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Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Welcomes Anne Mauro as Director of Special Events & Technical Services Specialist

Sunday, February 8th, 2026

NAPLES, Fla. – February 2, 2026 – Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, a leading premium firearms retailer, proudly announces the addition of Anne Mauro as director of special events and technical services specialist. As a recognized leader in the shooting sports and shotgun industry, Mauro offers a wealth of experience that will further strengthen Cole’s outreach and promotion.

Mauro travels nationwide introducing women to shotgun sports and hunting and serves as an NRA Board of Directors Sub-committee member. She is also an essential member of the USA Shooting, NRA National Coach Development Staff and NSCA/NSSA. Mauro is an NRA Certified Advanced Shotgun Coach Level 3, one of twenty and one of 5 women in the country to hold this elite certification. In 2025, she was honored with the prestigious NRA Golden Bullseye Award as Industry Woman of the Year.

Mauro established and serves as head coach of the co-ed University of Maryland Clay Target Team, coaching athletes to 71 medals in the American and International clay target disciplines. Notable coaching wins include:

ACUI – SCTP Collegiate Nationals Division I Classic: All-Around Silver (2025)

ACUI’s Upper East Coast Conference Championship, HOA

Champion: 2021-2022, 2013-2014

Silver: 2025-2026, 2024-2025, 2023-2024, 2022-2023, 2018-2019

Bronze: 2017-2018, 2016-2017

ACUI National Clay Target Championship (2019)

Bronze: In-Class Sporting Clays, In-Class American Trap

Additionally, Mauro created and leads the NSCA Discover Sporting Clays Experience for Ladies, NSCA Intermediate Sporting Clays Experience for Ladies and NSCA Ladies Open Tournament held annually during the NSCA National Championships.

“Anne’s depth of knowledge and leadership is unmatched in our industry,” said Rich Cole, owner of Cole Gunsmithing. “Her experience and passion in the shotgun space aligns perfectly with our mission, and she strengthens every aspect of what we do. Cole Gunsmithing is thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

As the former vice president of Syren USA, Mauro was instrumental in the successful design and introduction of superior firearms for women with Italian gun makers Caesar Guerini USA/Italy and Fabarm USA/Italy. Following this success, she joined the executive management and engineering team of Blaser Jagdwaffen GmbH in Germany, where she created the Intuition Series of shotguns and rifles for world-wide distribution.

“It is an honor to be an integral member with the highly talented and sought-after Cole Team,” said Mauro. “Developing specialized programs, solving technical needs, working with our brands and serving the shooting communities for greater growth are areas I enjoy focusing my knowledge and experience.”

At Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, Mauro bridges technical expertise and consumer engagement. She plays a key role in program development, event strategy and brand collaboration, working within the shooting community to expand Cole’s presence. Through specialized initiatives and events, she helps showcase Cole’s products and services while strengthening connections across the industry.

For more information on Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing and the premium firearms offered, visit www.colegun.com or contact the team at (800) 650-2653.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Groundbreaking Held for KONGSBERG’s Missile Manufacturing and Maintenance Facility in James City County, Virginia

Sunday, February 8th, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026 – Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Inc. (‘KONGSBERG’) held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for its first state-of-the-art US-based missile production facility in James City County, Va.

Speakers at the event included Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Norway) President Eirik Lie, James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Dr. John McGlennon, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Hon. Shep Miller, U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) and Norwegian Ambassador to the United States Anniken Huitfeldt.

This facility, located in Toano, Va, between Richmond and Williamsburg and conveniently near Naval Station Yorktown, will help the company meet global demand for its precision strike missiles.

“This new KONGSBERG factory will provide additional production capacity, sustainment and in-country tech refresh capabilities for our Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) – both highly advanced, fifth generation cruise missiles capable of both maritime strike and land attack,” said Lie.

The United States Navy awarded KONGSBERG a multi-year procurement contract for NSM in 2024 for the Navy’s Over-the-Horizon weapon wystem, as well as the Marine Corps’ NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System). The United States Air Force selected the JSM in 2024 for use on the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.

“We are proud to invest in defense manufacturing in the United States and excited to onshore our world-class capabilities in James City County, Va. The state of Virginia, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Hampton Roads Alliance, have been integral in this process and we look forward to growing our presence in the US as we ramp up hiring,” said Heather Armentrout, KDA, Inc. president and general manager.

The KONGSBERG facility was announced in September 2024 and will create more than 180 jobs in the James City County area. It will inject more than $100 million in economic benefits, as well as create opportunities for local suppliers to support the production and manufacturing of these weapons.

Preparatory site work has commenced with construction expected to begin by Q2 2026. Missile manufacturing will begin in late 2027, ramping up to full rate production by the end of 2028.

The NSM has been selected by 14 countries and the JSM by 5 nations, including the US.

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

Allen-Vanguard Breaks into South America with a Multi-Million Dollar Order for Their EQUINOX NG and SCORPION 2 ECM systems

Friday, February 6th, 2026

Allen-Vanguard, the global leader in providing customised solutions and enabling technology across the Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) domain, has recently received multi-million dollar orders for EQUINOX NG (their vehicle-based Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) system) and SCORPION 2 (their manportable ECM system). Due to the sensitivity of the purchasing nation’s operations, it is not possible to disclose specific customer details. However, this initial multi-million dollar order is a major capability uplift for the end user, will deliver enhanced protection to their personnel operating in high-risk Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) environments and help mitigate the threat posed by the increasing use of drones to deliver lethal effects.

Allen-Vanguard has over 20 years of expertise in providing customised ECM solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats. These threats include the continued global use of RCIEDs to target security forces and the increasing prevalence of drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) being used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) or lethal means. Defence Forces, Public Safety & Security agencies around the world trust Allen-Vanguard’s capability solutions, because they are easy to use, robust, reliable and have been operationally proven on the battlefield and in the most challenging of peace-keeping missions protecting those who protect us.

Based on the current threat profile, the customer has purchased EQUINOX NG, a highly sophisticated vehicle-based ECM system. Its agile and flexible technical architecture has been developed around the leading global standards for Electronic Warfare (EW) hardware, ensuring compliance and easy integration with major programs for an enduring and ‘ever-greening’ capability. Coupled to a highly flexible and scalable physical format, allows it to be easily configured for a wide range of scenarios from armoured vehicle fits for operational theatres, VIP convoy protection or static vulnerable fixed site locations. The system can be configured with relative ease to address both the RCIED and drone threats alike. SCORPION 2, has all the same technical heritage and similar capabilities as EQUINOX, but has been specifically designed to be portable using a backpack for patrol-based operations. Clearly, it can also be fitted to vehicles or used at static locations, offering maximum flexibility.

The contract comes with a full support package, including training for users, technicians and mission fill development. This support includes the deployment of Field Service Representatives to ensure the development of indigenous ECM capability and reach back to the Threat Management Team.

This team of RF experts optimise algorithms specific to the end user’s needs to combat evolving threats specific to their region of operations. This comprehensive wrap-around support maximises the protection offered by the ECM systems, both from a physical capability perspective but also from the essential changes to tactics, techniques and procedures necessary to keep operators safe.

Bobby Strawbridge, President Allen-Vanguard, said: “This is an important milestone in Allen-Vanguard’s history, breaking into the South American market. We are operationally proven with NATO countries globally and have been trusted by peace-keeping forces in the MENA region for many years. Our systems are not only market leading in relation to their technology and capability but our support packages also ensure purchasing nations improve their wider ECM capability and remain updated with the latest algorithms and software to maintain their protection.”

Posted in CEMA, Contracts, EW, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Vickers Tactical Slide Racker for GEN3-GEN5 Large Caliber GLOCK Models

Friday, February 6th, 2026

TangoDown™ Inc. is pleased to announce the latest addition to the Vickers Tactical™ lineup: introducing the GSR-05 Slide Racker (see below for model compatibility).

The slide rackers have become a popular addition to various GLOCK® models. All slide rackers offer serrated wings which allow for easier slide retraction when using a red dot optic and when non-ideal situations arise. All GSR series parts are made of the same material as the OEM part.

Fits .45ACP/10mm GLOCK® with a 1.12 slide width.

Fits GEN3-5 GLOCK® models: 20; 21; 29; 30

MSRP: $24

Color Availability: Black

For more information, visit: tangodown.com/vickers-tactical-slide-racker-gen3-5-glock

Customer Questions: sales@tangodown.com

***Does NOT fit the following: GEN5 models 22 and 23; GEN V or GEN6 models

***If you are not familiar with modifying your firearms, seek appropriate assistance from a Certified Armorer or Gunsmith.

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

Mehler Protection Introduces Next-Generation Combat Helmet — Made in Germany

Friday, February 6th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (06.02.2026)

Mehler Protection is expanding its ballistic helmet portfolio with the Omega Core, an ultra-light combat helmet made from a high-performance UHMWPE composite, designed for modern tactical and military mission profiles.

The Omega Core combines an optimised UHMWPE composite core with a shell-integrated energy-dissipation system and an ergonomically designed interior. The result is an optimal weight-to-performance ratio that enhances mobility while reducing operational fatigue and neck strain. The helmet system will be showcased at Enforce Tac 2026 as part of Mehler Protection’s current helmet portfolio. Industry professionals, particularly those representing European armed forces, are warmly invited to visit the Mehler Systems Group stand to experience the combat helmet first-hand.

The Omega Core pairs a sophisticated ballistic construction with an open rail architecture and modular interfaces, e.g. for NVG mounts, visors, communications devices and hearing protection and more. The interior features multi-chamber pads and adaptive anchoring points to minimise micro-movements under dynamic loads, thereby improving stability, comfort, and fit. The individually adjustable suspension net provides continuous ventilation to reduce perspiration and heat build-up. The shell concept is engineered for low backface deformation and optimised fragment deflection. Thanks to its modular platform architecture, the helmet can be adapted to different mission profiles, ranging from highly mobile operations to scenarios involving variable threat environments.

“With the Omega Core we are setting the benchmark for ultra-light, fully integrable combat helmets. The system is ‘Made in Germany’, underpinned by a resilient European supply chain. Operators will benefit from a weight saving of around 20 per cent compared to the current Bundeswehr combat helmet, without compromising on protection, ergonomics or system integration,” says Dr. Mario Amschlinger, CEO of Mehler Systems.

The Omega Core is engineered as an ultra-light helmet system. It ranks at the very top of its class and delivers clear advantages in mobility and reduced fatigue during extended missions. The system is tested, among others, to the “Ballistic Helmet” system standard (Chapter 3.2, May 2010), STANAG 2920 (V50 procedure for fragment protection) and NIJ STD 0106.01. Ballistic tests with operationally relevant handgun ammunition (example calibres: 9 mm FMJ RN, .357 SIG FMJ FN, .44 Mag SJHP) are conducted to evaluate performance. These standards and additional procedures ensure that ballistic performance, impact attenuation and material durability meet the requirements expected by military users.

Production and delivery capability

Series production takes place at Mehler Protection’s dedicated facility in Fulda. The automated production line provides capacity for more than 50,000 state-of-the-art helmets per year. Mehler Protection has the organisational and technical capabilities to scale output to three times this volume at short notice upon receipt of orders. This ensures armed forces’ requirements can be met quickly and reliably. The production strategy is based on rapid scalability, a dual-sourcing approach for critical components and qualified supplier networks across Europe. Mehler Protection has demonstrated on-time delivery, high quality standards and supply chain resilience in major body armour programmes.

Innovation leadership

The Mehler Systems Group was awarded the TOP 100 seal in 2026, placing it among Germany’s most innovative mid-sized companies. This recognition highlights the Group’s consistent research and development efforts and the innovation behind products such as Omega Core, as well as numerous other solutions in the fields of personal and platform protection, load-bearing systems, and tactical clothing.

About Mehler Protection

Mehler Protection is a leading provider of high-quality ballistic protection systems for law enforcement agencies, military, and special forces. The company is committed to safety, providing innovative and robust solutions that are tailored to mission-specific requirements. Its portfolio includes ballistic body armour, stab and cut protection, helmets, shields, and platform armour for naval, air, and land vehicles, as well as critical infrastructure. As part of the Mehler Systems Group, Mehler Protection draws on over four decades of experience in developing and manufacturing customised protection solutions.

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

Tomahawk Performance Releases Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro, Announces New Stock and Colorways

Friday, February 6th, 2026

Nashville, TN – February, 2026 – Tomahawk Performance has announced the release of the Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro, a low-profile evolution of its previously released Instructor Jacket, along with new inventory availability and expanded color options for the latter.

The Instructor Jacket was developed as a tough, insulated outer layer designed for training and operational environments where warmth, weather protection, and durability were the priority. Building on the success of this program, the Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro was designed for professionals operating in environments where blending into the crowd is critical and overt equipment can be a liability.

The Lo-Pro maintains the protective performance expected of the Instructor Jacket while reducing visual signature and bulk. Its streamlined design emphasizes a subdued appearance and enhanced comfort in cold weather.

Designed for extended days in colder temperatures, the Lo-Pro provides effective insulation and wind protection without drawing attention. During dynamic activity, the jacket is engineered to vent heat efficiently while minimizing moisture buildup. A durable stretch-woven face fabric allows the jacket to withstand repeated wear and abrasion associated with hard use.

Features include a dropped back hem with routed drawcords for added coverage, tapered insulation for wear under a duty belt, a full-zip front with weather backflap, zippered bicep pockets with integrated stash pockets, zippered hand-warmer pockets, and an internal zippered stash pocket.

The Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro features an American athletic fit and is constructed using a 70/40D nylon spandex four-way stretch shell (321 GSM) with a DWR finish. Insulation is provided by Primaloft® Gold Active+ (60 GSM), paired with a lightweight 20D four-way stretch nylon lining (53GSM) engineered to wick moisture away from the body.

Tomahawk Performance also announced new stock availability for the original Instructor Jacket, now offered in expanded colorways including Black, Urban Gray, and Ranger Green.

The Instructor Jacket Lo-Pro is available now through Tomahawk Performance and authorized dealers.

For additional information, visit tomahawkperformance.com.

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

Milrem Robotics and EOS Defence Systems Sign Teaming Agreement to Advance Unmanned Ground Systems Capabilities

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and EOS Defence Systems, a global leader in advanced remote weapon systems and integrated defence solutions for Counter-UAS, have signed a teaming agreement to jointly pursue new business opportunities and advance network-centric collaborative combat robotics.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across marketing, product development, and research and development, enabling both companies to combine their complementary expertise in unmanned platforms, weapon systems, and integrated defence solutions.

“By combining Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicle expertise with EOS Defence Systems’ advanced weapon and integration capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to deliver scalable and mission-ready solutions for modern armed forces,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “This teaming agreement reflects our shared commitment to innovation, interoperability, and responding to evolving operational requirements.”

“The drone threat environment is increasingly mobile and contested, and effective defence can no longer be confined to fixed sites or crewed platforms,” said Andreas Schwer, CEO of Electro Optic Systems (EOS). “This teaming agreement extends EOS’ world-leading counter-drone systems onto unmanned ground platforms, supporting more flexible and layered defence approaches.”

Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to identify business opportunities in new markets and customer segments of mutual interest, as well as to develop and execute joint marketing initiatives. The cooperation also enables the potential co-development of products, technologies, and integrated solutions aligned with the companies’ respective areas of expertise.

A key focus of the partnership is joint research and development, including the integration of advanced weapon systems, sensors, and effectors onto Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicles. Planned activities may include non-ITAR counter-UAS solutions, missile and grenade launcher integrations, large-calibre weapon systems for heavy UGVs, and the integration of laser-based capabilities on medium and large uncrewed platforms, in cooperation with selected international partners.

The agreement further supports the sharing of relevant intellectual property, technical know-how, and research outcomes to accelerate the commercialisation and deployment of jointly developed or marketed solutions.

The collaboration will initially focus on selected markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and Europe, with opportunities in the United States assessed on a case-by-case basis. Target markets include the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and selected European programmes where joint offerings can deliver a clear competitive advantage.

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

GA-ASI and Mitchell Institute Award the 184th Attack Squadron With RPA Squadron of the Year

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 02 February 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies presented the 2024 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Award to the 184th Attack Squadron (ATKS) from the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The award was initially announced at the U.S. Air Force’s annual Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, but GA-ASI and Mitchell held a formal presentation ceremony on January 30 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the home of the 184th ATKS, in order to include the entire “Flying Razorbacks” squadron.

The award was presented by GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Deptula of the Mitchell Institute. The RPA Squadron of the Year Award is given annually to the squadron that distinguishes itself through its employment of RPA in meritorious service.

“Presenting this award is always one of the highlights of my year,” said Blue. “I’m thrilled to recognize the Flying Razorbacks as the RPA Squadron of the Year.”

The 184th Attack Squadron distinguished itself by executing 314 combat sorties and delivering 5,972 hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and PROSPERITY GUARDIAN. As the first unit tasked by the president of the United States to provide overwatch for humanitarian aid airdrops, the squadron demonstrated unparalleled innovation and mission versatility. Leading the Air Force in MQ-9A Reaper operations, the 184th Attack Squadron executed 66 percent of all non-traditional defensive counter-air and counter-small unmanned aerial system missions, significantly enhancing joint force lethality and integrated deterrence against adversarial threats.

“The important work of the Flying Razorbacks embodies the Air Force’s Units of Action and displays the agility, readiness, and multi-role capability of the MQ-9A, seamlessly transitioning from operational test to combat execution,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Linn of the 184th Attack Squadron. “Their contributions as citizen airmen not only advances remotely piloted aircraft operations but also solidifies the United States Air Force’s dominance in ISR.”

The 184th Attack Squadron’s exceptional performance reflects the highest standards of service, earning them recognition as the premier remotely piloted aircraft squadron in the Department of the Air Force.

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »