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FS Holdings Appoints Industry Veteran Lynn Twiss as Vice President of Marketing for FS Holdings and FirstSpear

Friday, December 19th, 2025

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Dec. 22, 2025) – FS Holdings, the parent organization for FirstSpear®, FirstSpear Technology Group®, Atlas 46®, and Black Crest®, today announced the appointment of Lynn Twiss as Vice President of Marketing. In this dual-role capacity, Twiss will drive overarching leadership and brand strategy for the FS Holdings family of brands while maintaining direct leadership as Vice President of Marketing for the flagship brand, FirstSpear.

This strategic appointment marks a significant milestone in the organization’s growth and is aligned with the holding group’s core ethos: “Protect, Serve, and Build.”

Twiss brings over three decades of marketing leadership experience in the firearms, military, and outdoor industries. As the founder of GUNLAND LLC, he has served as a strategic architect for some of the most recognized brands in the space. His career includes pivotal roles such as helping rebuild Kimber from early bankruptcy into a premier firearms manufacturing brand, and key leadership positions at Leupold & Stevens and SIG SAUER Electro-Optics, where he oversaw the marketing launch of the BDX (Ballistic Data Xchange) system and supported critical military contract wins.

His arrival signals a decisive move to better align the commercial, industrial, and defense verticals of the company and focus them on coherent, long-term growth.

“As we continue to reinforce our existing footprint across ground, maritime, aviation and industrial domains, it is critical that our voice is as powerful and precise as our technology,” said Scott Carver, CEO of FS Holdings. “Lynn has spent the last year and a half embedded with our teams as a mentor and advisor, so this move into a full-time executive role is a natural fit. He combines an understanding of the defense sector with the ability to build demand for our lifestyle and industrial brands. He understands that while FirstSpear is ‘Built for The X™,’ the broader mission of the group is to ‘Protect, Serve, and Build’ across every aspect of our customers’ lives.”

“FirstSpear is built on a foundation of uncompromising quality and innovation. That same seriousness runs through the broader FS Holdings portfolio, even though it shows up in very different forms,” said Lynn Twiss. “An operator stepping off with FirstSpear kit, an MRO tradesman starting a shift in Atlas 46, or someone choosing Black Crest for their day-to-day are all facing different kinds of stakes, but they share the same expectation that when the moment turns critical, the gear will not be the point of failure.

For most of my career I have worked beside product and design teams that obsess over details a customer may never notice directly, but will always feel. That is the discipline I want to support here. My focus is to help each brand push further in its own lane, to keep earning trust through performance, and to let the work speak first. If we do that well, the stories will follow.”

In this role, Twiss will oversee global marketing operations, brand architecture, and digital transformation across the portfolio. He will be responsible for articulating the distinct identities of the sub-brands while leveraging their shared technologies and values to drive cross-market growth.

About FS Holdings

FS Holdings is a U.S.-based portfolio company focused on equipping professionals across military, law enforcement, industrial, and lifestyle markets. Through its brands FirstSpear, FirstSpear Technology Group, Atlas 46, and Black Crest, the group applies technical innovation, advanced materials, and design expertise to create products that “Protect, Serve, and Build.”

About FirstSpear

Founded in 2010, FirstSpear® equips elite military and law enforcement professionals with uncompromising equipment for those bound for “The X.” Guided by its “Built for The X™” ethos, FirstSpear produces lightweight, mission-focused equipment engineered for the most demanding operational environments.

About Atlas 46

Founded in 2013, Atlas 46 manufactures premium, USA Made gear for tradespeople, MRO professionals, and mechanics. With modular innovation and industrial-grade craftsmanship, Atlas 46 delivers high-performance solutions built to meet professional standards.

About Black Crest

Black Crest is a men’s athleisure brand combining design sensibility with everyday comfort and style. The brand offers technical performance apparel for life beyond the mission, designed in the United States and manufactured to exacting standards internationally.

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

CZ to Supply Pistols to the German Army

Friday, December 19th, 2025

Uhersky Brod, Czech Republic (December 19, 2025)

Ceska zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) has achieved one of the most significant milestones in its history. The German Army (Bundeswehr) has selected a CZ pistol as its new standard sidearm.

“We are honored that the German Bundeswehr has chosen CZ as itspartner. Our success in this rearmament tender is one of the most significant achievements in CZ’s modern history. It clearly confirmsthe outstanding reputation our firearms have earned through active deployment in real combat conditions. We look forward to a long-term cooperation with the Bundeswehr and to fulfilling all its requirements in line with the contract,” said Jan Zajic, CEO and Chairman of the Board of CZ.

CZ was awarded this contract following an open international tender, prevailing over several global competitors. The pistols designated as P13 for the Bundeswehr are based on the CZ P-10 C OR (Optics-Ready) model, featuring a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish. It is a modern striker-fired service pistol designed for professional use, renowned for its reliability, durability, and intuitive handling. It features excellent ergonomics, high magazine capacity, and precise construction, making it a preferred choice among military and law enforcement customers in many countries.

CZ will work closely with its authorized partner in Germany, POL-TEC GmbH & Co., to fulfil the contract and provide comprehensive support to the Bundeswehr.

A Tradition of Quality and Innovation

CZ is a leading European manufacturer of firearms for military, law enforcement, and commercial customers, with a tradition dating back to 1936. CZ products are exported to nearly 100 countries worldwide. Through close cooperation with experts and elitemilitary and police units, CZ develops its firearms to meet the evolving needs of modern military and law enforcement forces. CZis a proud member of Colt CZ Group SE.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | 5 Comments »

Adept Armor Unveils the NovaSteel Flip Ballistic Mandible

Friday, December 19th, 2025

A breakthrough in lightweight, one-handed, high-performance facial ballistic protection.

Denison, TX. (December 2025) – Adept Armor, pioneers in next-gen protective solutions, today announced the release of the NovaSteel™ Flip Ballistic Mandible, Gen 2, an entirely reengineered facial protection module designed to meet the evolving ballistic and impact threats faced by modern warfighters, tactical teams, and security professionals. The Gen 2 model introduces a patented, sealed hinge mechanism that enables silent, one-handed flip-up operation with free-stop positioning at any angle, while preserving a lightweight form factor, wide field of vision, and exceptional ballistic performance.

Modern body armor has dramatically reduced thoracic injuries, but as coverage has improved, personal vulnerability has shifted. The face, once indirectly shielded, has become the most exposed anatomical region during ballistic engagements. Face and neck injuries are up 30 percent since Vietnam, and the face is struck over 700 percent more frequently than its surface area would predict. These shifting patterns of wounding have left the face as the most exposed region of the warfighter’s body.

?Injury simulations clearly illustrate the vulnerability of the face to ballistic and blunt-force impact, even at comparatively low velocities. As a result, the need for practical, high-performance facial protection has become paramount. The NovaSteel Flip Ballistic Mandible, Gen 2, was expressly engineered to address this challenge, delivering substantial ballistic, fragment, and blunt-impact protection while maintaining wide visibility, ease of use, and compatibility with contemporary helmet systems.

“I’m incredibly excited to finally announce our new NovaSteel Flip Ballistic Mandible, Gen 2. After nearly two years of development and countless prototypes, we’ve achieved a genuine breakthrough. The new face shield is lightweight, breathable, and exceptionally easy to operate. Users can flip it up, down, or hold it at any point in between with a simple, quiet, one-handed motion. It’s dramatically more intuitive than anything currently available,” said Jake Ganor, President of Adept Armor.

The NovaSteel Flip Ballistic Mandible, Gen 2, represents a comprehensive redesign of Adept Armor’s acclaimed ballistic mandible platform. Its most significant innovation is its sealed, all-aluminum, patented rotating mechanism, permanently welded to a dedicated Combat Circlet, and designed for:

Silent, smooth, one-handed actuation
Free-stop positioning at any angle without detents or latches
Stable, secure operation that preserves cheek-weld, comms access, and ventilation
?A dramatically reduced mechanical footprint compared to bulky or fixed alternatives

Underneath the protective housing lies an entirely new rotational architecture, engineered to deliver a level of sophistication, durability, and ease of use unmatched in current ballistic facial protection systems.

“Helmets have come a long way, but facial protection has lagged behind. We’re working to close that gap,” Ganor explained. “This isn’t a niche accessory anymore – in terms of protection, ergonomics, and durability, it’s at a point where it can become an essential piece of equipment.”

The NovaSteel Flip Ballistic Mandible, Gen 2, is built from high-grade NovaSteel alloy, offering robust ballistic resistance while remaining exceptionally lightweight at less than 1 pound. The sealed hinge delivers quiet, controlled operation with no clicks, snaps, or latch noise that could compromise user position. The low-profile geometry maintains a wide field of view and is fully compatible with most ballistic glasses, goggles, and common weapon optics. The mandible provides multi-threat protection against pistol-caliber ballistic impacts, high-velocity fragmentation, blunt-force events, and debris.

Key specifications include:

Ballistic Rating: 124 gr 9mm FMJ
Ultra-low BFD, enabling a tight, low-profile fit and cheek-weld capability
Wide, unobstructed field of vision with no optical distortion
High resistance to blunt impact and fragmentation
No fogging, no transparency degradation, and no visor-related distortion
Fully compatible with the ACH model and all NovaSteel helmets (2024+)

?The NovaSteel Flip Ballistic Mandible surpasses the ballistic and blunt-impact thresholds of the ACH and ACH Gen II helmet specifications, despite no formal testing protocol existing for ballistic mandibles. The design also demonstrates broad compliance with VPAM-3 helmet test criteria, maintaining low backface deformation, delivering stable edge-shot protection, and performing reliably even after sustained high-temperature conditioning at 168°F and beyond.

The mandible mounts via integrated bosses on the Combat Circlet Gen 2, leaving rail space free and requiring no drilling or modification. This Flip Mandible mounts only to the dedicated Combat Circlet supplied with the unit. It is not compatible with the standard Combat Circlet Mark II, older Circlet variants, or any third-party helmet mounting hardware. Each unit includes the NovaSteel Flip Mandible, Gen 2, and its dedicated welded Combat Circlet with integrated flip rotator assembly. Available in Black or Green. MSRP $490.00.

For more information on Adept Armor, visit its website or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

Posted in Armor, Helmets, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Rheinmetall Successfully Demonstrates Drone Defence Capabilities in Finland

Thursday, December 18th, 2025

Rheinmetall successfully demonstrated its capabilities in counter measures against small unmanned aerial systems (c-sUAS) at the Ground-based Air Defence (GBAD) Demo Days at the firing range in Lohtaja, Finland. Representatives of Rheinmetall Air Defence AG were invited to participate by the Inspector of Air Defence of the Finnish Armed Forces.

Despite challenging climatic conditions in a remote forest area, Rheinmetall impressed with a powerful and professional demonstration. The demonstrated threats, ranging from jet drones to small quadcopters, as well as the frictionless cooperation with the organiser XD Solution and the Finnish Armed Forces underlined the operational readiness of the technologies on display. The main focus of the performance was on the detection, classification and tracking of a wide variety of drones in different airspaces and at different flight speeds.

At the core of the presentation was Skyspotter, Rheinmetall’s multi-sensory early warning and reconnaissance system for detecting, classifying and tracking airborne threats. Skyspotter is designed to protect critical infrastructure and secure large areas against drone attacks. The system features an open architecture that allows the integration of different sensors and effectors depending on the threat level. In close cooperation with employees of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH, a rapidly deployable version of the Skyspotter system based on the Rheinmetall HX Truck was presented on site. This underscores the flexibility of the system architecture as well as the capabilities of the corporation.

During the demonstration, Rheinmetall presented an integrated overall system consisting of the Skyspotter, several dislocated Passive Emitter Locator sensors and a rapidly deployable, specialised C2 shelter. This ensures optimum command and control capability at a safe distance from active components and increases the protection of operating personnel.

Skyspotter can combat directional jammers, interceptor drones and the highly flexible Revolver Gun 30mm, which is currently in the conceptional phase. It uses individually programmable KETF ammunition (kinetic energy time fuze), which acts solely with kinetic energy (so-called impact ammunition).

“The GBAD Demo Days 2025 have impressively highlighted the importance of partnership-based cooperation in the further development of modern air defence capabilities. We would like to thank the Finnish Armed Forces for the invitation and the excellent cooperation, as well as our industry partners and our Finnish partner Oy Telva. Their commitment and expertise have contributed significantly to successfully demonstrating the performance of our systems under realistic conditions”, explains Oliver Dürr, Head of the Electronic Solutions Division.

Posted in C-UAS, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Spiritus Systems Announces LV-120 Officially Available

Thursday, December 18th, 2025

Aberdeen, NC – December 18, 2025 – Spiritus Systems®, one of the leading manufacturers of nylon equipment designed with intent for military and law enforcement professionals, has announced the new LV-120 Plate Carrier, a highly configurable, modular, and scalable system is now available for purchase through the company’s website.

The LV-120 Plate Carrier, is a fine-tuned solution of load carriage design that answers the nearly impossible demand of weight, durability, integration, adaptability and refinement. A completely new offering from its predecessor, the LV-119, the LV-120 was developed in collaboration with the professional end-user, in an effort to address the unique and diverse requirements for next-gen warfare.

At its core, the LV-120 Plate Carrier addresses the warfighter’s need to tailor the system to a constantly shifting mission profile. The design considers current cable routing requirements, various plate sizes and types, weight (2.03lbs), increased load carriage, durability and additional extensive end-user feedback.

The base configuration is a mission-ready, highly rigid plate carrier, constructed with X-Pac X50 Nylon and Nylon Laminate. The new materials, ensure a highly abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, waterproof material; ensuring the carrier is near-hydrophobic and won’t retain water. Additionally, the 3D-mesh which dries near instantaneously, lines the front and back panels, creating a space for ventilation of heat and perspiration – making the LV-120 a notable solution to virtually any environment.

Equipped with removable articulating shoulder straps, with ride-height adjustment which allows the carrier to naturally settle on the body. For those who require a quick-release function, the straps can be interchanged with the LV-120 Tubes Shoulder Strap (sold separately) for easy donning and doffing.

The front panel features a loop molle field, designed to accommodate placards, EUD’s or other mission-specific attachments. Placards can now be attached using G-Hooks, 1-inch side release buckles, or the innovative, Quick Attach Tab System. Laser cut ports for PTT securement are located on either side of the molle field, which also serve as a channel for comm-cable management. Strategically designed ingress points for future attachments can also serve as a comms passthrough into the plate bag, allowing for easy storing of excess cabling and connectors.

The rear panel is equipped with a full molle field, to accommodate a highly customizable configuration, including a 9″x 4″ loop field, for identifier patches. Rigid wings located on either side of the rear plate bag function as a mounting platform for future attachments, as well as allow the Reactive Cummerbund to have an articulated radius around the edge of the plate for guaranteed retraction with movement.

The newly implemented rigidity of the Reactive Cummerbund provides a weight transfer from the shoulders and spine by ensuring the plate bags are kept compressed against the body, without compromising the same level of comfort as an elastic cummerbund. The mounting location of the cummerbund ensures that armor plates are positioned correctly on the body, while maintaining a level cummerbund. The added rigidity also allows for heavier items to be mounted on either side of the polypropylene composite (CURV) chassis. A one-size-fits most sizeable structure, combined with a tension-adjusting shock cord system in the rear accommodates natural flexion and expansion of the body and allows for a streamlined acquisition process since there is only one size.

In an effort to consolidate logistical burden and create compatibility across brands for end users, the implementation of the #10 Zipper has been included into the LV-120. A strategic decision made in conjunction with Ferro Concepts, to create a “Universal Carrier Attachment Standard.” This new zipper will limit the compatibility of legacy Spiritus back panel attachments but allow for future developments and cross-compatibility.

Available now through www.spiritussystems.com the new LV-120 Plate Carrier comes in MultiCam®, Ranger Green, Coyote and Black.

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

UF PRO to Present Advanced Tactical Clothing at SHOT Show 2026

Thursday, December 18th, 2025

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (16.12.2025)

UF PRO will return to SHOT Show in 2026, bringing its latest developments in tactical clothing to the U.S. audience. Known for performance-driven design and close collaboration with professional users, UF PRO will showcase a comprehensive selection of combat uniforms, outer layers, and tactical pants engineered for demanding operational environments.

At SHOT Show 2026, UF PRO will present a broad cross-section of its portfolio, including the lightweight Striker TT Combat Shirt and Pants, designed for hot weather and high-mobility operations, alongside the Striker XT and Striker X combat lines, which combine durability, freedom of movement, and modular design for varied mission profiles. Fire-resistant solutions such as the Delta Eagle FR Softshell Jacket and Striker FR Gen.2 Combat Pants will also be on display, addressing requirements where flame protection is critical.

The exhibition will further include UF PRO’s cold- and wet-weather systems, among them the Delta ML Gen.3 Jacket, Hunter FZ Gen.3 Jacket, AcE Plus Gen.3 Jacket, and AcE Winter Gen.2 Combat Shirt, reflecting the brand’s layered approach to thermal regulation across changing climates. Complementing these are versatile everyday and duty-focused options from the P-40 platform, including the All-Terrain, Classic, Mark I, Urban, and Ranger Shorts configurations.

In addition to the static display, visitors will have the opportunity to try selected products on site.

UF PRO’s presence at SHOT Show 2026 reflects its continued commitment to the U.S. market and to direct exchange with law enforcement, military, and special operations professionals. The brand’s development process remains rooted in real-world use, long-term testing, and feedback from those who rely on tactical clothing in demanding environments.

For more information about UF PRO’s participation at SHOT Show 2026 and other upcoming events, visit the Mehler Systems events page: mehler-systems.com/events

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release, SHOT Show | No Comments »

CHAOS Industries Selected for US Army G-TEAD Marketplace, Expanding Counter-UAS Support to US and NATO Forces

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

Addition to the marketplace satisfies competition requirements and enables rapid acquisition of CHAOS systems across U.S. and NATO commands

LOS ANGELES — CHAOS Industries, the defense technology company building Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™) systems that give warfighters time to act against border and autonomous threats, today announced its addition to the U.S. Army’s Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) Marketplace following its participation in Project Flytrap 4.5 in Putlos, Germany. The G-TEAD Marketplace enables any Army Service Component Command and NATO partners to rapidly acquire emerging technologies and capabilities.

Project Flytrap 4.5 brought together U.S. soldiers and NATO partners in Germany to test a range of low-cost, portable sensors and shooters designed to counter unmanned aerial systems and strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Line posture. The systems showcased during the event were evaluated and tested through a competitive evaluation process focused on quickly identifying solutions that can be deployed at the tactical edge.

“We applaud the Army in creating a marketplace to allow ASCCs to quickly acquire emerging technology,” said John Tenet, co-founder and CEO of CHAOS Industries. “The addition to the G-TEAD Marketplace represents a significant step forward in making our Coherent Distributed Networks capabilities available to commanders across the theater who need them, and we look forward to working with the Army and our NATO partners throughout 2026 and beyond.”

CHAOS’s addition to the G?TEAD Marketplace reflects the Army’s assessment of the company’s expeditionary sensing architecture and stay-behind capabilities, including its VANQUISH™ distributed early warning radar. VANQUISH™ provides low-SWaP, short- to mid-range detection and tracking of unmanned aerial systems, missiles, and aircraft. This Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™)-enabled system gives air defenders more options to detect, track, and respond to unmanned aerial systems while complementing existing command and control and effector architectures.

CHAOS will support continued Army experimentation with a VANQUISH™ system in 2026, providing on-site training, integration support, and rapid iteration in response to operator feedback. This forward presence is intended to tighten the feedback loop from field use to product updates, ensuring the technology evolves in lockstep with soldier needs and emerging threats.

About CHAOS Industries

CHAOS Industries creates time. The company is redefining modern defense with omniscient systems that give the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. CHAOS Industries’ products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.

CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com.

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Contracts, Press Release | No Comments »

Red Cat Selects SpiderOak to Conduct Blue UAS Cybersecurity Assessment for Black Widow Platform

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

Services strengthen cyber resilience for Army’s Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program and future unmanned systems across all domains

RESTON, Va., Dec. 16, 2025 — SpiderOak, a leader in zero-trust cybersecurity solutions for space, aerospace, and defense, announced today that Red Cat Holdings (NASDAQ: RCAT), a recognized industry leader in advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, has selected SpiderOak to perform a comprehensive Blue UAS cybersecurity assessment of its Black Widow™ Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) platform.

As part of the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Blue UAS framework, SpiderOak—an official Recognized Assessor—will conduct vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, and Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) evaluations to support Red Cat’s inclusion of the Black Widow™ on the Blue UAS Cleared List.

Strengthening Cyber Resilience Through Blue UAS Assessments

As a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Recognized Assessor, SpiderOak delivers a suite of independent cybersecurity evaluation services under the Blue UAS framework—designed to verify and enhance the cyber resilience of unmanned systems before they enter the Department of War supply chain.

For Red Cat’s Black Widow™ platform, SpiderOak’s team will perform a comprehensive Blue UAS assessment, including vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, and Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) evaluations. These services provide critical validation that the platform meets stringent U.S. Government cybersecurity, supply chain, and compliance standards.

SpiderOak’s methodology integrates advanced threat modeling, secure-by-design analysis, and supply chain forensics to help partners like Red Cat meet or exceed requirements under NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, and Executive Order 14028. Through its role as a Recognized Assessor, SpiderOak supports the rapid fielding of trusted, mission-ready systems that advance U.S. defense and intelligence operations across all domains.

Support for Secure All-Domain Operations

“Red Cat is an industry leader pushing the boundaries of all-domain defense operations, and the Black Widow™ platform plays a critical role in ensuring our warfighters maintain situational advantage,” said Michael Carlson, Senior Director of Business Development for SpiderOak. “Our Blue UAS assessment services are designed to deliver outcomes quickly for the warfighter—helping trusted partners like Red Cat validate cyber readiness, achieve certification, and get critical capabilities into the field sooner. By bringing zero-trust principles and a rigorous, data-driven assessment methodology to the forefront, we’re enabling faster, more secure deployment of mission-critical UAS across the Department of War.”

“Cybersecurity is foundational to trust and mission assurance,” said Jason Gunter, VP of Tech and Innovation at Red Cat Holdings. “Working with SpiderOak ensures that Black Widow™ not only meets Blue UAS standards but sets a new benchmark for how defense-grade UAS platforms should approach cyber protection and supply chain integrity.”

Enabling Secure UAS Integration into the DoD Supply Chain

This engagement reinforces the continued importance of the DIU Blue UAS program in accelerating access to secure and compliant unmanned systems across the Department of War. Through its role as a Recognized Assessor, SpiderOak supports industry partners in meeting stringent cybersecurity and compliance requirements while enhancing the resilience of command, control, and telemetry links across contested environments.

Posted in Cyber, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »