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American Rheinmetall Selected to Support US Marine Corps with Advanced Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Sunday, September 13th, 2026

Auburn Hills, MI — American Rheinmetall has been awarded a $7.28M contract to support the U.S. Marine Corps through the manufacture and delivery of Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs), associated Marine Kits, and supporting equipment. The procurement is being executed through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) with ADS Inc. serving as the prime contractor in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL).

The effort includes the delivery of 12 Mission Master SP A-UGVs and five amphibious kits, marking the most advanced Mission Master configuration developed by Rheinmetall to date. The vehicles will support continued operational evaluation, experimentation, and capability development as the Marine Corps expands its autonomous logistics and expeditionary mobility initiatives.

“This award represents a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with the United States Marine Corps,” said Matt Warnick, CEO, American Rheinmetall. “For more than four years, we have worked side-by-side with Marines to mature, refine, and advance autonomous ground capabilities. The Mission Master SP captures the full breadth of those lessons learned and showcases Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, reliable, and mission-ready autonomous systems.”

President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada Pietro Mazzei said, “This collaboration between Rheinmetall colleagues enables the U.S. Marine Corps to deploy the Mission Master SP in multi-domain environments and continue to push boundaries of Canadian innovation”.

A New Phase in Marine Corps Autonomous Capability Development

The new Mission Master SPvehicles incorporate Rheinmetall’s PATH autonomy architecture, expanded vehicle characterization, and modular payload integration. The systems also feature the Marine Kit—an upgrade enabling reliable, extended amphibious operations in littoral environments. The combined enhancements represent the latest evolution of the Mission Master family, driven by extensive user feedback, developmental testing, live-fire events, and operational experimentation.

The procurement includes a comprehensive suite of program management, engineering support, logistics coordination, technical documentation, operator training, and acceptance testing. Work will be led by American Rheinmetall in the United States with engineering and production support from Rheinmetall Canada, the original equipment manufacturer and technical partner.

Supporting Strategic U.S. Autonomy Initiatives

This effort aligns closely with American Rheinmetall’s strategy to expand U.S.-based autonomous ground vehicle capabilities and advance long-term technology transfer. It also supports the ongoing development of American Rheinmetall’s Maine facility as a future U.S. Advanced Land Autonomy Center of Excellence (ALACOE) focused on PATH integration, production, sustainment, and lifecycle support.

While this procurement does not immediately require facility expansion, it represents an important step toward future U.S. manufacturing, workforce growth, and long-term sustainment activities.

Strengthening Marine Corps Readiness and Modernization

The Mission Master SP systems will contribute to the Marine Corps’ efforts to enhance autonomous logistics, enable distributed operations, and extend operational reach while reducing personnel exposure to risk. The vehicles are designed to support emerging concepts related to expeditionary advanced base operations and multi-domain operations.

This effort builds on several major milestones, including:

• More than four years of collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps

• Successful fielding of twelve Mission Master systems supporting Fleet Marine Force operations

• Development and integration of the Marine Kit for amphibious tasks

• Integration and fielding of the Fieldranger Remote Weapon Station

• Ongoing expansion of PATH autonomous capability development

• Future establishment of American Rheinmetall’s ALACOE initiative

This award reflects the deep collaboration between American Rheinmetall, Rheinmetall Canada, and the U.S. Marine Corps, and underscores the collective commitment to advancing autonomous ground technologies that empower Marines in the field. With the Mission Master SP, American Rheinmetall is poised to continue supporting the Corps’ modernization objectives with proven, mission?ready systems.

www.rheinmetall.com/americanrheinmetall

Posted in Industry, Maritime, Press Release, Robotics, Unmanned Systems, USMC | No Comments »

Strike Industries – Strike SMC Bravo for RXM 4″ with Compact Grip

Saturday, September 12th, 2026

By popular demand Strike Industries has expanded the Strike Modular Chassis to accept the Ruger RXM. This allows you to add a brace or stock to your sidearm in seconds, transforming a pistol into a PDW.

Product Features:

1913 Picatinny Interface: Integrated rear rail for stock or arm brace compatibility.

Modular Chassis System: Engineered for seamless integration with the RXM platform.

Enhanced Control: Double undercut trigger guard for improved bore-axis purchase.

Performance Ergonomics: Streamlined frame geometry for superior weapon handling.

Integrated Accessory Mount: Dedicated mounting point for future modular enhancements.

Specs:

L (in) – 9.58″

W (in) – 3.99″

H (in) – 1.44″

Weight (oz) – 6.00 oz

Get yours at www.strikeindustries.com/si-smc-rxm-19-bk.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Italy Orders Two More MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Additional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Grows Italian Air Force Fleet of MQ-9A

SAN DIEGO – 08 September 2026 – The Italian Air Force (ItAF) has ordered two new MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). When the new aircraft are delivered at the end of 2027, they will increase the size of the ItAF fleet. The purchase is part of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the U.S. Air Force that also includes Ground Control Stations.

“Italy has been a very important partner for GA-ASI for more than 20 years,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The Italian Air Force has continued to be a leader in the utilization of MQ-9A to support a wide range of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in support of NATO operations.”

MQ-9A Block 5 has endurance of up to 26 hours and can operate up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters). It has a 4,600 pounds (2,087 kilogram) of payload capacity that includes 3,750 pounds (1,701 kilograms) of external stores. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capability with Full-Motion Video, Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Radar, and auto takeoff and landing. An extremely reliable RPA, MQ-9A Block 5 is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

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

Apex Ammunition Introduces New Waterfowl Stratified S3 Steel Loads

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Columbus, Miss. (September 9, 2026) – Apex Ammunition is excited to introduce new Waterfowl Stratified™ S3 Steel shotshells in 12- and 20-gauge loads.

Featuring layered shot sizes of Apex S3 zinc-coated steel in #BB / #2 (12-gauge only), #2 / #4, or #4 / #6 combinations, each Stratified load is designed to deliver devastating performance at multiple ranges – with dense mid-range patterns and increased terminal energy at longer distances for confident kills.

“The Waterfowl Stratified™ Series was developed in direct response to our most dedicated hunters asking for a smarter, harder-hitting shell for ducks and geese,” said Jason Lonsberry, President and CEO, Apex Ammunition. “By combining multiple shot sizes in a single payload, this shell ensures you get tight pattern coverage up close and hard-hitting knockdown at distance, making it ideal for the unpredictable nature of waterfowl hunting.”

Features:

Layered Shot Payload – Optimized for both close-in birds and long-range flyers

Deadly Pattern Density – Increased pellet count on target

Customer-Driven Innovation – Built on real-world feedback from the field

Assembled in the USA – Premium components, loaded for peak consistency

If you’re chasing mallards, teal, or high-flying honkers, Stratified delivers the kind of pattern performance and stopping power serious waterfowlers demand.

Experience Your Best Shot™. Only from Apex.

For more information, visit ApexAmmunition.com.

Posted in Ammo, Hunting, Press Release | Comments Off on Apex Ammunition Introduces New Waterfowl Stratified S3 Steel Loads

Twenty-Six Defense to Strengthen Innovation and Domestic Manufacturing for America’s Warfighters

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Elbit Systems Ltd. strengthens long-term commitment to the U.S. defense market through evolution of its U.S. operating segment

FORT WORTH, Texas — Sept. 9, 2026 — The U.S. operating segment of Elbit Systems Ltd., will now operate as Twenty-Six Defense. This evolution reflects the company’s continued focus on supporting its U.S. customers through strong domestic design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

Twenty-Six Defense is an American defense company that employs 3,300 Americans who have supported the U.S. military for more than three decades.

“Launching Twenty-Six Defense underscores our growth in the American market and reinforces our commitment to supporting U.S. warfighters, wherever the mission takes place,” said Luke Savoie, president and CEO of Twenty-Six Defense.

This change reinforces the company’s deep commitment to domestic production at a time when the U.S. government is calling for increased industrial capacity and speed. Twenty-Six Defense will remain focused on supporting national security by delivering relevant, reliable capabilities with agility.

“We will increase domestic customer value as we expand manufacturing and invest in mission-critical technologies,” Savoie added. “The name Twenty-Six Defense was selected to symbolize strength, resilience and durability, drawing inspiration from the atomic number of iron.”

“For more than 30 years, the United States has been a very important market,” said Bezhalel Machlis, CEO of Elbit Systems Ltd. “We have implemented this new organizational structure for the company’s U.S. segment to better serve our American customers and partners—reinforcing our commitment to American-led innovation and a strong U.S. defense industrial base.”

Combat-proven technologies and solutions developed by Elbit Systems Ltd. will continue to be offered to the U.S. market under the Elbit America brand, which operates as a subsidiary of Twenty-Six Defense.

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, remains a reportable operating segment of Elbit Systems Ltd. and continues to operate under a Special Security Agreement.

Written by: Amy Hartley

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Tomahawk Performance Introduces the Next Standard: The Tactical T-Shirt SS

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

NASHVILLE, TN – [September 1, 2026] Tomahawk Performance is redefining technical apparel with the release of the OTB Sunshirt LS and Tactical T-Shirt SS, two purpose-built performance layers engineered around one principle: delivering an unprecedented balance of durability to weight.

Designed for military, law enforcement, and professionals who operate in hot weather environments, both garments represent a new standard in tactical performance by maximizing the critical balance between protection, mobility, and comfort.

Whether worn beneath a plate carrier or as standalone performance layers, the OTB Sunshirt LS and Tactical T-Shirt SS are designed to move naturally with the wearer. Athletic patterning, articulated shoulders, and low-profile seam construction reduce friction beneath armor, packs, and weapon slings while eliminating unnecessary restriction during climbing, boat operations, weapons handling, and sustained movement. The result is a garment that remains virtually unnoticed by the wearer, keeping the warfighter cooler, drier, and more mobile through extended periods of high output.

Constructed from an advanced 115 GSM featherweight tech mesh (85% Polyester / 15% Elastane), both garments actively regulate body temperate through exceptional breathability, rapid moisture transport, and quick-drying performance, while resisting abrasion and pilling through repeated use under load bearing equipment. The antimicrobial fabric maintains its shape when wet, delivering 30 UPF sun protection and dependable comfort during prolonged exposure to hot climate operations.

The OTB Sunshirt LS expands protection with long sleeves and a fitted hood for extended sun exposure in open terrain, coastal environments, and vehicle operations. The Tactical T-Shirt SS serves as the ideal hot-weather base layer, incorporating a refined crewneck, raised rear collar for sling protection, and integrated soft-loop identification panels on each sleeve.

Manufactured in the USA and fully TAA compliant, the OTB Sunshirt LS is available in Ranger Green, Haze Blue, and Off White, while the Tactical T-Shirt SS is available in Ranger Green and Black, through Tomahawk Performance and authorized dealers.

For more information, visit tomahawkperformance.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Viridian Expands Rifle Optics Lineup with New VENTA Scopes

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026

Viridian Weapon Technologies today announced the availability of its VENTA™ riflescope lineup, bringing versatile hunting optics to dealers nationwide in a consumer-ready presentation.

Designed for hunters and recreational shooters, the VENTA series delivers dependable optical performance in lightweight, streamlined riflescopes built for real-world field use. Featuring fully multi-coated optics, second focal plane reticles, and low-profile capped turrets, the lineup is engineered to provide a bright, intuitive sight picture and reliable performance across a wide range of shooting environments.

VENTA™ Models & MSRP

VENTA 2-7×32— MSRP: $89.00
VENTA 3-9×40 — MSRP: $89.00
VENTA 4-12×40 — MSRP: $99.00

“Our goal with VENTA has always been to provide shooters with dependable optics that combine quality, simplicity, and value,” said Brian Hedeen, President & CEO of Viridian Weapon Technologies. “The new retail packaging makes it easier than ever for customers to compare models, choose the right configuration for their rifle, and get into the field with confidence.”

Available in three purpose-built magnification configurations, the VENTA lineup gives shooters the flexibility to select the optic best suited for close-range hunting, versatile all-purpose shooting, or extended-distance applications. Fully multi-coated lenses maximize clarity and light transmission for a crisp sight picture in changing light conditions, while second focal plane reticles provide the familiar aiming experience preferred by many hunters. Low-profile capped turrets protect adjustment settings without adding unnecessary bulk, creating a streamlined optic designed for dependable field performance.

Each VENTA riflescope includes high-quality mounting rings and flip-up lens caps, providing a complete, ready-to-mount solution right out of the box.

The VENTA riflescope lineup is available now through authorized Viridian dealers.

For more information about the VENTA riflescope series and Viridian’s complete lineup of optics and firearm accessories, visit viridian.tech/specials/venta-scopes

Posted in Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Elbit Systems UK Plays Key Role in Landmark Live Virtual Constructive Training Exercise

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026

Colchester, UK 08 September 2026 – Elbit Systems UK (ESUK) has partnered with the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team to use its in-service training systems to undertake one of the largest live virtual constructive training exercises in the UK. The exercise, which included over 300 soldiers ranging from dismounted close combat to logistics, used the full suite of ESUK’s integrated Recce Strike Training System (RSTS). This includes the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer (JFST), Deployable Virtual Constructive Simulator (DVCS), and Interim Indirect Fires Simulation (IIDFS). The partnership approach saw ESUK tailor each system to meet the soldiers’ needs.

The Live Virtual Constructive Training, known as Exercise Pegasus Athena, was undertaken over three days with JFST, DVCS and IIDFS integrated for the first time with the British Army. Soldiers were able to find targets using JFST and call in fires from the teams using IIDFS to strike these targets with the effect seen across all the simulators. DVCS was used to provide the synthetic layer where all virtual and live events were recorded, as well as providing the system for drone pilot operations. Alongside the integration of the three in-service training capabilities, ESUK was also able to collect data to measure outcomes and assess performance.

As well as the use of synthetic training, the exercise included realistic operational situations, including ammunition resupplies, dismounted combat operations and vehicle manoeuvres. Air assets were also deployed throughout the week, with Chinook helicopters being used to reposition the light guns during the exercise.

This training exercise was the first demonstration of ESUK’s integrated Recce Strike Training Solution, showcasing the value of integrated high-tech solutions provided to the British Army. It represents a step change in capability for the Armed Forces, allowing troops to conduct live and virtual training without the need for external assets and at a much lower cost than live fire exercises, without using ammunition stockpiles.

An Elbit Systems UK spokesperson said: “This exercise demonstrated what is possible when our training systems operate as an integrated capability, delivering the high-fidelity and operationally realistic training that our Armed Forces demand. As the first use of our integrated RSTS offer, it validates the concept and the technology, and we are looking at future opportunities to deploy this capability with the UK, as well as potential opportunities internationally.”

A 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team spokesperson said: “The integration of live and virtual constructive training has added a level of realism to our training that would be unachievable on a normal field exercise. ESUK’s support was important to the success of the exercise.”

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