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Appointment of General (Ret.) Marc Ollier as Deputy Delegate General for Defence as of 15 January 2026

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

Paris, 13 January 2026 – Meeting in an extraordinary session at the end of December, the Board of Directors of GICAT (the French Land and Airland Defence and Security Industries Association) decided to select General (Ret.) Marc Ollier to ultimately assume the position of Delegate General of the Association. He will succeed General (Ret.) Jean-Marc Duquesne, who has held the post for eleven years, at the end of July 2026.

In light of the departure in mid-January of the Deputy Delegate General for Defence, Armaments Engineer General Martine Poirmeur, General Marc Ollier will serve as Deputy Delegate General for Defence from 15 January to the end of July 2026 in order to ensure the transition, fully grasp the challenges facing the land defence industrial sector, and contribute to the formation of the future management team (Defence Deputy Delegate General and Secretary General).

During this period, he will work in tandem with General Jean-Marc Duquesne to guarantee the strategic and operational continuity of GICAT until he takes up his duties as Delegate General.

BIOGRAPHY OF GENERAL (RET.) MARC OLLIER

General (Ret.) Marc Ollier served for 39 years within the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, in France and abroad, in command, staff and strategic advisory positions. Former commander of the 12th Cuirassier Regiment equipped with Leclerc tanks, Military Governor of Strasbourg and Commander of the 2nd Armoured Brigade (2018–2020), he held operational responsibilities in close contact with the armed forces, both in France and across numerous theatres of operation within NATO, European and United Nations frameworks.

With extensive experience in central administration and capability management, he contributed to the drafting of the Defence White Paper and the Military Programming Law, and led major structural reforms within the French Army, notably through the creation of the Simplification Task Force. Most recently, as Inspector of the Armed Forces (2022–2025), he supervised audits, inspections and assessments of forces engaged in overseas operations as well as joint services.

An engineer by training, a graduate of Saint-Cyr, holder of master’s degrees from the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham and King’s College London, and an alumnus of the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale (IHEDN), General Marc Ollier is recognised for his expertise in strategic and capability analysis, organisational transformation and risk management. These skills will be key assets in his future role as Delegate General of GICAT, supporting the development, competitiveness and international standing of the French land and airland Defence and Security industry, in the service of national industrial sovereignty.

The challenges facing the Defence industrial sector are now considerable: industrial consolidation, accelerated innovation, strengthening of sovereign capabilities and export momentum in a profoundly transformed strategic environment. More than ever, GICAT is mobilising to support its 490 member companies and to represent the Defence and Security industry to public authorities and French and international institutional partners. Marc Ollier’s operational, strategic and organisational experience will be a decisive asset in guiding the sector through this new phase of transformation and competitiveness.

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RENK America Awarded US Army Contract with Potential Value of Up to $75.5 Million

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

Muskegon, Michigan, January 12, 2026 – RENK America today announced the award of a U.S. Army contract with a total potential value up to $75.5 million over a five-year period.

Under the Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, RENK America will provide System Technical Support (STS) services for the Hydro-Mechanical Powered Transmission (HMPT), supporting multiple critical U.S. Army platforms including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer System (SPHS). The scope of work includes engineering and technical services, program management, and worldwide field service representative support to enhance operational reliability and sustainment.

The contract establishes a long-term framework vehicle, with work authorized incrementally through individual tasking over the five-year contract term.

“The Army recognizes the need to continue sustaining proven ground combat vehicles that are critical for defending the United States,” said Ian Pain, CEO of RENK America. “RENK America’s team, including our strong cadre of Veterans, have decades of experience to help the Army keep these vehicles available and reliable. We are proud to stand ready for our warfighters whenever and wherever needed.”

RENK America has long served as a trusted supplier to the U.S. Department of War and allied forces, delivering advanced transmission, engine, and powerpack solutions backed by a resilient, U.S.-based manufacturing and support footprint.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release | No Comments »

Beretta and Garmin Introduce the MARQ Commander (Gen 2) Beretta 500 Limited Edition Smartwatch

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

Accokeek, MD (January 14, 2026) – Beretta, the world’s oldest firearms manufacturer celebrating its 500th anniversary, is teaming up with Garmin, a global leader in GPS and smartwatch technology, to introduce the MARQ® Commander (Gen 2) Beretta Edition. Limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, this exclusive collaboration unites five centuries of Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge smartwatch innovation.

Designed as a modern luxury tool watch, the MARQ Commander (Gen 2) Beretta Edition features an ultrastrong, lightweight watch case machined from 130 layers of Fused Carbon Fiber™, creating a unique pattern on every watch. Beretta-specific design details including a laser-etched START/STOP button with blue accents, a custom titanium rear case engraved with imagery inspired by Beretta’s firearms legacy, and preloaded Beretta-inspired watch faces set this edition apart. A vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display with domed sapphire lens delivers exceptional clarity and durability.

Built for performance in demanding environments, the MARQ Commander (Gen 2) Beretta Edition offers advanced tactical, navigation, and smartwatch functionality, making it as capable in the field as it is refined on the wrist.

Key Features

• 46 mm watch case machined from 130 layers of Fused Carbon Fiber for strength and reduced weight

• AMOLED touchscreen display with domed sapphire lens and night vision goggle compatibility

• Up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode; up to 42 hours in GPS mode

• Custom Beretta detailing on the band, START/STOP button, and titanium rear case

• Preloaded Beretta-inspired analog and digital watch faces

• Tactical features including jumpmaster, stealth mode, waypoint projection, and dual-format GPS

• Applied Ballistics Ultralight™ calculator

• Multi-band GPS with SatIQ™ technology for superior positioning accuracy and battery optimization

• TopoActive maps, aviation navigation tools, and outdoor points of interest

• Smartwatch capabilities including music storage, Garmin Pay™ contactless payments, heart rate monitoring, activity and sleep tracking, and smart notifications when paired with compatible Apple® or Android™ devices

“For five centuries, Beretta has stood for craftsmanship without compromise,” said Patrick Mocorro, Head of Clothing & Accessories at Beretta USA. “The MARQ Commander (Gen 2) translates that legacy into a modern luxury timepiece. We’re proud of what we’ve created together and energized by the opportunity of this Beretta and Garmin collaboration.”

The Garmin MARQ Commander (Gen 2) Beretta Edition is limited to 500 individually crafted watches and represents the meeting of two brands defined by precision, performance, and legacy. Additional details surrounding Beretta’s new product releases and 500th year anniversary activities will be shared throughout the year.

Stay connected with Beretta USA. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn for the latest news, products, and updates.

For more information, visit www.Beretta.com.

Posted in Press Release, Watches | No Comments »

Lockheed Martin appoints Jeremy King as Chief Executive Australia and New Zealand

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

CANBERRA, Australia, 12 January 2025 –Lockheed Martin today announced that Jeremy King, former head of Joint Aviation Systems for Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, will assume the role of chief executive for Australia and New Zealand.

Following a formal transition period, Mr King will take full responsibility on 23 February 2026, succeeding Warren “Macca” McDonald, who is retiring after a distinguished tenure with the company. Mr King reports to Jay Pitman, president, Lockheed Martin International.

“Jeremy’s exceptional depth of experience in large-scale defence acquisitions, combined with his long-standing commitment to customer-centric leadership, make him the ideal candidate to drive Lockheed Martin’s growth in Australia and New Zealand,” said Mr Pitman. “His operational background – from command of the 7th Combat Service Support Battalion to managing the acquisition and sustainment of helicopters and tactical uncrewed aerial systems – gives him a unique perspective on the complex security challenges our customers face. I am confident that Jeremy will continue to strengthen our partnerships and deliver the world-class solutions that underpin our customers’ success.”

Mr King, who was commissioned into the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps in 1989, said he was honoured to join Lockheed Martin. “I have served the Australian Defence Force for more than 30 years, leading major capability programs such as the MRH-90 and Chinook projects and, most recently, heading Joint Aviation Systems,” he added. “I am eager to leverage my extensive program leadership experience and commitment to customer success in leading Lockheed Martin’s efforts in Australia and New Zealand. I look forward to strengthening our partnerships and delivering the advanced solutions our customers rely on. My focus will be on working closely with our customers, industry partners and stakeholders to ensure we deliver, sustain, and evolve the capabilities required to navigate the region’s evolving security landscape.”

About Jeremy King

Major General (Retd) Jeremy King was born in Hobart and enlisted in the Australian Army in 1989, later commissioning into the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps. Over more than 30 years of service he has held a range of leadership appointments, including troop commander in Operation BEL ISI II (Bougainville) and Operation TANAGER (East Timor), Officer Commanding the maintenance element for Chinook operations in Afghanistan, and Chief Logistics Officer for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. He commanded the 7th Combat Service Support Battalion (2012-2014) and has served as Design Engineer, Program Manager, Project Director, Director General and Divisional Head within Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG). King’s recent key appointments include Director General Army Aviation Systems Branch in CASG (2022) and Head Joint Aviation Systems (February 2023). He holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (University of Tasmania, 1993), a Master of Business Administration (Deakin University) and a Master of Engineering Science (Electrical – University of New South Wales). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia (2015), a Chartered Engineer (2004) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

About Lockheed Martin Australia & New Zealand

Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 2100 people across Australia and New Zealand working on research, design, development, logistics, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

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

XS Sights to Showcase its Newest Products at 2026 SHOT Show

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

Fort Worth, Texas (January 12, 2026) – XS® Sights is excited to return to Las Vegas for the 2026 SHOT Show. Stop by booth #13624 in the Venetian Expo January 20-23, to meet with the team and see the company’s advanced products for hunting, shooting, self-defense, law enforcement, and competition use.

Among the many products XS will have on display are the new Lever Handguards for Smith & Wesson and Henry Lever-Action Rifles. These lightweight, durable aluminum handguards with M-LOK mounting bring modern capability to lever guns, adding versatility without compromising balance, reliability, or the soul of the platform.

XS will have its advanced Fiber Optic Sights for EDC and competition use at the show with planned lined extensions for SIG SAUER, HK, and other manufacturers’ pistols in the months ahead. These rugged fiber optic sights deliver fast target acquisition and bright, high-contrast visibility in daylight and are built to withstand hard use on the range, in competition or in the field. XS Optic Plates for ACRO or RMR footprint optics and Optic Ready (OR) Sights will also be on display. These popular kits deliver a seamless, rugged mounting solution by pairing precision-fit plates with high-visibility iron sights, giving shooters a clean, durable optics-ready setup.

“XS has always been about practical performance over trends. Modern firearms deserve accessories that keep up. Our latest products bring contemporary capability while staying true to the platforms shooters trust,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager, XS Sights. “And SHOT Show gives us the chance to reconnect with long-time partners and meet new faces along the way.”

XS sights are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The company also offers a 12-year illumination warranty on all tritium products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Blackhawk Wins Landmark Contract to Equip German Military with Advanced Holster System

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

The new deal highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and growing presence in the international defense market.

CHESAPEAKE, Va.— Blackhawk, a leader in tactical gear and carry solutions and a Revelyst Inc. brand, today announced it won the contract to supply the Bundeswehr Holster Carry System for the German armed forces. This significant win, achieved in partnership with Helmut Hofmann GmbH, highlights Blackhawk’s commitment to innovation and its growing presence in the international defense market.

“We deeply appreciate the trust placed in Blackhawk and look forward to supporting the German military with a modular system that empowers end users to carry in the way that best suits their mission.”

The Blackhawk Bundeswehr Carry System was engineered to meet the demanding requirements of the German military. The system offers unmatched versatility, allowing soldiers to carry their holster on the belt (high or low), chest or thigh. Each platform comes with quick-detach adapters and is compatible with both Blackhawk and G-Code RTI components, ensuring seamless integration with existing gear. Designed and built in the USA, this system delivers rugged reliability and mission-ready performance, born from real operational experience.

“We are honored and excited to be chosen by the Bundeswehr for this prestigious contract,” said David Hein, Vice President & General Manager, Revelyst Project Freedom, the special initiative within Revelyst that houses Blackhawk and the company’s other military, law enforcement and first-responder brands. “This opportunity is a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and reliability. We deeply appreciate the trust placed in Blackhawk and look forward to supporting the German military with a modular system that empowers end users to carry in the way that best suits their mission. Our partnership with Helmut Hofmann has been instrumental, and we are proud to work alongside such a respected leader in the industry.”

The Blackhawk Bundeswehr Holster Carry System’s key features include four platforms for all common holster carry locations: High Ride Belt Loop, Jacket Slot Belt Loop, MOLLE/PALS Adapter and Micro Leg Platform. Quick-Detach Adapters are included with all platforms. The system is compatible with the Blackhawk QD Adapter (NSN 1005-12-381-5528) and the RTI Hanger (NSN 1005-12-400-3967).

This contract represents a significant step forward in modular carry technology for military applications. The system’s flexibility allows soldiers to maximize comfort and operational effectiveness. The collaboration between Blackhawk and Helmut Hofmann demonstrates the value of combining American engineering with German precision and logistics.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Blackhawk on delivering this advanced carry system to the Bundeswehr,” said Peter Hofmann, CEO of Helmut Hofmann. “The innovation and adaptability of this solution set a new standard for military equipment, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve the German armed forces together. This partnership highlights the strength of international cooperation and our shared commitment to excellence.”

OMI (Outdoor Marketing International GmbH), Blackhawk’s dedicated agency in Europe, played a pivotal role in securing this contract. The company’s expertise in navigating the European defense market and strong relationships with key stakeholders were instrumental in advancing the Bundeswehr Holster Carry System project to completion. OMI’s commitment and local insight ensured that Blackhawk’s innovative solutions were positioned for success with the Bundeswehr.

“We are truly excited to partner with Blackhawk on this landmark contract for the Bundeswehr,” said Lisa Hofmann, Managing Director at OMI. “This opportunity underscores the strength of our collaboration and our shared passion for delivering best-in-class solutions to those who serve. We look forward to supporting the German armed forces and building on this success together.”

To see the Blackhawk Bundeswehr Holster Carry System in person, visit us during SHOT Show at booth 10518 on Venetian Expo Level 2. To learn more about Blackhawk or Project Freedom, contact David Hein, david.hein@revelyst.com. To learn more about Revelyst, contact Eric Smith, eric.smith@revelyst.com.

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

D&M Holding Company to Highlight Ammunition and Energetics Manufacturing Capabilities at the 2026 SHOT Show

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

TAMPA, FL (January 12, 2026) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), the global leader in delivering complete solutions for ammunition, primer, and propellant manufacturing facilities, will be highlighting its extensive global capabilities at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 20-23.

The D&M team will be meeting with customers and potential customers from throughout the world as the company continues to expand its international footprint. Recent partnership announcements include D&M’s joint venture with the Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company (JSC) to produce specialty chemicals in the United States to address the critical shortage of propellant used in the production of ammunition for the Ukrainian defense forces. Prior to this project, D&M built a multi-million-dollar ammunition facility in Ukraine for the Ukraine Defense Industry and has other projects in the works there, including a primer facility.

D&M and DEMCO Holding Company, a Saudi Arabian Defense company, recently signed a strategic partnership agreement to collaborate to deliver single-base and double-base propellant factories as well as a modern primer manufacturing facility to support Saudi Arabia’s defense industrialization goals. D&M has additional projects underway internationally.

“Demand continues to increase globally for reliable supplies of ammunition, primers, and propellant in both the defense and sporting sectors,” said Dan Powers, President and CEO, D&M Holding Company. “As the only company in the industry that offers comprehensive solutions for the manufacture of all ammunition components including ammunition factories, primer factories, and propellant factories, D&M is well position for continued growth. We look forward to meeting with many of our current partners at the SHOT Show and to discussing our state-of-the-art manufacturing solutions with potential new customers as well.”

D&M Holding Company and White River Energetics are located in Booth #75127 in the Caesar’s Forum section. To schedule a meeting during the show, email sales@dmholding.com.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release, SHOT Show | No Comments »

Introducing the FN 309: Peace of Mind Performance

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

(McLean, VA — January 13, 2026) FN America, LLC makes owning and operating an FN pistol more accessible than ever with the launch of the FN 309™ MRD. A lightweight, optics-ready 9mm pistol with high- and low-capacity magazines and easy-to-use features, the FN 309 is the perfect choice for those who value both reliability and precision in personal protection.

“FN is a premium brand known for delivering professional grade products and the FN 309 is a personal defense pistol that brings the performance FN is known for to a larger audience.” said Dan Hines, Vice President Commercial and Law Enforcement for FN America, LLC. “With the FN 309, we’ve successfully created an FN-quality pistol that is easy to shoot, easy to use and easy to own.”

The FN 309 is intuitive and comfortable to shoot, thanks to a crisp 5-pound single-action trigger with clean reset and soft recoil. A newly designed neutral grip angle creates a natural point of aim, while a rounded rear U-notch combined with a green fiber-optic front sight gives an intuitive sight picture and quick target acquisition.

The pistol’s ease of use includes a slide that is designed to be 25% easier to rack than traditional tactical pistols, high-capacity polymer magazines that require 40% less spring loading force and include directional indicators. Having completed FN’s rigorous safety testing, the FN 309 delivers peace of mind through a safe and reliable design, including disassembly without pulling the trigger, available manual safety and multiple internal safeties, including a firing pin block.

Every FN 309 comes with a direct-mount optics-ready slide, compatible with pistol red-dot optics that share the Shield® RMSc and Leupold® DeltaPoint® Pro footprints1. The FN 309 also features an accessory rail that fits popular lights and lasers, plus a no-trigger-pull takedown for secure and easy cleaning. Finally, the FN 309 3.8-inch barrel is crafted from machine gun-grade alloy steel, ensuring FN’s century-plus reputation for reliability.

“Many gun buyers don’t see FN as an option, and we wanted to change that perception by making the brand accessible to people looking to spend $500 on a 9mm pistol,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols for FN America, LLC. “With the FN 309 MRD we now have a trustworthy, easy-to-use pistol perfect both for new gun buyers and those looking to purchase their first FN. For us, it’s not just a new product, it’s FN’s commitment to offering the everyday user peace of mind and FN performance.”

Assembled in FN’s Columbia (SC) facility, the FN 309 will be available in both manual safety and non-manual safety options, along with high capacity (16+1 and 20+1 round) and low capacity (10 rounds) models. The pistol will be offered in black and will include a locking device.

The pistol will debut in the FN Booth (Booth 12805) at the 2026 NSSF SHOT Show, January 20–23 in Las Vegas. To discover more about the FN 309, please visit fnamerica.com/products/pistols/309. To purchase any FN firearms, find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »