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Hidden Wounds Receives $50,000 Donation from Philip Morris International U.S. to Expand Rapid Mental-Health Stabilization for Veterans

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

Funding supports lifesaving crisis stabilization, suicide prevention, peer support, and essential services for South Carolina’s at-risk veterans

SUMTER, S.C., March 9, 2026 — Hidden Wounds, a South Carolina-based nonprofit providing immediate mental-health stabilization and long-term support for veterans, today announced a $50,000 donation from Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.). The funding comes at a critical moment as South Carolina and the nation face rising rates of veteran suicide, with an estimated 17.6 veterans dying by suicide every day, according to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our mission is simple: No veteran should face their darkest hour alone,” said Dr. Lance Newman, Executive Director of Hidden Wounds, CPS, CPT, CSCS (Retired). “The support from PMI U.S. helps us keep our doors open and our hands outstretched to the men and women who sacrificed for us.”

Hidden Wounds fills urgent gaps in care by offering rapid crisis stabilization, peer-led support groups, and warm handoffs to treatment, ensuring that veterans receive fast, practical help when they need it most. In 2025 alone, the organization supported thousands of veterans experiencing PTSD, homelessness, food insecurity, depression, and other invisible wounds – often providing same-day stabilization and ongoing community support.

“Hidden Wounds is meeting veterans where they are, often in moments when they can’t wait days or weeks for help,” said Jake Jacobs, Director of External Affairs, Southeast Region at PMI U.S. “Their team provides immediate stabilization, real human connection, and long-term pathways to recovery, and PMI U.S. is proud to support an organization delivering such pragmatic, lifesaving impact for veterans across South Carolina.”

This gift reflects PMI U.S.’s commitment to pragmatic philanthropy, advancing practical, measurable results by supporting organizations delivering real impact for the military community. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has invested more than $35 million in charitable giving, including over $7M towards organizations serving U.S. service members, veterans, and their families across legal services, housing, mental health support and emergency economic relief.

In 2025, Hidden Wounds delivered measurable impact across South Carolina:

Supported 8,000+ veterans through the food pantry
Provided care to 87 veterans in nursing homes
Helped 15 veterans move from homelessness to permanent housing
Fed 5,800 veterans during Thanksgiving and Christmas
Maintained daily in-person support that keeps hundreds of veterans connected and safe

In partnership with VAlanthropy, Hidden Wounds recently broke ground on Village Alpha, a permanent housing community consisting of 650-square-foot apartments designed to help veterans stabilize, rebuild, and integrate. Construction began in February 2026 in Sumter, South Carolina, with the aim to offer immediate housing for veterans in need in addition to the other offerings and support Hidden Wounds provides.

Posted in Industry, Nonprofit, Press Release, Veterans | 1 Comment »

ZeroTech Introduces the Thrive HD Micro Prism 1x in FDE

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

Nashville, TN — ZeroTech Optics proudly announces the launch of the Thrive HD Micro Prism 1x in FDE, a compact prism optic engineered for rapid target acquisition, rugged durability, and refined aiming precision.

Designed to combine the speed of a red dot with the precision advantages of a prism optic, the new Micro Prism delivers a crisp etched ZT Prism Dot Reticle that remains visible even without illumination. This design offers a cleaner aiming point for shooters with astigmatism while maintaining the speed required for dynamic shooting environments.

Machined from a solid billet of 6061 T6 aluminum, the optic is built to withstand demanding field conditions while maintaining a lightweight and compact footprint. The generous eye relief allows shooters to maintain comfortable positioning and shoot with both eyes open, maximizing situational awareness during fast-paced shooting scenarios.

The Thrive HD Micro Prism includes four configurable mounting heights, allowing shooters to tailor the optic to their preferred setup and rifle platform. Fully multi-coated lenses provide exceptional clarity and a wide field of view, enabling quick target transitions and improved awareness.

With 13 adjustable brightness settings, including three night-vision compatible levels, the optic adapts to a wide range of lighting conditions. A built-in motion sensor with auto-sleep and auto-on functionality helps conserve battery life while ensuring the optic is ready when needed.

Key Features

Variable Mounting Heights
Four configurable mounting options allow shooters to customize their setup across different firearm platforms and shooting styles.

Robust Construction
CNC-machined 6061 T6 aluminum housing provides durability and impact resistance for demanding field conditions.

Etched Reticle
The ZT Prism Dot Reticle remains visible even without illumination, providing a precise aiming point in any lighting environment.

Expansive Eye Relief
Generous eye relief allows comfortable shooting with both eyes open for faster target acquisition.

Enhanced Optical Clarity
Fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright image and wide field of view for improved situational awareness.

Specifications

Magnification: 1x
Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
Reticle: ZT Prism Dot Reticle (etched)
Brightness Settings: 13 (including 3 NV)
Battery Life: Up to 5,000 hours
Turret Adjustment: 1 MOA per click
Elevation / Windage Range: 90 MOA
Eye Relief: 90mm
Field of View: 70 ft @ 100 yards
Weight: Approx. 7.5 oz (with mount and battery)
Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Construction: 6061 T6 Aluminum

In The Box

Thrive HD 1x Micro Prism Sight
Three additional variable height mounts (four total mounting options)
CR2032 battery (installed)
Neoprene protective scope cover
Microfiber cleaning cloth
Welcome card with QR code for product manual

The Thrive HD Micro Prism expands the growing ZeroTechlineup with a compact optic that bridges the gap between the simplicity of a red dot and the refined aiming precision of a prism optic.

Learn more about the Thrive HD Micro Prism 1x at ZeroTech.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

B.E. Meyers & Co Awarded Contract to Deliver MAWL-X1 and DAGIR-V1 Systems in Support of US Army Night Lethality

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

February 3rd, 2026 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is honored to have been awarded multiple contracts to support US Army Night Operations Lethality upgrades, both in FY2025 and for FY2026. B.E. Meyers & Co. was selected to deliver MAWL-X1 systems via PM Lethality to multiple US Army units in FY2025, completing delivery of 1,000+ systems in 2025. Recently, the US Army placed orders for another 1,000+ MAWL-X1 and DAGIR-V1 systems scheduled for delivery in 2026 as part of the Tailored Logistics Services (TLS) program.

The MAWL®-X1 is a high-power infrared and visible green aiming and illumination laser designed specifically for individual carbines, catering to the needs of modern night fighters. It features cutting-edge VCSEL technology for unparalleled beam quality, eliminating issues of inconsistent illumination. With multiple modes of divergence and power tailored for close, mid, and long-range operations, the MAWL®-X1 ensures optimal performance in any environment. Additionally, its modular design allows for ambidextrous configuration to suit any operator’s need.

The MAWL®-X1 laser device is a modular aiming and illumination tool that provides enhanced Near Infrared (NIR) illumination quality, streamlines the user interface, and improves weapon handling ergonomics. Its compact design offers a superior form-fit-feel compared to traditional systems. With a low-profile activation button just 0.37 inches above the top rail, the device positions most of its bulk off-axis from the operator’s grip, enhancing maneuverability. The MAWL®-X1 is well-suited for combat applications across various environments, ranging from close-quarters battle (CQB) to engagements exceeding 1000 meters.

B.E. Meyers & Co.(R) VCSEL diode technology delivers unmatched near-infrared (NIR) performance, providing users with superior visibility in low-light conditions. This advanced technology enhances beam clarity, essential for improving situational awareness. By producing sharper, more defined illumination, users can better identify their surroundings, assess potential threats and make informed decisions in various environments. The combination of exceptional performance and enhanced clarity makes the VCSEL diode technology a crucial asset for applications where precision and awareness are critical.

The DAGIR®-V1 represents a significant advancement in weapon-mountable aiming technology, seamlessly combining a Near-Infrared (NIR) illuminator with both NIR and visible aiming capabilities. The DAGIR®-V1 is the culmination of advanced optical engineering, delivering unmatched flexibility while also excelling in illumination quality, ergonomics, and form factor. Setting a new gold standard in multi-function aiming laser technology, it has earned the trust of USSOCOM — selected under the SAL-UHP program, where a dedicated variant bears the LA-30 designation with pride.

At the core of the DAGIR®-V1 is the groundbreaking MINIRVA™ diode system, harnessing advanced VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) technology to deliver unmatched beam precision and clarity. This best-in-class optical engine produces sharper, more defined illumination, enabling superior target identification, environmental awareness, and threat assessment—even in the most demanding operational environments.

The DAGIR®-V1 is a versatile, weapon-mounted NIR/Visible pointer and NIR illuminator engineered for elite operational demands. Its powerful overbore 40 mW IR pointer and dual 350 mW VCSEL IR illuminators deliver uncompromising performance — even through oppressive photonic barriers and high-ambient-light environments. Controlled via a best-in-class human-machine interface, operators can intuitively adjust beam divergence and output without dismounting the weapon. All optical and electronic components are environmentally sealed within a compact, rugged aluminum housing, built to thrive in the harshest conditions and the most demanding missions.

Who We Are:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is a Defense Technology Manufacturer located in Redmond, Washington. As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 52nd year, we are a global leader in tactical laser systems for combat applications, as well as optoelectronic systems for rotary wing aircraft, fixed wing platforms, and UAVs, along with other integrated systems. We are a true “Made in America” operation, with design, development, production, and final assembly occurring in our Redmond, Washington headquarters. We are proud of our work and who we serve as we evolve critical defense technology and reenergize American Manufacturing.

Who We Support:

Our customers include all branches of US Department of War, US Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies, select US consumer channel partners, international allies in over 50+ countries, as well as defense primes both in the US and internationally. Our key product brands in these spaces include IZLID®, GLARE®, MAWL®, DAGIR®, BOARS®, MILR®, KIJI®, and others.

Made in America:

B.E. Meyers & Co. operates in multiple market segments; however we are a defense-centric original equipment manufacturer at our core. Our business and our products are:

§ US based

§ US owned

§ Certified SBA Small Business

§ ITAR compliant

§ ISO 9001:2015

§ Made in America

§ Buy American Act compliant

§ Berry Amendment compliant

Strategic Sourcing:

With respect to strategic sourcing amid the U.S.-China trade war, B.E. Meyers & Co. is dedicated to an, “Anywhere But China” supply chain policy wherever possible, and especially for key components.

We continually promote efforts to diversify our supply chain, and we also invest in ensuring critical components are stocked to avoid disruptions.

Product Lines:

The US Army has chosen our MAWL® and DAGIR®series of lasers to support their current operational needs in the past, and relies on us to deliver critical systems enhancing US Night Operations Lethality for the future. The MAWL® series has been in production since 2016, with over 30,000 systems produced and fielded worldwide. MAWL® sales include the US Army, US Air Force, multiple foreign defense elements, US Secret Service, US Diplomatic Security Services, and US Department of Homeland Security, amongst others. Please see Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting’s overview of the MAWL-X1 here.

The DAGIR® series has been in production since 2025 and supports the USSOCOM Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP) program of record, as well as the USSOCOM (Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power) contract, with over 8,000 systems on order and with production deliveries happening now. Please see Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting’s overview of the DAGIR® series here.

For sales information on the MAWL®, DAGIR®, and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or connect with us at info@bemeyers.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Contracts, Lasers, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Isembard Raises $50m Series A to Open 25 AI-Powered Factories Serving Aerospace and Defense

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

Company manufactures components for aerospace, defense and robotics in factories powered by MasonOS, its proprietary agentic AI platform
Round led by Union Square Ventures
Supports 2026 growth from 6 to 25 factories in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Ukraine

Dallas and London | March 9th, 2026 — Isembard today announces that it has raised $50 million in Series A funding, less than 12 months after its Seed round. The capital will accelerate the company’s plan to open 25 factories by the end of 2026, expand its engineering teams while launching into Germany, France and Ukraine.

The round was led by Union Square Ventures, an early backer of Twitter, Coinbase, Etsy, Abridge and Twilio. New investors Tamarack Global and IQ Capital joined the round alongside existing investors Notion Capital and CIV. Angel investors include Alex Bouaziz (Founder and CEO of Deel), Andrei Danescu (Founder and CEO of Dexory Robotics) and Matt Briers (former CFO of Wise).

Component manufacturing is a market worth $1.8 trillion a year. Yet small businesses account for 95% of production and they are rapidly disappearing. The average owner is over 65 years old and 40% plan to retire within five years. This erosion of industrial capacity is colliding with surging demand from aerospace, defense, energy and robotics companies given re-shoring and spending increases on critical industries. Without decisive action, the widening gap between supply of factories and demand from customers risks hollowing out the industrial base of Europe and North America.

Isembard manufactures high-precision components for many of the world’s most demanding customers. The company operates its own and franchisee factories, differentiated by its proprietary software and AI system, MasonOS, which runs them. MasonOS integrates quoting, scheduling, supply chain, manufacturing, quality control and delivery into a single intelligent agentic operating layer, automating and continuously optimizing factory performance.

The company identifies exceptional operators – from manufacturing, the military, franchising and the wider economy – and equips them with its technology, brand, engineering standards and access to customer demand. Franchisees can launch new Isembard factories from the ground up or convert existing businesses into an Isembard factory. This approach enables rapid expansion of high-quality manufacturing capacity while preserving local ownership and strengthening sovereign industrial capability across the United Kingdom, United States and Europe.

Alexander Fitzgerald, Founder and CEO of Isembard, said:

“Manufacturing is the origin of our security, prosperity and sense of purpose as nations. This Series A enables us to open more factories, invest in MasonOS, support exceptional franchisees and recruit the best engineers across Europe and the United States. Our mission is to forge industrial acceleration.”

Rebecca Kaden, Managing Partner at Union Square Ventures, said:
“Isembard is redefining the process of owning and running a factory. By embedding deep operational expertise into an agentic OS, MasonOS lowers the barrier to operating high-performance manufacturing businesses and enables a networked, capital-efficient path to scale. At a moment when demand for advanced manufacturing is accelerating and interest in SMB ownership is rising, Isembard brings both forces together. We’re excited to partner with Alexander and his team as they expand access to factory ownership and rebuild industrial capacity across the West.”

Posted in AI / ML, Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

Direct Action Presents the Core Assaulter Setup

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

Mission first. Gear second to none.

Direct Action introduces the Core Assaulter Setup – a reference configuration designed for frontline operators without a dedicated specialist role, operating in full kit under changing operational tempo. This setup is not a universal solution or the only correct configuration. It’s a reference built to demonstrate system logic, capability, and versatility: load carriage, access, control, and speed.

The setup can be stripped down for low-profile operations, expanded for longer missions, or adapted to unit SOPs and team standards. One principle remains constant: the gear works for the operator, not the other way around.

Built for Operational Tempo

The Core Assaulter Setup is designed for operators in environments where contact is real and situations can evolve beyond the original plan. Typical operations include buildings, vehicles, and confined spaces – often at night and under time pressure.

Mission scope includes:

Direct action (DA)

CQB entries and exits

Securing and searching

Detentions

Covering evacuations

Rapid transitions between mobility and static positions

When operational tempo increases, three factors become critical: time, predictability, and repeatability of movement. The setup allows operators to move naturally within the mission rhythm, without unnecessary adjustments, gear interference, or chaos.

System-Based Configuration

The Core Assaulter Setup is built around the SPITFIRE MK II Plate Carrier with a Rapid Access Cummerbund and Spitfire Cutaway System. Key elements include:

AR mag pouches

SPITFIRE Assault Panel on the back

Warhawk Modular Gun Belt MKII

Rope Bag as an additional operational element

Each component follows a clear placement logic: gear remains organized, accessible one-handed under stress (even with gloves), and stable even under heavy load. The setup is fully compatible with the Direct Action modular system, letting operators adapt their configuration depending on mission profile and operational requirements.

Direct Action: Individual-as-a-system Approach

Direct Action treats the operator’s loadout as a system, not a collection of unrelated products. Plate carriers, belts, panels, pouches, and accessories form a modular ecosystem configurable by mission, role, and environment.

Direct Action gear is designed, tested, and manufactured in Poland, based on real operational experience. The result: gear that supports movement, maintains order under stress, and performs reliably under extreme operational load.

A Reference, Not a Limitation

The Core Assaulter Setup represents one of many possible configurations. The same system can be adapted to create:

Lighter, low-profile setups
Heavier configurations for extended missions and increased load carriage

The goal is to demonstrate configuration logic and flexibility: what goes where, why it’s there, and how quickly it can be accessed. The rest is up to the operator.

Learn More

Discover the full Core Assaulter Setup and explore the modular system:
directactiongear.com/en/core-assaulter-setup

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

Elbit America Awarded U.S. Army Contract to Establish a New Class of Soldier Capability

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

Perception becomes power and decisions move at the speed of instinct with Soldier Borne Mission Command

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – March. 9, 2026 – The modern battlefield will be won by Warriors who understand first, decide in milliseconds, and act with absolute certainty. That future isn’t coming. It’s here.

The United States Army has awarded Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract valued at $120.5 million to develop Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC). This creates a next-generation capability that redefines how Soldiers operate, connect, and dominate in complex, contested environments, built on Elbit America’s proven legacy of see-through-display and night vision expertise.

Elbit America’s SBMC isn’t an evolution in capability. It’s a revolution in Soldier lethality built for the speed and complexity of modern combat. SBMC fuses live multi-spectral sensors with assured positioning into an intuitive, head-borne experience. The result? Soldiers gain the prime advantage with continuous, mission-critical awareness without burden, distraction, or delay.

SBMC delivers total connectivity, sharing visual intelligence and threat data across the unit in real time. Squads become synchronized, sensor-enabled teams where every Soldier benefits from the collective insight of the force. SBMC delivers prime perception that drives clarity and dominance even in denied or degraded environments.

“SBMC changes the speed of decision-making and enables confident, decisive action in moments that define the fight.” said Erik Fox, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Warfighter Systems at Elbit America. “Thanks to our close collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton we gain mission-critical information, instantly and intuitively, allowing Soldiers to think and react faster.”

Elbit America tapped advanced technology company Booz Allen (NYSE: BAH), the leading provider of AI to the federal government, to build SBMC’s critical software backbone, including advanced extended reality solutions, networking frameworks, and AI-enabled insights.

“Our Soldier Borne Mission Command is critical to winning on the battlefield. Soldiers need processed data distilled, so they’re more lethal and survivable. They need it at near zero latency and in a manner that enables them to shoot, maneuver, and share instantaneously,” said Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Elbit America. “For years, we’ve been the lead at sending data directly into the eye of the Warfighter, whether it’s through our Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular systems or the sensor fusion we do in the F-35 helmet. Enabling the Soldier to do more is one of our core competencies. We look forward to bringing game-changing innovation and decades of production program experience to this competition.”

As the U.S. Army enhances the capabilities of fielded systems, SBMC sets the foundation for human-machine teaming, autonomous integration, and cognitive warfare dominance. Elbit America is merging proven expertise with next-generation technologies to create SBMC: a capability that transforms awareness into action and ensures Soldiers move at the speed of instinct.

MORE: www.elbitamerica.com/night-vision

Posted in Army, C5ISR, Contracts, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Med-Eng Pleased to Support United States Department of War with Delivery of Sensor Capabilities Contract Previously Announced by Cadre Holdings

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

Company Providing Mission-Critical Blast Exposure Monitoring System to Preserve and Maintain Readiness for Warfighters

OGDENSBURG, NY — As originally announced by Cadre Holdings, Inc. (“Cadre”), on November 19, 2025, Med-Eng, LLC, a world leader in personal protective technologies against blast and a subsidiary of Cadre, was awarded a 5-year Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a maximum value of $50 million by the United States Department of War (DoW) to deliver and support the Blast Exposure Monitoring (BEMO) Program. The BEMO systems, including sensor hardware and related software, measure and record blast overpressure exposures experienced in training operations as part of a DoW Brain Health program.

First delivery under the contract is underway and follows a competitive 5-year funded development program to improve methods for identifying blast overpressure exposures impacting the warfighter while using heavy weapon systems and conducting explosive breaching in dynamic combat and training environments. Once deployed, real-time updates will be available for team leaders, commanders, and medical personnel, enabling rapid triage decisions and dynamic adjustments to tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

Med-Eng General Manager Rob Reynolds commented, “I am extremely proud of the Med-Eng team for the tireless efforts they have shown throughout this multi-year program and since contract award in late 2025. At each phase of the open competition, the team showed its ability to listen, evolve and deliver. This is the latest demonstration of how Med-Eng can leverage its deep understanding of blast threats to develop new, technology-based solutions that will help the short and long term health of the warfighter. This capability will form a key part of monitoring the effects of blast overpressure exposures during training and will significantly increase the empirical data knowledge base of the military medical community. We look forward to supporting the customer through the delivery phases and to developing our sensor capabilities to meet evolving threats.”

Med-Eng has been a pioneer in the development and fielding of body-worn blast sensors since 2006. This latest generation is a significant step forward in the convergence of hardware, mobile device apps, and intuitive dashboards to bridge the gap between blast overpressure events and longitudinal brain health monitoring. This will help team leaders, medical staff, and senior leadership to utilize powerful decision-making tools based on tracking both single event and cumulative blast overpressure exposure.

Posted in Contracts, Medical, Press Release, SOF | No Comments »

SIG SAUER Expands Shooter Affiliate Program to Include Sal Hernandez, Ian Meyers, and Kevin Lally

Monday, March 9th, 2026

NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 9, 2026) – SIG SAUER is excited to welcome Sal Hernandez, Ian Meyers, and Kevin Lally to the SIG Shooter Affiliate Program. They will represent SIG SAUER at major competitive shooting events around the country, joining their teammates Tre’Von Barber, Kay Lane, and Todd Sindelar.

Sal Hernandez is an active member of San Antonio Police Department’s SWAT team, a Master class USPSA shooter, and a sniper and firearms instructor. He is a dominant force in The Tactical Games and SWAT-focused competitions with numerous podium finishes.

Ian Meyers is a former U.S. Army Ranger and BORTAC operator currently working for the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona. He is a GM and Master class competitor in USPSA and competes in pistol, 2-gun, and Multi-gun competitions around the country.

Kevin Lally is a former Metropolitan PD officer currently serving as a SWAT operator and instructor for a local NH police department. He is a Master class USPSA and IDPA competitor in multiple divisions and coaches his department’s shooting team.

SIG SAUER is excited to support these heroes who serve and protect our country while enhancing their skills through competition and training. We look forward to being a part of their journey as they represent SIG SAUER on the range.

To learn more about SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Shooting Sports | No Comments »