in production and fully supported.

Direct-mounting a red dot has traditionally forced shooters to trade away long-term reliability and versatility. The Multi-Sight MAX ends that compromise. At the core of the system is the company’s patented Index-Recoil Lug, engineered to absorb the shear forces that break fasteners, destroy optics, and shift zero. The result is absolute zero retention across repeated plate changes.

The system’s patent-pending Direct Depth Mounting System routes mounting screws directly into the slide instead of through a threaded plate, allowing Accuracy X to machine deeper pockets and seat optics lower than conventional direct mounts. The resulting height-over-bore is the lowest achievable on a pistol slide.

Configurability comes from the SLOT Sight™ System paired with a new Rapid Change Interface, which lets shooters swap front and rear sight blades, from suppressor height to compact co-witness, without removing the red dot. A front-mounted co-witness option addresses snag concerns raised by some law enforcement agencies, and an integrated, ambidextrous slide racker rounds out a competition-ready feature set.

The Multi-Sight MAX supports the three most popular optic footprints, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Aimpoint ACRO, and Trijicon RMR, which together account for about 95 percent of red-dot sights in use. Additional modules and accessories are planned.

“For years, shooters have had to choose between the ultra-low profile of a direct mount and the reliability and versatility of a robust system,” said Steve Huff, president of Accuracy X. “We refused to accept that compromise. The Multi-Sight MAX gets the dot as low as it can go and lets you tune your entire setup without ever touching your red dot. When excellent isn’t good enough, this is what comes next.”’

Watch an in-depth technical breakdown of the Multi-Sight MAX system and discover how this low-profile, modular sight mounting platform revolutionizes versatility for handguns in the recent video “The Ultimate Optic Solution: Deep Dive Into the Multi-Sight MAX System.” The video discusses machining tolerances, optic compatibility, co-witness options, and why this system is changing the game for competitive and tactical shooters alike.

It is available now for licensed partners. Full specifications will be available at www.accuracyx.com.

Bundeswehr Orders Further Mobile Rescue Stations from Rheinmetall – Order Worth Over € 500 Million

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Rheinmetall will supply further mobile rescue stations to the Bundeswehr. As an extension of a previous order, the armed forces are set to receive a total of 149 additional protected and unprotected systems, with a gross value of over €500 million. This call-off under a framework contract awarded at the end of 2024 is the largest order to date that the contractor, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, has ever received. Production of the rescue stations is due to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
With the order booked in July 2026, the total number of rescue stations rises to 165 systems, with a gross value of over € 600 million. In December 2024, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) had commissioned Rheinmetall to supply up to 137 rescue stations to the Bundeswehr. At that time, ten ballistically protected and six unprotected systems were ordered. 

Call-offs for further armoured and unarmoured systems are included as an option in the contract. Training for the relevant personnel will also be provided.

The rescue stations are part of the Modular Medical Facilities system. Within the Bundeswehr’s medical service, these highly mobile rescue stations ensure that the troops receive initial emergency medical care. If required, four soldiers can set up and dismantle the systems within a very short time. This incorporates a lesson learnt from the war in the Ukraine, namely that highly mobile systems are necessary for medical support.

Each rescue station comprises two containers that can be operated together or separately. Each container is fitted with a generator and air conditioning, and can operate independently for several days. Should one generator fail, the entire system can continue to operate using the generator from a single container.

The system features a fully equipped emergency treatment station, as well as four additional treatment stations. All the medical equipment is mounted on Airliner rails and can be configured according to the user’s requirements.

The system can be transported using different carrier vehicles used by the Bundeswehr. It can be set up at a longitudinal and transverse inclination. A custom lifting system was developed for this purpose, as no off-the-shelf system could meet the specified requirements.

The Bundeswehr is procuring both protected and unprotected versions of the system. This involves the refurbishment of an existing system. However, the new rescue station replaces a complex tent structure with a highly modular 3:1 container manufactured by Rheinmetall Mobile Systeme GmbH. The new system can be transported and set up in more challenging terrain.